Can AI help with mental health? Here's what you need to know
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, CDCES, MBA
Clinical psychologist, Dr. Chris Mosunic explains how AI may help with mental health and therapy work and what the drawbacks may be. Plus, 5 ways to use AI for better mental health.
When you’re feeling down, sometimes you just want someone to listen. But what if that “someone” was really a “something” — a chatbot that was designed to offer comfort whenever you needed it?
Artificial intelligence (AI) might be the future of mental healthcare, or at least a reliable source to help with the increase of mental health services needed. Long wait times and high costs make traditional therapy and mental health screenings inaccessible to many people, and others are just uncomfortable reaching out for help. AI could remove some of these barriers, and as technology continues to advance, there’s even some promise of more personalization and tailored advice in the future.
Of course, there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical. Critics argue that there’s no substitute for human connection, and that a robot can’t replicate the empathy we feel for one another.
So where does AI really fit in our conversation around mental healthcare? Let’s dive in.
How is AI being used to boost mental health?
AI has the potential to enhance mental health care by making it more accessible, personalized, and effective, working alongside traditional methods (like in-person therapy) to improve outcomes.
A primary way that AI could change mental health care is by making support more accessible. Rather than having to wait for an appointment to see a therapist, anyone can use an AI-powered chatbot for immediate access to a therapy session. While still relatively new, some of these bots use evidence based techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to try and help people manage anxiety and depression, and may also be able to spot potential issues early through predictive analytics.
In addition, wearable devices with AI can empower you to continuously monitor your health by giving you ongoing assessments and sending you alerts if something seems off. Think of it like a fitness tracker but for your mental health.
AI mental health options may also have an impact on a therapist’s job. When a mental health professional is able to automate certain tasks (like administrative work, for example), they have more time to devote to patient care. AI can also act as a second set of ears.
“With the patient’s consent, AI can be used to listen in on a [therapy] session, and make suggestions if a therapist misses an opportunity to deliver an intervention with a high probability of success,” says Dr. Chris Mosunic, a licensed clinical psychologist and Chief Clinical Officer at Calm.
Does using AI for therapy work (and what do the studies say)?
While some might be uncomfortable with the idea of artificial intelligence playing a part in mental healthcare, AI-based tools can offer immediate, around-the-clock support, which could be particularly valuable for people who may not have easy access to traditional therapy, or who need support during off hours.
AI technology is growing rapidly but there are limited studies to provide solid answers on whether it’s a good long term solution or not. For now, AI is generally seen as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, traditional therapy — and an important tool for therapists themselves, according to Dr. Mosunic.
“Having a human in the driver’s seat with much improved therapy AI tools might be just the right blend to maximize engagement, efficacy and safety,” Dr. Mosunic says.
Dr. Mosunic also suggests that people suffering from serious mental health conditions should not rely on a chatbot for effective therapy. With that said, he suggests that it may be helpful for patients who need mild support or quick guidance from a mental health professional.
“I wouldn’t want anybody out there to take an AI therapy chatbot too seriously and think they are getting treatment equivalent to a licensed therapist,” he says.
Benefits of using AI for therapy
The truth is that we don’t know much yet when it comes to the benefits of using AI for therapy given it’s a relatively new technology. But there are early studies showing potential for AI to improve our mental health and therapy practices, making it more accessible and convenient for those people who are just looking for light support.
“Right now, I’d say that there’s little chance of harm to anybody in the sub-clinical level trying out an AI therapy chatbot which uses evidence-based mental health practices to see if it helps their mood, similar to something like watching a movie or other pleasant activity,” Dr. Mosunic says. Here are some additional potential benefits.
Potentially effective: A 2022 review looked at 10 studies on AI in therapy and found that AI can boost the effectiveness of psychotherapy and help reduce mental health symptoms. Most of the studies showed that people were highly satisfied with AI therapy and stayed engaged during the session and continued using it.
Accessible: AI tools can reach people who might not have access to a therapist due to geographical challenges or limited appointments available that work for you.
Affordable: AI-based therapy options can be more affordable than traditional therapy sessions, making mental health support more accessible to a wider population.
Personalization: Some AI tools can adapt to the user’s needs over time, offering more personalized advice or interventions based on user data.
Immediate support: AI can offer instant support, providing users with therapeutic strategies or simply being “someone” to talk to in real time.
No judgment: AI tools offer judgment-free space, making it easier to open up about your mental health without fear of being misunderstood.
No need for human contact: Some people find interacting with humans (therapists included) difficult, and this offers a way for them to seek emotional support.
Dr. Mosunic adds that there’s a possibility that chatbots can “activate” a depressed person who is unwilling to engage with a traditional therapist, meaning it may open doors for them to communicate and share openly.
Drawbacks of using AI for therapy
While AI therapy has its benefits, there are some important drawbacks to consider. The main one, of course, is that robots make mistakes — and that’s a big gamble when you’re dealing with someone’s mental health.
“A computer can’t fully replace a human when it comes to treating somebody’s mental health in most cases,” explains Dr. Mosunic. “But especially in mental health cases that are moderate, severe, or life-threatening.”
Lack of human touch: One of the biggest criticisms is that AI lacks the empathetic and nuanced understanding that a human therapist brings. Emotional support from a human is still irreplaceable.
Privacy concerns: There are concerns about privacy and the security of sensitive data shared with AI tools. Ensuring that this data is kept confidential is vital.
Limited effectiveness: Severe mental health issues require a more nuanced, flexible approach that only human therapists can provide. Many AI therapy apps state that their tools are not appropriate for use in sudden, severe crises.
Limited scope: AI tools are often based on specific therapeutic techniques like CBT and may not be suitable for all types of mental health issues or all types of users.
