The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is drawing attention to mental health resources for youth and families as access to certain artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots changes. On November 25, the company character.ai will stop offering its AI companion service to users aged 18 and younger. These AI companions are conversational chatbots that simulate conversation using artificial intelligence.
According to CDPH, while experts continue to study how this change may affect young people’s mental health, some youth could feel uncertain or disrupted by the loss of a tool they previously used. State officials are promoting alternative support options during this period.
“The world our youth live in is constantly changing, and the role artificial intelligence plays in their lives is complicated,” said Dr. Rita Nguyen, CDPH Assistant State Health Officer. “While data and science on the topic are still evolving, ongoing reports on youth dependency on this technology are of concern and warrant further research. We encourage families to talk and to take advantage of the numerous resources available to support mental health.”
CDPH offers various resources aimed at suicide prevention and encouraging open conversations about mental health between young people and adults such as parents, teachers, and coaches. Two key platforms—BrightLife Kids and Soluna—are free behavioral health services developed under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). These platforms provide confidential mental health support including coaching sessions, educational content, stress management tools, moderated peer communities, and crisis protocols. All California families can access these services regardless of income level, immigration status, or insurance coverage.
The Never a Bother campaign also provides guidance for talking with youth about suicide risk and mental health challenges through online information and printable materials designed for home, school, or community use. While not specifically addressing AI chatbot issues, these initiatives seek to strengthen supportive relationships with young people.
For those experiencing a crisis or concerned about someone else’s well-being, the 988 Lifeline offers immediate assistance by phone call or text message at 988 or via online chat at Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org). This resource supplements existing local and national hotlines for both emergency and non-emergency situations.
In legislative developments last month, California enacted Senate Bill 243 (SB 243), which introduces new safeguards for companion chatbots—the first law of its kind in the country. Under SB 243’s requirements, CDPH will review data submitted by AI chatbot providers regarding protocols for addressing suicidal thoughts or self-harm among users. This data will help inform future policy recommendations as well as improve understanding of suicide prevention guidance delivered through chatbot platforms.
By collecting this information on how often chatbot platforms provide suicide-related guidance or referrals, CDPH aims to better monitor trends in digital mental health support among youth.
