2026 Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) Campaign, Presentation #5 – “Algorithms and Therapeutic Awareness: Essentials for Help and Hope in Counseling.” by Dr. Kathie Erwin
2026 Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) Campaign #HumansOverAlgorithms
We chose this year’s campaign based on the published stats from NIH (Nov 2025). Humans need connection, empathy and emotional understanding. We want to bring awareness of how AI is impacting our communities and the human need for connection and empathy.
Usage by Age Group
- Adolescents & Young Adults (12–25): Approx. 13.1% use generative AI for mental health advice, with 65.5% of those users seeking advice monthly or more often. Young adults (18-21) have higher adoption rates (22.2%). Daily, 31% of teens aged 15-17 and 24% of 13-14 year olds use AI chatbots.
- Adults (18+): Over 50% of U.S. adults use AI to manage stress, anxiety, or other mental health needs.
- Older Adults (50+): Only 8% of adults aged 60 and older use AI for mental health. Roughly 50% of those 50+ are not confident in their ability to identify incorrect AI information, particularly those with poor physical health.
Digital systems are optimized for engagement, not for care.
#HumansOverAlgorithms
Join us for the upcoming five presentations by our esteemed Alumni and Faculty members. All presentations are open to the public and free to register.
Presentation #5:May 28th, 7:00pm EST, Dr. Kathie Erwin, MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling Professor:
Join us for the last Mental Health Awareness Month presentation by Dr. Kathie Erwin, MS in Mental Health Counseling Professor.
Dr. Kathie Erwin will dive into “Algorithms and Therapeutic Awareness: Essentials for Help and Hope in Counseling.”
About Dr. Kathie Erwin
Dr. Kathie Erwin is a Professor at Divine Mercy University School of Counseling, and Green Cross Academy Certified Master Traumatologist. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a doctorate in Counseling Psychology, National Certified Counselor, National Certified Gerontological Counseling, and AMHCA Diplomate in Geriatric Counseling.
Dr. Erwin was appointed Fulbright Specialist teaching at University of Iceland. She has served as Secretary/Board Member and President of Florida Mental Health Counselors Association. She is also a Board Member of Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. As a Master Field Traumatologist, Dr. Erwin has served as team leader in Trinidad, India, and Romania. She taught trauma counseling for the Ukraine Project including distant support for Ukrainian counselors remaining in the country. Dr. Erwin is the author of six professional books.