Potential for misdiagnosis or misuse: AI tools may misinterpret symptoms or suggest inappropriate actions. It’s important to use them as a supplement to professional guidance, not a replacement.
Lack of regulation and standards: The AI therapy field currently lacks clear regulations, making it harder to identify reliable tools, so careful research is necessary.
Diversity issues: AI tools might not work well for everyone if they’re trained on non-diverse datasets, leading to inadequate support for some users. Be aware of this limitation and seek additional support if needed.
Over-reliance: There’s a risk that people might become too dependent on AI tools and avoid seeking help from qualified human professionals when needed.
5 ways to mindfully use AI for improved mental health
AI tools could be a great addition to your mental health toolkit, but it’s important to use it thoughtfully to get the best results.
1. Use AI as a supplement, not a substitute
AI tools aren’t designed to replace traditional therapy — but they can work for some people as part of a balanced approach. Using AI may help you manage your mental health along with seeking professional care from a therapist or other mental health professional. Think of AI as an extra layer of help in-between sessions you have with your therapist.
It’s also worth noting that many people don’t have access to a therapist, and for people in this situation, AI tools can help bridge that gap.
💙 Open yourself up to the possibilities for improving your mental health, either through therapy or AI, with encouragement from Jay Shetty’s Help Others Help You.
2. Choose reliable, well-reviewed apps
Look for mental health tools and exercises that have been reviewed by professionals or endorsed by trusted sources. Check user reviews and see if the app has been studied in clinical settings. Proven apps are more likely to provide effective support, protect your privacy, and offer accurate information, which is not always a given when it comes to AI.
“AI tools have discriminated against people on the basis of both race and disability. And because these models build on themselves so quickly, a seed of misinformation can turn into a giant bean stalk of trouble overnight,” Dr. Mosunic says. “We have so many disparities in not only who receives mental health treatment but also many traditional empirically based treatments being designed for some groups (i.e., Caucasian males) more than others. Gaps already exist and AI can make it even worse if it goes unchecked.”
💙 Learn more about making mental healthcare more accessible with Jeff Warren’s Democratization of Mental Health.
3. Monitor your privacy settings
AI tools often require you to share personal information, so before using an app, read the privacy policy and adjust the settings to control what information is shared. Ensure the app uses strong encryption and complies with data protection regulations.
4. Set boundaries for AI use
It’s important to be mindful about your AI usage, but Dr. Mosunic shares that, unlike social media, there’s no evidence that AI has had a majorly negative impact on vulnerable communities, such as children.
“AI has the potential to negatively impact us all — but it also has the potential to help us improve our mental health,” Dr. Mosunic says. “If we’re able to put the right infrastructure in place, I optimistically think that AI is going to help more people with their mental health than it hurts.”
Learn how to become more mindful through establishing guidelines with yourself with these nine tips for setting healthy boundaries.
💙 Get comfortable setting clear limits with help from the Daily Calm’s session on Boundaries.
5. Stay informed about AI advancements
Follow trusted news sources to stay updated on how AI technology is evolving to help improve a person’s overall wellness. Dr. Mosunic believes while AI may make therapy more accessible and more effective, it could have an even bigger impact on improving sleep. Check out these 10 tips for better sleep to get you started on improving your overall health and wellness.
“Many wearables give sleep and health data, but no one wearable company has the right algorithms yet to make truly personalized predictions about what will really improve a person’s sleep,” Dr. Mosunic explains. “AI has the ability to crack that — we just need to piece it together and individualize the solutions. And when sleep improves, mental health almost always improves.”
💙 Nurture your nighttime relaxation practice by diving into a guided meditation, like Tara Brach’s Letting Go Into Sleep.
AI mental health FAQs
What are the best ways to use AI for mental health?
AI apps can help manage stress, guide mindfulness, and support cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. For example, you can use an AI app for breathing exercises when you’re anxious, or prompt you to stay mindful during your busy day. These tools offer real-time support based on your needs.
Still, AI isn’t a replacement for professional therapy — and especially if you’re dealing with depression or intense anxiety, it’s better to speak with a professional.
How does AI protect user privacy in mental health applications?
Many technology companies take privacy seriously and handle sensitive information securely. As a result, many AI apps typically use strong encryption to protect your data, and comply with data protection regulations like GDPR in Europe or HIPAA in the United States, which safeguard your privacy. These regulations also require companies to be transparent about how they collect, use, and store your data.
Read the app’s privacy policy before use, and adjust your settings to limit data sharing. This can help keep your personal information secure.
What are the ethical considerations of using AI in mental health?
Using AI in the mental health space may have important ethical considerations for both developers and users.
Potential bias: If the data used to train these algorithms isn’t diverse enough, the AI might produce biased results, making it less effective for people from underrepresented backgrounds. This could lead to unequal access to care or even misdiagnosis.
Over-reliance on AI: While AI can offer valuable support, it can’t replace the empathy and personal connection that can only be found with a human therapist.
Ensuring informed consent: Users need to understand how AI tools work, what data is collected, and how that data will be used. AI tool developers need to make this information easy to access.
Can AI detect early signs of mental health issues?
There are several ways AI may be able to spot early signs of mental health issues. It might analyze your social media posts in the event that changes in how you express yourself online indicate feelings of depression or anxiety. Some AI tools also monitor sleep patterns, physical activity, and other behaviors through data from wearable devices. By identifying unusual changes, these tools may be able to alert you to potential mental health concerns early, so you can seek help before the situation worsens.
However, AI isn't foolproof. It might flag issues that aren't actually problems, or miss subtle signs that a human therapist would notice.
If an AI tool suggests you might have a mental health issue, talk with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation, as they can provide a treatment plan and further assessment, if needed. AI can be a helpful first step in recognizing concerns, but it’s important to use it as part of a broader approach to mental health care.
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