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Applying AI to mental healthcare and health technology
15 May, 20265 minutes
As the concept of mental health has become increasingly important in mainstream medicine and public health, more life sciences companies are choosing to innovate in this field to improve access and supply more options.
The digitalization of mental health care through mobile apps and telehealth services has already begun to build the foundations of collective well-being. Such practices have transformed patient outcomes by allowing them to overcome geographical barriers and take charge of their own health using their smart phones and devices.
However, with the rise of artificial intelligence and its increased application across healthcare and science, better, more personalized help may be at hand at a fraction of the cost of traditional, face-to-face treatments. In the near future, AI chatbots could serve as therapists to provide both accessible and cheap (or free) alternatives that are potentially less intimidating for first-timers.
In this month’s edition of our life sciences newsletter, we’re exploring the pros and cons of implementing AI into mental health care and whether AI therapy chatbots could benefit the millions who cannot afford therapeutic services – or end up doing more harm than good.
Ways AI could improve mental health care
Many people who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health conditions feel alone in their pain, often struggling to ask for help. While it’s common to be prescribed medication (such as antidepressants) from a GP or local health practitioner, these help people to cope rather than getting to the core of their problems.
Therapy and counseling, while stigmatized by much of society, is a proven approach for people with mental health struggles. Studies have consistently found that behavioral and emotional interventions actually work better than a medication-only approach.
Unfortunately, therapy is not easily accessible. As a costly practice (rarely covered by insurance) that may be required on a regular basis for months or years, it is thought that 50% of people who would benefit from talking to a therapist are not in a position to do so.
As AI has evolved in recent years, more and more ‘AI chatbot therapists’ are appearing on the market, many with free trials and low monthly subscription costs. Often, they are advertised as anonymous platforms, which could reduce shame and offer a tool to patients that is less scary than reaching out to a professional.
For people who feel like their mental health ‘isn’t bad enough’ for therapy, an AI chatbot could help them take the first step to recognizing that they are worthy of professional help. It can also offer cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques that people can put into practice in their daily lives.
Reductions in face-to-face support could be damaging. Human connection is truly vital and therapeutic relationships are crucial for many people suffering from mental health conditions
It could also lead to more isolation, with people thinking they can rely on AI for support instead of reaching out to people (their cases aren’t bad enough)
Privacy issues --> people inputting all of their personal information into AI when we don’t yet know what it could do with this info (especially if not offered the chance to officially give consent to their data)
