Indeed, the birth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has brought about several paradigm shifts. Some of these are very evident within the engineering, medical, and most recently, the mental health domain.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a “state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.”
It is an integral aspect of our health and well-being which motivates our individualistic and collective capability in making decisions, building relationships, and shaping the world we live in.
As those enrolled in online MSW advanced standing programs know, the various life experiences and stress experienced by different people can impair our mental health.
People who do not have the best state of mental health are recommended to engage in some treatment avenues.
Mental health treatment is vital as it addresses the needs of people with mental health conditions. Attending therapy, counseling, and taking medications form the basics of mental health treatment.
But now, AI is also contributing immensely to the mental health treatment sphere.
What is AI?
AI is a technology that enables computers and machines to model human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. It exists in many forms; arguably the most talked about is generative AI, which refers to the use of AI to create new content — this could be text, images, or any kind of media.
In this article, we will explore the length and breadth of AI’s contribution to breaking mental health treatment barriers.
AI in Mental Health Treatment
Researchers, therapists, and clinicians are increasingly finding that AI is a powerful tool in augmenting current mental health treatment techniques.
AI is currently powering the functionality of chatbots. Chatbots are a form of conversational AI designed to model human interaction with computers.
AI chatbots are virtual representations of humans and can accommodate interpersonal-level interactions. The benefits associated with these chatbots are immense, and there are a growing number to choose from.
Early intervention
In former years, the state of an individual’s mental health was not easily known. However, with the invention of AI chatbots, there is now quick access to treatment within a critical window of time, which makes room for speedy responses that can be crucial for patient well-being.
Access to the appropriate treatment
AI chatbots have offered a streamlined matching system of patients to clinicians and therapists.
It is without doubt that people from different backgrounds including gender, cultural, ethnic, or LGBTQAI+ demographics, have different needs. AI chatbots have bridged the gap between therapists and individuals from various backgrounds seamlessly — ensuring that all individuals have access to appropriate care.
Enhanced treatment models
The traditional model of therapy involved patients meeting therapists on a regular basis, typically for an hour-long session.
However, AI chatbots have transformed this model by offering 24/7 access to mental health treatment if needed.
Expansion of services
Many people find traditional therapy intimidating and as such avoid going in for help when needed. It is very common for humans to avoid being vulnerable to one another, especially people whom they are not acquainted or comfortable with.
However, with the introduction of AI chatbots, now everyone can approach therapy with no hesitation.
Potential challenges
Indeed, AI chatbots are contributing and shaping therapy for mental health treatment in a way we have never seen before.
Even so, a couple of limitations are associated with the capability of AI chatbots.
First, there is a common worry about quality assurance by its users. This stems from the fact that the response from the AI chatbot might not be standardized or of the same nature as that of a qualified professional. This is something that people will likely come to terms with over time, but it’s also important to remember that anyone who feels that they might want or need the assistance of a human professional, should take the steps to engage with one.
There is also a concern among some that AI chatbots cannot offer the empathy of an in-person therapist. Everyone will have varying levels of comfort when it comes to using a chatbot, and this is a very personal preference that only you can decide for yourself. For most, using an AI chatbot is better than having no mental health support at all, but again, if it’s not something you’re comfortable with, you should seek the help of a human healthcare professional.
Like many areas of our lives, the mental health space is changing with the introduction of new technology, particularly AI. While there are some challenges to the introduction of AI chatbots for mental health, they are ultimately a step in the right direction when it comes to making mental health support more accessible for people across the world.
