Yes, AI can play a significant role in mental health care by expanding access to mental health solutions. With the growing demand for accessible, affordable mental health treatment, AI can provide a way to address this need by improving digital healthcare. AI can assist in driving training efficiencies, freeing up crisis counsellors’ time to be used in-person, where it matters most, as demonstrated by The Trevor Project’s AI-powered counsellor training tool. AI can also assist clinicians, as seen with Limbic Access, an online therapy assistant that works in conjunction with clinicians to help patients access the help they need while unlocking service providers’ time to focus on delivering therapy.
However, there are still challenges to be overcome, especially with regards to regulation and policy standards to ensure that patients and practitioners receive evidence-based advice, and personal data is safe. AI should also be viewed as a tool to assist and complement human interaction, rather than replace it. Ultimately, a hybrid approach of AI and human interaction can lead to better mental health care access for patients.
