Publication Name	World Journal of Psychiatry
Manuscript ID	123076
DOI	10.5498/wjp.123076
Country	China

Category	Psychology
Manuscript Type	Observational Study
Article Title	Help-seeking attitudes, stigma and artificial intelligence counseling preferences among university students
Manuscript Source	Unsolicited Manuscript
All Author List	Zhi-Lei Shang, Zhao-Yao Zou, Yan-Pu Jia, Tuan-Jie Liu, Jia-Qi Zhou, Qi-Ze Jin, Wen-Yu Zhao, Li-Li Wu, Wen-Jie Yan, Wei-Zhi Liu and Nian-Qi Liu
Funding Agency and Grant Number	Funding Agency Grant Number Innovation and Practice Ability Incubation Base Project for Undergraduate Students of Naval Medical University No. FH2026
Corresponding Author	Wei-Zhi Liu, Lab for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, No. 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China. 13024141970@163.com
Key Words	Artificial intelligence; Psychological counseling; Help-seeking attitudes; Stigma; Latent profile analysis
Core Tip	Students who report the most severe symptoms and the highest levels of stigma are actually the ones who show the strongest preference for artificial intelligence (AI)-based counseling. This suggests AI can serve as a low-stigma, low-barrier entry point for those reluctant to seek traditional help. Meanwhile, human counselors still play an irreplaceable role in deeper therapeutic work. An integrated model combining both approaches is needed.
Citation	Shang ZL, Zou ZY, Jia YP, Liu TJ, Zhou JQ, Jin QZ, Zhao WY, Wu LL, Yan WJ, Liu WZ, Liu NQ. Help-seeking attitudes, stigma and artificial intelligence counseling preferences among university students. World J Psychiatry 2026; In press DOI: https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.123076
PDF	123076-in-press.pdf

Received	2026-05-15 06:40
Peer-Review Started	2026-05-15 06:40
First Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-06-11 10:23
Return for Revision	2026-06-11 10:23
Revised	2026-06-24 19:12
Publication Fee Transferred	2026-08-03 06:49
Second Decision by Editor	2026-09-16 02:43
Second Decision by Editor-in-Chief
Final Decision by Editorial Office Director	2026-09-16 09:35
Articles in Press	2026-09-16 09:35
Edit the Manuscript by Language Editor
Typeset the Manuscript

ISSN	2220-3206 (online)
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Copyright	©Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. No commercial re-use. See Permissions. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc.
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