AI therapist shows promise for stressed youth
NCT ID NCT06992180
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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Mental Health Center, Central University of Finance and Economics
Beijing, Haidian, 100081, China