The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is drawing attention to available mental health resources for young people and their families as changes take place in access to artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. This follows an announcement that the private company character.ai will end access to its AI companion for users aged 18 and under on November 25.
AI companions, which use artificial intelligence to simulate conversation, have become increasingly common among youth. With this change, some experts are considering what impact the removal of these tools might have on young people’s mental health. State officials are encouraging those affected by the change to seek out other forms of support if needed.
“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 continues to provide information about resources designed to prevent suicide and foster open conversations about mental health between youth and adults such as parents, caregivers, teachers, and coaches. Among these resources are BrightLife Kids and Soluna—free behavioral health platforms developed through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). These platforms offer a range of confidential supports including coaching sessions, educational materials, stress management tools, moderated peer communities, and crisis protocols for emotional distress. The services are available statewide regardless of income level, immigration status, or insurance coverage.
The Never a Bother campaign, also part of CYBHI, offers guidance for discussing suicide risk with young people along with print resources suitable for home, school, or community use. While not directly addressing AI chatbot use, these initiatives aim to help caregivers start conversations about suicide prevention and provide them with practical tools.
For immediate crisis intervention related to suicidal thoughts or substance use concerns, individuals can call or text 988 or visit Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org), where they can also chat online for support. The 988 number supplements other national and local helplines.
In October 2025, California enacted Senate Bill 243—the first law in the United States aimed at regulating companion chatbots used by youth. Under SB 243’s requirements, CDPH will analyze data from AI chatbot platforms regarding their handling of users expressing suicidal thoughts or self-harm. This review will help shape future policy recommendations by offering insight into how often suicide prevention guidance is provided through these technologies.
By gathering information on protocols and referrals related to crisis situations within AI chatbot interactions—as mandated by SB 243—CDPH seeks a better understanding of how such platforms address suicide-related issues among youth.
