Florida Survey Reveals Mental Health Concerns and Mixed Attitudes Toward AI Healthcare Tools

A statewide survey of 500 Florida adults reveals significant mental health challenges alongside cautious attitudes toward artificial intelligence in healthcare. The May 2025 study, conducted by researchers at the University of South Florida and Florida Atlantic University, found that nearly one in five Floridians meets the threshold for clinically significant anxiety while expressing concerns about AI-powered healthcare tools.

Mental Health Challenges Affect Nearly One-Third of Florida Adults

The survey measured anxiety using the GAD-7 screening tool, a validated clinical instrument. Results showed 19% of Florida adults scored in the moderate to severe anxiety range, with an additional 18% reporting mild anxiety symptoms. These findings align with national mental health trends documented by the National Institute of Mental Health.

Thirty percent of respondents reported that a doctor had diagnosed them with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, while 28% received depression diagnoses. The data suggests mental health conditions remain a substantial healthcare concern requiring clinical resources and treatment capacity.

Online Health Information Contributes to Patient Anxiety

Between 20% and 30% of survey respondents exhibited behaviors associated with cyberchondria, a pattern of excessive health-related internet searching that increases anxiety. One-third of Floridians reported repeatedly searching for the same health symptoms online, while 25% said online health information made them feel more anxious or distressed.

According to the American Medical Association, patients increasingly turn to online resources before contacting healthcare providers, creating both opportunities and challenges for medical practices. Thirty-one percent of respondents continued searching for health information even after reading multiple sources, suggesting difficulty finding reliable answers.

Floridians Express Caution About AI Mental Health Tools

While 42% of survey respondents have used AI chatbots for health-related questions at least once, only 10% do so regularly. Among those who tried AI health tools, 37% found them helpful. However, 75% expressed concerns about privacy and data security when sharing personal health information with AI systems.

Trust levels varied significantly by application. Eighty-three percent of respondents felt comfortable with AI scheduling appointments, while 67% accepted AI collecting patient intake data. Comfort decreased substantially for clinical applications, with only 54% comfortable with AI assisting diagnosis and just 36% accepting AI administering medications.

Preference for Human Practitioners Remains Strong

Despite growing AI capabilities, 83% of Florida adults prefer receiving mental healthcare from human practitioners rather than AI tools. Only 21% agreed they would feel emotionally supported by AI practitioners, highlighting the importance of human connection in mental health treatment.

These preferences align with Healthcare Financial Management Association research showing that patient satisfaction scores remain higher with traditional care models. Forty percent of respondents described themselves as “curious but cautious” about AI mental health tools, while 25% expressed skepticism and 15% opposed their use entirely.

Optimism Tempered by Uncertainty About AI Healthcare Impact

Florida adults expressed measured optimism about AI’s potential benefits. Half agreed that AI will improve patient outcomes, while 46% believed it could reduce medical mistakes. However, only 42% thought AI would reduce healthcare inequalities, and substantial percentages remained unsure about AI’s long-term impact.

The survey revealed a clear hierarchy of acceptable AI applications. Administrative tasks received strong support, diagnostic assistance generated mixed reactions, and direct patient care applications faced resistance. This pattern suggests healthcare organizations implementing AI tools should prioritize back-office functions while maintaining human oversight for clinical decisions.

Privacy Concerns Limit AI Adoption

Data security emerged as the primary barrier to AI healthcare adoption. Seventy-five percent of respondents expressed concern about sharing personal health information with AI systems. This finding carries significant implications for healthcare practices considering AI implementation, as HIPAA compliance and data protection protocols will prove critical for patient acceptance.

The survey, sponsored by the Florida Center for Cybersecurity, included a representative sample of Florida adults fielded between May 10 and 16, 2025. Results carry a margin of error of plus or minus 4.3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Strategic Considerations for Healthcare Organizations

Healthcare administrators planning AI implementations face a complex patient landscape. While administrative efficiency gains from AI scheduling and data collection encounter minimal resistance, clinical applications require careful patient education and transparent data handling practices.

Mental health service demand continues growing as anxiety and depression affect substantial portions of Florida’s population. Healthcare organizations must balance traditional care delivery with innovative tools while respecting patient preferences for human interaction in sensitive clinical areas.

Healthcare organizations implementing new technologies need financial strategies that account for both operational efficiency and patient satisfaction requirements. The James Moore healthcare team helps hospitals, clinics, and medical groups plan technology investments that support clinical excellence while maintaining financial sustainability. Connect with our healthcare advisors.

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