Advocates to examine AI's role in suicide prevention

By AI, Created 5:05 PM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – National suicide prevention groups will host a June 10 webinar on the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence in mental health support. The discussion comes as advocates weigh how AI chatbots could help, and harm, people in crisis.

Why it matters: - Artificial intelligence is becoming a new front line in how people seek mental health support. - Suicide prevention groups say that shift raises urgent questions about safety, accountability, and what AI should and should not do in a crisis. - The webinar is meant to help advocates, clinicians, policymakers, technologists, and community members shape a safer approach.

What happened: - The National Suicide Prevention Advocacy Network, Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education will host “Exploring the Intersection of AI & Suicide Prevention” on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 1 p.m. EDT. - The session follows an inaugural webinar held in March and expands the discussion to include AI’s opportunities, risks, and real-world implications for suicide prevention and mental wellness. - Registration is now open.

The details: - OSPF CEO Tony Coder said the discussion is meant to help people understand AI’s growing influence and create clear safeguards so innovation and safety can work together. - A featured speaker will be the mother of a young man who died by suicide after seeking help from a chatbot about his mental health struggles. - SAVE CEO Erich Mische said there is danger in overpromising what AI can do for people in crisis, and that the tools are algorithms, not clinicians, counselors, or humans. - Matthew Bergman, founding attorney of the Social Media Victims Law Center, will discuss recent lawsuits against technology companies and the legal responsibilities tied to AI in mental health. - Dr. Marlynn Wei, a psychiatrist and attorney focused on AI, mental health, and ethics, will share her expertise on the clinical and ethical issues. - Wei has testified before the U.S. Congress on the risks and benefits of AI chatbots in mental health care.

Between the lines: - The webinar reflects growing concern that AI tools may be outpacing the safeguards around them. - The inclusion of legal, clinical, and personal perspectives suggests advocates are treating AI in suicide prevention as both a technology issue and a public safety issue. - The mother’s story underscores the stakes and gives the conversation a human center, not just a policy one.

What’s next: - The June 10 webinar will give participants a forum to discuss responsible development and use of AI in suicide prevention. - Advocates appear to be building toward broader guidance on how to use these tools without increasing harm. - The conversation is likely to continue as more people turn to chatbots and other AI systems for help with mental health concerns.