Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health – Can It Help Us Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing?
Kamila Rojecka explores further…
Image courtesy of Cash Macanaya
Many people are currently thinking about the role that AI can play in the future of mental health care. There are already signs that it can offer innovative solutions to provide easier and quicker support to those in need. While many people are worried about the potential future impact of AI on our society, it is important to focus on how it can help us increase efficiency and wellbeing. So far, there are promising indications that professionals supporting children and young people can utilize AI to enhance their engagement, collect data, and tailor support strategies to meet each person’s unique needs.
AI-driven tools have been shown to significantly improve engagement with children and young people. For example, interactive applications, such as chatbots and virtual therapists, provide immediate support and resources. Youper uses conversational AI to deliver cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques. It engages users in real-time conversations, helping them process feelings and learn coping strategies in a friendly, relatable manner.
AI tools can also incorporate gamification, making them more attractive to younger users. By integrating elements of play, AI applications can motivate children and teenagers to utilize mental health resources, thereby making the process of seeking help feel less daunting.
One problem faced by people seeking help for mental health related issues is that access to mental health care can be limited, with long waiting times, especially for children living in rural or underserved areas. Here, AI technologies can help by enabling remote care through telehealth platforms. Apps such as Ginger and Kooth offer online support by connecting young people with mental health professionals through chat or video sessions. These platforms ensure that children and teenagers can receive help without being restricted by their location. Additionally, they often provide self-help tools and resources, allowing users to access support at any time, which can be crucial for those in crisis.
From the perspective of mental health professionals, AI can analyse data from various sources to create personalized treatment plans for young clients. Tools like Moodfit help track mood patterns, sleep, and other factors that influence mental health. By analysing this information, professionals can tailor strategies to address specific needs and preferences, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes. Machine learning algorithms can also forecast which therapeutic strategies are most effective for individual users based on historical data, allowing for more precise and informed decision-making when planning support.
Another advantage of AI is the ability to process large amounts of data, which can help in the early detection of mental health issues. Apps like Wysa use machine learning to identify patterns in user interactions, alerting both users and professionals to signs of distress. For example, if a child frequently expresses feelings of sadness or anxiety, the app can prompt the user to seek additional support or suggest coping strategies. As Early intervention is often essential in mental health care, AI tools that can empower parents and caregivers to recognize potential issues before they escalate, may ensure timely support.
Finally, the use of AI in mental health care can also help reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. By providing anonymous support through apps, young people may feel more at ease discussing their feelings and accessing resources. The hope is that the possibility of engaging with AI without the pressure of face-to-face interactions can encourage more people to reach out for help.
So what is the verdict of the potential benefits of AI? On balance it offers a great opportunity to assist children and young people in seeking and receiving mental health care. By enhancing engagement, improving access to services, personalizing interventions, and facilitating early detection, some go as far as to argue that AI may revolutionize the delivery of mental health care. As technology continues to advance, it will be essential for mental health professionals and AI developers to collaborate to ensure that these tools effectively meet the needs of young clients, preparing them for a brighter and healthier future.
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