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NewsKPBS Public MediaSeptember 14, 2026San Diego County

OpenAI offers optional 'Trusted Contact' feature in ChatGPT for users facing emotional crises

Photo: KPBS Public Media

OpenAI introduced an optional feature called Trusted Contact to connect ChatGPT users struggling with emotional crises or suicidal thoughts to someone they can turn to. The feature allows the chatbot to alert a designated contact if it detects a serious safety risk, though users must set it up in advance through the app's settings.

Mental HealthTechnologySuicide PreventionArtificial Intelligence
Read the full story at KPBS Public Media

Why It Matters

Users facing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts can now optionally link a trusted person to receive alerts from ChatGPT during a crisis, though experts note the feature is not actively promoted to new users upon signup.

Key Facts

  • OpenAI launched an optional feature called Trusted Contact in May to connect users struggling with suicidal thoughts to someone they can turn to.
  • More than a million weekly users of ChatGPT discuss suicide and self-harm, according to NPR estimates of OpenAI data.
  • The Trusted Contact feature alerts a listed contact if the chatbot detects a serious safety risk in a user during text interactions.
  • The feature is not currently available on ChatGPT voice interactions, though the company is working on it.
  • NPR testing found that new users are not automatically prompted or informed about the Trusted Contact feature upon account creation.
  • Users must manually sign up for the feature through the app's settings in advance.
  • When distress is detected and the feature is not set up, the chatbot supports users by urging them to reach out to a loved one or contact the 988 lifeline.

Who's Mentioned

PersonMegan Lim“NPR producer who tested the app”OrganizationOpenAI“Developer of ChatGPT”PersonJennifer Lockman“Psychologist running the suicide prevention clinic at the University of Alabama”PersonHolly Wilcox“Director of the Center for Suicide Prevention at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Sch”OrganizationNow Matters Now“Suicide prevention non-profit”PersonGaby Raila“OpenAI spokesperson”OrganizationUniversity of Alabama“Institution housing the suicide prevention clinic”PersonUrsula Whiteside“Psychologist and CEO of Now Matters Now”OrganizationNational Suicide and Crisis Lifeline“Crisis hotline reachable at 988”OrganizationNPR“News organization reporting on the feature”