College Students’ Trust in Generative AI for Mental Health

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine college students' trust in generative artificial intelligence (AI) for mental health information and decisions. METHODS: Among 926 undergraduates at two institutions in the 2024-2025 Healthy Minds Study, demographic and clinical correlates of dichotomized trust ratings were examined. RESULTS: Overall, 31% trusted AI for mental health information, and 13% trusted AI for mental health decisions. Severe depression, anxiety, and therapy history were not significantly associated with trust. Students with (vs. without) a lifetime psychiatric diagnosis trusted AI less for information (28% vs. 34%). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ; vs. non-LGBQ) students trusted AI less for information (21% vs. 38%) and decisions (7% vs. 17%). International (vs. domestic) students trusted AI more for information (52% vs. 29%), and Asian (vs. White) students trusted AI more for decisions (17% vs. 11%). CONCLUSIONS: Trust varied by identity but not by most clinical characteristics. Clinicians should ask patients about AI use.