OpenAI is collaborating with the American Psychological Association (APA) to bring behavioral science and clinical expertise into its approach to AI and youth mental health, including how the technology appears in schools, therapy and family settings. Announcing the collaboration on LinkedIn, Dr. Sara Johansen, head of mental health and well-being product policy at OpenAI, stated the organizations will develop evidence-based guidance for families and practitioners, deepen understanding of how young people engage with AI, and bring perspectives from families, clinicians, researchers, and educators into work on youth wellbeing. The announcement outlines intended areas of work rather than releasing guidance or presenting new research findings. OpenAI describes APA as the leading scientific and professional psychology organization in the United States. The collaboration follows a convening co-hosted by the organizations earlier this year, involving mental health organizations, researchers, clinicians, educators and youth representatives. Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, Chief Executive Officer of APA, said the work is about ensuring knowledge reaches people building these systems. Planned resources include guidance for parents and caregivers on healthy use, adult intervention, and AI as a tool rather than a substitute for people or care, plus materials for clinicians and school psychologists on promoting healthy AI use, recognizing overreliance, and responding to unhealthy patterns. Further consultation will involve teenagers, families, clinicians and school psychologists. OpenAI says it works with more than 260 mental health experts to help ChatGPT identify signs of distress, respond appropriately and direct people.