A growing number of AI chatbots are being pitched as a way to address the recent mental health crisis among teens and young adults. Free apps like Earkick can discuss complex emotional problems, offer guided meditation exercises and suggest ways for reframing negative thoughts. But experts disagree about whether these chatbots are delivering a mental health service or are simply a new form of self-help. It's a key question to the future of the industry, because apps that diagnose or treat mental health disorders are subject to federal regulation. Currently, none of the apps offered for free download have been approved to treat depression, anxiety and other disorders.
