#196 | Why Gen Z Is Turning to AI for Mental Health—and What Parents Need to Know

Is your teen turning to an AI chatbot when they’re in crisis? Would you even know if they were?

In this eye-opening episode, Heather Hester explores the booming use of AI mental health apps like Woebot and Replika, especially among Gen Z and LGBTQ+ youth. Why are young people choosing bots over therapists or parents? What do these tools offer and what are they missing? This conversation pulls back the curtain on a growing mental health trend and offers actionable guidance for parents, educators, and allies navigating this new reality.

• Understand why Gen Z is turning to AI for emotional support and what it reveals about their mental health needs
• Learn the real risks (and potential benefits) of AI therapy tools, especially for LGBTQ+ teens
• Discover how to open meaningful conversations about mental health and tech without fear, shame, or disconnection

Press play to learn how to use curiosity, connection, and compassion, not control, to guide Gen Z’s use of AI for mental health.

Resource Spotlight

• Crisis Text Line — Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a live, trained counselor.
• Jed Foundation (JED) — Programs protecting emotional health of teens and young adults: jedfoundation.org
• Verywell Mind: Best Therapy Apps of 2025 — Curated reviews of mental health apps, pros and cons: verywellmind.com
• Psychology Today Therapist Directory — To find affirming, human-based therapists: psychologytoday.com

Hi, I’m Heather Hester, and I’m so glad you’re here!

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At the heart of my work is a deep commitment to compassion, authenticity, and transformative allyship, especially for those navigating the complexities of parenting LGBTQ+ kids. Through this podcast, speaking, my writing, and the spaces I create, I help people unlearn bias, embrace their full humanity, and foster courageous, compassionate connection.

If you’re in the thick of parenting, allyship, or pioneering a way to lead with love and kindness, I’m here with true, messy, and heart-warming stories, real tools, and grounding support to help you move from fear to fierce, informed action.

Whether you’re listening in, working with me directly, or quietly taking it all in—I see you. And I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.

More Human. More Kind. formerly Just Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ Teen explores connection, courage, and community for every concerned parent, mom, or ally navigating fear, grief, and bigotry with hope, resilience, and empathy. Through open-minded education, inclusive parenting guidance, and advocacy for mental health, safety, and a human first approach, we support LGBTQ youth and stand for human rights and social justice. More Human. More Kind. empowers listeners to shift their mindset, embrace activism and allyship, and lead with kindness, healing, and purpose.