In Taiwan and China, young people turn to AI chatbots for ‘cheaper, easier’ therapy
Young adults in Taiwan and China are turning to AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Ernie Bot for mental‑health support because of cost, stigma and limited access to professionals. Experts warn the technology can help but also risks missing serious cues, urging cautious use.
When anxiety spikes in the early hours, 30‑year‑old Ann Li from Taiwan found herself unable to call a friend or family member. Recently diagnosed with a serious illness, she was alone, sleepless and desperate for someone to listen. Instead of waiting for a therapist’s appointment, she typed her worries into ChatGPT and received an instant, private response. Li says the convenience of an AI conversation at night feels "easier" than reaching out to a human.
Why Chinese‑speaking youth are choosing bots over clinics
Li’s experience mirrors that of 25‑year‑old Yang from Guangdong, China, who began chatting with a local AI assistant earlier this year. Yang had never visited a mental‑health professional; the nearest clinic was hard to book, fees were high, and cultural stigma made it feel unsafe to share personal struggles with relatives. "Telling the truth to real people feels impossible," she explains. The chatbot became a constant companion, available day and night, offering a judgment‑free space to vent.
Across Taiwan and mainland China, a growing cohort of Mandarin‑speaking adults are using generative AI tools as a first line of psychological assistance. While official statistics are scarce, mental‑health practitioners report an uptick in patients who have already consulted a chatbot before stepping into a clinic—or who skip professional help altogether. A recent global survey highlighted by the Harvard Business Review lists "psychological assistance" as a top reason adults engage with AI chatbots.
Benefits that drive the shift
- Affordability: Traditional therapy can cost hundreds of dollars per session, while most AI services are free or low‑cost.
- Immediate access: Chatbots are available 24/7, eliminating waiting lists that can stretch weeks or months.
- Privacy: In societies where mental‑health stigma persists, AI offers a discreet outlet without fear of judgment.
- Perceived relevance: Younger generations, especially Gen Z, feel more comfortable typing emotions than speaking aloud.
For Li, the AI’s quick replies feel like talking to a friend who “responds seriously and immediately.” Nabi Liu, a 27‑year‑old Taiwanese expatriate in London, echoes this sentiment, noting that the chatbot’s consistent tone makes her feel genuinely heard.
Limitations and professional concerns
Despite the appeal, mental‑health experts caution that AI cannot replace a trained therapist. Dr Yi‑Hsien Su, a clinical psychologist at Taiwan’s True Colors organization, observes that while chatbots can provide “real answers” and encourage self‑reflection, they often lack the nuance to detect non‑verbal cues—body language, tone shifts, or facial expressions—that signal deeper crises.
Su warns that AI responses can be overly optimistic, potentially masking warning signs of depression or suicidal ideation. The Taiwan Counselling Psychology Association describes AI as an “auxiliary tool” that should never substitute for professional intervention, especially in acute or crisis situations. Without peer‑reviewed oversight, AI systems operate outside established ethical codes, raising concerns about data privacy and the quality of advice.
Tragic cases have surfaced where young people, after relying solely on chatbot conversations, have taken their own lives when the technology failed to flag escalating risk. These incidents underscore the danger of “falling through the cracks” when AI is treated as a complete solution.
Regional differences in chatbot adoption
In Taiwan, OpenAI’s ChatGPT dominates the market, praised for its conversational fluency and multilingual capabilities. Mainland China, however, blocks Western platforms, prompting users to adopt domestic alternatives such as Baidu’s Ernie Bot and the newer DeepSeek. These homegrown models are rapidly incorporating mental‑wellbeing modules to meet rising demand, yet they still grapple with the same clinical limitations as their Western counterparts.
Both regions share a common challenge: mental‑health services have not kept pace with the surge in demand among younger populations. Waiting times for a single session can exceed a month, and many insurance plans cover only a limited number of visits. Consequently, AI chatbots fill a gap, offering a low‑threshold entry point for people who might otherwise avoid seeking help altogether.
Looking ahead: integrating AI responsibly
Researchers like Jason Tzu‑Kuan Lu and Lillian Yang are investigating how AI can augment, rather than replace, human clinicians. Potential applications include training simulations for therapists, early‑warning algorithms that scan social‑media posts for distress signals, and triage tools that direct users to appropriate care levels.
Su remains optimistic about these prospects but stresses a cautious rollout: "It’s a simulation, it’s a good tool, but it has limits and you don’t know how the answer was made." He advises users to treat chatbot conversations as a supplement—useful for venting or gaining perspective—but to seek professional evaluation when symptoms persist or intensify.
For now, AI chatbots serve as a bridge for many young Taiwanese and Chinese speakers, offering a cheaper, more discreet alternative to traditional therapy. The technology’s rapid evolution promises greater integration with mental‑health ecosystems, yet the core of psychotherapy—human empathy, nuanced observation, and ethical accountability—remains irreplaceable.
Why it matters
AI chatbots are reshaping mental‑health access for young people in Taiwan and China, offering affordable support while highlighting the need for safeguards against missed crises.
Key points
- Young adults in Taiwan and China increasingly use AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Ernie Bot for mental‑health support due to cost, stigma and limited therapist availability
- Experts acknowledge AI can provide immediate, private assistance but warn it cannot replace professional diagnosis or crisis intervention
- Domestic Chinese bots have emerged to fill the gap left by banned Western services, yet they share the same clinical limitations
- Mental‑health associations label AI as an auxiliary tool, emphasizing the risk of overly positive responses that may overlook serious warning signs
- Future research aims to integrate AI safely into therapy, using it for training, early detection and triage while preserving human oversight
Frequently asked questions
Why are Taiwanese and Chinese youths turning to AI chatbots for therapy?
High therapy costs, long waiting lists, cultural stigma and the 24/7 availability of chatbots make AI an attractive, low‑cost alternative for immediate emotional support.
Can AI chatbots replace human therapists?
No. While they can offer quick, private conversations, they lack the ability to read non‑verbal cues, conduct thorough assessments or intervene in crises, so professional help remains essential.
Which AI chatbots are popular in Taiwan and China?
In Taiwan, ChatGPT is the most widely used. In mainland China, where ChatGPT is blocked, users rely on domestic models such as Baidu’s Ernie Bot and DeepSeek.
What risks do mental‑health professionals highlight?
Experts warn that AI may give overly optimistic answers, miss warning signs of severe distress, and operate outside ethical and peer‑review standards, potentially delaying needed care.
How might AI be used responsibly in mental health?
Researchers suggest using AI as a triage tool, for therapist training, and to flag at‑risk individuals online, while always linking users to qualified professionals for diagnosis and treatment.
