AI therapist shows promise for stressed youth

NCT ID NCT06992180

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Central University of Finance and Economics, China Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether an AI chatbot called Emohaa can reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and loneliness in young adults aged 15 to 30. 222 participants with emotional distress were randomly assigned to use the chatbot, receive traditional counseling, or join a waitlist. The chatbot was designed to listen and respond like a human counselor. Researchers measured changes using standard questionnaires over one month.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: AI chatbot (Emohaa)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a scalable, low-cost way to help young adults manage depression and anxiety symptoms without needing a human therapist.
What could go wrong: This is a completed trial with 222 participants, but results are not yet published. The AI may not work as well as in-person counseling, and the study only followed participants for one month.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANXIETY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety anxiety disorder Depression depressive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEPRESSION, ANXIETY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Mental Health Center, Central University of Finance and Economics

Beijing, Haidian, 100081, China

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.