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Artificial Intelligence is becoming smarter daily, and we use it to enhance efficiency in every task, whether through ChatGPT or other AI programs like Grammarly. But what role does AI play in the mental health field?
One of the most significant benefits of AI in mental health care is its potential to increase accessibility. Millions of people worldwide face difficulties receiving mental health support, whether it is because they do not feel comfortable talking to another human being or have financial problems. There is also a stigmatized view of attending therapy sessions and sometimes even geographical limitations. AI could make these resources accessible to everyone 24/7. For example, apps like Woebot and Wysa use AI to deliver Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Not only will AI make it accessible to most, but it will also expand the mental healthcare industry, allowing services to reach a wider audience. AI can also solve a significant issue in traditional therapy. Traditional therapy often requires a lot of human resources, which could limit the number of patients who can be served. Using AI allows for more scalability in business and takes some burden off of professionals.
AI is also very beneficial in data analysis in mental health care. Traditional methods rely on self-reported symptoms and clinical observations, which are subjective and can lead to human errors. AI has a specific algorithm that analyzes vast amounts of data to detect patterns. For example, with time, AI will have a good amount of data on human speech patterns, facial expressions and even social media activity to identify some preventable issues. This allows for better accuracy and enables early detection.
However, the use of AI for mental health purposes could lead to potential problems. Since every human being is different, it can be challenging for AI to provide accurate information. Fortunately, there are plans for AI to specialize in one person at a time by analyzing their past medical history, genetic predispositions and lifestyle. AI will be able to tailor services based on customer needs. Additionally, AI may be able to track physiological problems in the future if the individual has wearable technology that allows AI to track the patient.
A good balance of expertise between professionals and AI is required to work efficiently. AI has the potential to revolutionize the mental health care space by increasing accessibility, improving analytics, making personalized treatment and reducing costs. However, it is still essential to implement human services to minimize mistakes to provide the most accurate mental health care from both worlds. Hopefully, by doing so, we can create a future where mental health care is accessible to all.