Why Parents Should Be Cautious About Using AI for Teen Mental Health Support

By Dr. Tzvi Furer, Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist | Palm Tree Psychiatry – Jupiter & Boca Raton, FL

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly making its way into all aspects of our society, and it's hard to avoid the effect that it has created. Recently in my practice and across the news, more and more families are noticing that chatbot and AI platforms are being marked as "mental health support" for teenagers or even young adults.

These tools often seem effortless and easy to utilize, however their convenience does come with a serious price. The very mental health of our children and a growing generation appears to be shifting, with a big emphasis on mental health care but directed towards faceless platforms. At Palm Tree Psychiatry,, I often meet families who have tried online or AI tools first, only to discover that important concerns were overlooked.

The Risks of Relying on AI Instead of Professional Care

Adolescence is a critical time in emotional and brain development. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and trauma-related disorders often begin in these years, which requires careful and thoughtful assessment. Not an algorithm detecting input words.

Just to be clear, AI platforms are not able to:

• Accurately diagnose and/or treat complex psychiatric conditions.

• Recognize and address urgent safety concerns, such as suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm.

• Understand social and family dynamics.

• Create individualized treatment plans involving therapy and/or medication.

What families often don’t realize is that AI-generated advice can be misleading or incomplete, often working on outdated information that is not lent to the latest cutting edge-research. Psychiatrists such as those at Palm Tree Psychiatry are trained in the latest modalities. AI-generated advice can be misleading or incomplete, creating a false sense of reassurance and delaying much-needed care.

Misinformation and Missed Warning Signs

AI systems are trained on data, not clinical judgment. That means:

• Guidance may be generic or inappropriate for your child’s age and circumstances.

• Important red flags can be missed, including changes in mood, behavior, or safety risk.

• Well-written but inaccurate advice can worsen symptoms or increase feelings of isolation.

• Negative thought patterns or behaviors may actually be reinforced by a computer system designed to echo inputs and not provide critical feedback.

At Palm Tree Psychiatry, I stress that nothing replaces an in-person or telehealth evaluation by a licensed child and adolescent psychiatrist.

The Value of Meeting with a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

As a double board-certified psychiatrist, I provide evaluations and treatment that AI simply cannot match. At Palm Tree Psychiatry, our care includes:

• Thorough diagnostic assessments tailored to children, teens, and families.

• Screening for safety and urgent risks.

• Collaboration with schools, parents, and therapists to ensure the best outcomes.

• Evidence-based treatment, whether therapy, lifestyle interventions, or medication.

This personalized, concierge approach ensures your child’s care is safe, accurate, and tailored to their specific needs. There is no cookie-cutter treatment or approaches at our practice.

When Technology Can Be Supportive

While AI is not a substitute for psychiatric care, certain digital tools can potentially aid the positive effects of treatment. Mood-tracking apps, mindfulness programs, and organizational aides may be helpful but strictly when used alongside guidance from a mental health professional. Research is currently being performed on an array of applications, however many of them may not have completed rigorous testing or may be suitable for clinical practice.

Final Thoughts

As a parent, it’s natural to seek quick solutions when your child is struggling. But for adolescent mental health, AI is no replacement for professional care. If you are concerned about your child or teen, reaching out to a qualified professional such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist is the safest, most effective step.

At Palm Tree Psychiatry , with offices in Jupiter and Boca Raton, Florida, I work with children, adolescents, and families both in-person and through telehealth across Florida, New York, and Connecticut. Thoughtful mental health care will never be replaced by artificial intelligence, as much as it can try.

Your child deserves care that is thoughtful, individualized, and rooted in expertise, not an algorithm.

🌴 At Palm Tree Psychiatry, Dr. Tzvi Furer is an experienced adult, child and adolescent psychiatrist who is ready to aid you in your mental health journey. He loves learning about technology and about its potential benefits, but believes it can be double-edged sword. He's also seen too many movies about technology going haywire. If you are interested in a consultation, please visit our website at www.palmtreepsychiatry.com.