Trusted Contact in ChatGPT: OpenAI's New Safety Feature for Crisis Support

Overview

Trusted Contact is an optional safety feature in ChatGPT that allows adults to nominate a trusted person who may be notified if automated systems and trained reviewers detect the user may be discussing self‑harm in a way that indicates a serious safety concern.

How Trusted Contact Works

Users can add one adult (18+ globally or 19+ in South Korea) as their Trusted Contact from ChatGPT settings. The Trusted Contact receives an invitation explaining their role and must accept within one week for the feature to become active. If the invitation is declined, the user can choose a different adult.

When the system detects a potential serious self‑harm concern, ChatGPT informs the user that it may notify their Trusted Contact and suggests conversation starters. A small team of specially trained people then reviews the situation. If the reviewers determine the conversation may indicate a serious safety concern, ChatGPT sends the Trusted Contact a brief notification by email, text message, or in‑app notification if they have a ChatGPT account.

Privacy and Notification Details

The notification is intentionally limited: it shares only the general reason that self‑harm came up in a potentially concerning way and encourages the Trusted Contact to check in. It does not include chat details or transcripts to protect user privacy. The notification also includes a link to expert guidance for navigating sensitive conversations.

User Controls and Review Process

Users can always remove or edit their Trusted Contact in settings, and the Trusted Contact can remove themselves at any time via the help center. Every notification undergoes trained human review before being sent, and OpenAI strives to complete this review in under one hour.

Integration with Existing Safeguards

Trusted Contact complements other safety measures in ChatGPT:

• Encouraging users to contact emergency services, crisis helplines, mental health professionals, or trusted people in their lives during sensitive moments.
• Responding with care, informed by work with 170+ mental health experts to detect and respond to signs of potential distress, de‑escalate conversations, and guide users to real‑world support.
• Helping users stay in control of their time by suggesting breaks after extended use.
• Refusing harmful requests, including instructions for suicide or self‑harm, and redirecting toward safer responses while surfacing localized crisis resources.

Expert Perspectives

“Psychological science consistently shows that social connection is a powerful protective factor, especially during periods of emotional distress. Helping people identify a trusted person in advance, while preserving their choice and autonomy, can make it easier to reach out to real‑world support when it matters most.” — Dr. Arthur Evans, Chief Executive Officer of the American Psychological Association

“One of AI's biggest promises is how it can foster authentic human‑to‑human connection and psychological safety. I am encouraged by ChatGPT's Trusted Contact feature, which offers a step forward to human empowerment, especially during moments of vulnerability.” — Dr. Munmun De Choudhury, Ph.D., J. Z. Liang Professor of Interactive Computing at Georgia Tech and member of the Expert Council on Well‑Being and AI

Future Directions

Trusted Contact is part of OpenAI’s broader effort to build AI systems that help people during difficult moments. OpenAI will continue to work with clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to improve how AI systems respond when people may be experiencing distress, aiming to ensure AI connects users to real‑world care, relationships, and resources that matter most.