If technology redefines what our language means it could also change our perceptions of ourselves

Background: Consumers are increasingly using large language model–based chatbots to seek #MentalHealth advice or intervention due to ease of access and limited availability of #MentalHealth professionals. However, their suitability and safety for #MentalHealth #Applications remain underexplored, particularly in comparison to professional therapeutic practices. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate how general-purpose chatbots respond to #MentalHealth scenarios and compare their responses to those provided by licensed therapists. Specifically, we sought to identify chatbots’ strengths and limitations, as well as the ethical and practical considerations necessary for their use in #MentalHealth care. Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study to compare responses from chatbots and licensed therapists to scripted #MentalHealth scenarios. We created 2 fictional scenarios and prompted 3 chatbots to create 6 interaction logs. We recruited 17 therapists and conducted study sessions that consisted of 3 activities. First, therapists responded to the 2 scenarios using a Qualtrics form. Second, therapists went through the 6 interaction logs using a think-aloud procedure to highlight their thoughts about the chatbots’ responses. Finally, we conducted a semistructured interview to explore subjective opinions on the use of chatbots for supporting #MentalHealth. The study sessions were analyzed using thematic analysis. The interaction logs from chatbot and therapist responses were coded using the Multitheoretical List of Therapeutic Interventions codes and then compared to each other. Results: We identified 7 themes describing the strengths and limitations of the chatbots as compared to therapists. These include elements of good therapy in chatbot responses, conversational style of chatbots, insufficient inquiry and feedback seeking by chatbots, chatbot interventions, client engagement, chatbots’ responses to crisis situations, and considerations for chatbot-based therapy. In the use of Multitheoretical List of Therapeutic Interventions codes, we found that therapists evoked more elaboration (Mann-Whitney U=9; P=.001) and used more self-disclosure (U=45.5; P=.37) as compared to the chatbots. The chatbots used affirming (U=28; P=.045) and reassuring (U=23; P=.02) language more often than the therapists. The chatbots also used psychoeducation (U=22.5; P=.02) and suggestions (U=12.5; P=.003) more often than the therapists. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the unsuitability of general-purpose chatbots to safely engage in #MentalHealth conversations, particularly in crisis situations. While chatbots display elements of good therapy, such as validation and reassurance, overuse of directive advice without sufficient inquiry and use of generic interventions make them unsuitable as therapeutic agents. Careful research and evaluation will be necessary to determine the impact of chatbot interactions and to identify the most #Appropriate use cases related to #MentalHealth.

People find AI more compassionate and understanding than human mental health experts, a new study shows. Even when participants knew that they were talking to a human or AI, the third-party assessors...

Background: #MentalHealth disorders significantly impact global populations, prompting the rise of #Digital #MentalHealth interventions like artificial intelligence-powered chatbots to address gaps in access to care. This review explores the potential for…

Discover tech tools for mental health, like VR therapy, AI apps, and digital psychedelics, transforming wellness and therapy today.

In Yucatán, Mexico, where suicide rates exceed the national average by double, a groundbreaking mental health initiative leveraging AI has been introduced. At the heart of this initiative is MeMind, a smartphone application designed to evaluate and track suicide risk using advanced AI diagnostic features integrated into its surveys. According to a report by Rest of World, the app has been instrumental in reducing suicide rates since its launch in 2022. MeMind's Impact MeMind has drawn an impressive 80,000 users since its inception and is credited with helping to lower the state’s suicide rate by 9%.

Kyan Health, a Zurich-based provider of AI-driven workplace mental health solutions, has secured $16.7 million in funding to enhance its platform and support global expansion, including plans to enter the U.S. market by 2026. Kyan Health’s platform includes Kai, an AI-powered care navigator designed to streamline access to workplace mental health and well-being resources. This feature supports employees in navigating personalized mental health solutions, balancing individual support with organizational insights in a secure and structured manner. Key Features of Kai Resource Matching: Kai leverages artificial intelligence to assess individual needs and preferences, matching employees with suitable resources.

The global online therapy services market is experiencing a transformative period, with projections indicating a $16.16 billion expansion between 2024 and 2028. This remarkable growth is being driven by increasing smartphone adoption, rising demand for online services, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), which is redefining the market landscape. According to Technavio, the market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.09%, with North America leading the charge as the dominant regional player. Key Drivers of Growth Smartphone Penetration The proliferation of smartphones globally has revolutionized access to online therapy.

Many people grapple with a paradoxical view of aging—a mix of hope and fear. On one hand, the prospect of a long life is deeply cherished, often symbolizing opportunities to create lasting memories, nurture relationships, and pursue passions. On the other hand, the fear of aging looms large, tied to concerns about declining physical and mental abilities, particularly the loss of cognitive health. Cognitive decline can feel like an erosion of independence, self-identity, and the ability to connect with others meaningfully. For many, the idea of forgetting loved ones’ names, struggling to make decisions, or losing the sharpness that defines them as individuals can be daunting.

Jimini Health, a New York-based digital health company, has launched with $8 million in pre-seed funding to revolutionize mental health care through a clinician-led, AI-supported therapy model. The funding round included investors such as Zetta Venture Partners, LionBird, PsyMed, BoxGroup, Arkitekt Ventures, and SCB 10X. The company's approach integrates traditional evidence-based therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, with an AI therapist assistant named Sage. This combination aims to provide users with personalized prompts and exercises aligned with their therapeutic goals, promoting continuous engagement and reinforcing progress. Jimini Health plans to utilize the new funding to enhance its AI capabilities, data infrastructure, safety operations, and product development to better serve its initial clients.

Yung Sidekick, a Miami-based startup, has taken a significant stride in mental health innovation by securing $825,000 in funding to advance its AI-powered platform. Specifically designed for mental health professionals, it aims to tackle one of the most labor-intensive aspects of their work: documentation. By automating time-consuming tasks such as note-taking and simplifying administrative processes, Yung Sidekick empowers clinicians to redirect their focus toward what truly matters—providing quality care to their clients. This approach not only improves efficiency but also alleviates the burden of paperwork that often contributes to burnout in the mental health field.

Legion Health, established in 2021 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, has been at the forefront of integrating technology into mental health care. Initially, the company functioned as a digital marketplace, connecting mental health clinicians with organizations aiming to expand their services. This approach facilitated rapid scaling for healthcare providers and offered clinicians flexible opportunities across various platforms. In October 2024, Legion Health announced a significant strategic shift: transitioning from a marketplace model to operating its own AI-enabled digital psychiatry practice. This pivot was supported by a $6.3 million seed funding round, with contributions from investors such as Alumni Ventures, Y Combinator, Acequia Capital, and Soma Capital.