Mental Health Chatbots in Educational Settings: Do they Reduce Stress and Anxiety?

Abstract

The rising incidence of mental health disorders among students has necessitated the use of digital therapies, such as mental health chatbots. These AI-powered solutions provide immediate, accessible, and stigma-free assistance, rendering them an appealing complement to conventional counseling services. This study explores the use of mental health chatbots as a tool to reduce stress and anxiety among students in schools and universities. With rising mental health issues and limited access to traditional counseling services, chatbots offer a new, accessible form of support. Using information from previously published studies and reviews, this research examines how effective these digital tools are in helping students manage their mental well-being. The results show that while many chatbots can provide short-term relief and help raise awareness about mental health, their success often depends on how they are designed and used. Some chatbots use proven methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy, while others focus more on general support and information. Although early findings are positive, more research is needed to understand their long-term impact and how to best use them in educational settings.