Researched and written by Isabella Howard.

Talking tech: Can Chatbots Transform Mental Health Support?

In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health care, technology is starting to play a pivotal role. There is no doubt that our health systems are suffering- the shortage of health workers is just one example of the strain the system is feeling.
Could chatbot tech be a long term solution- not only relieving stress from our health systems but also of individuals suffering from conditions such as depression and anxiety?

How they can help

A 2021 national survey from the National Institute of Health found that 22% of adults had used a mental health chatbot, among the respondents who had tried a mental health chatbot, nearly 60% said they began this use during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 44% said they used chatbots exclusively and did not see a human therapist.
Afterall, chatbots can offer a safe and non-judgemental space to discuss emotions, thoughts and concerns and use a variety of communications: visual, spoken and written. This opens up accessibility for all depending on what an individual prefers.
However, many may argue that a robot can get close to human likeness but will never truly be able to build rapport and closeness like a human therapist could do, which in serious mental health cases is incredibly important as slight differences in behaviours can result in terrifying consequences.  Furthermore, is it possible for chatbots and ai-powered mental health therapy services to hold a certain amount of responsibility to someone’s state of health- do they hold a duty of care like doctors do? If the answer is no, how can we ensure the safety of those using these apps?

Support 24/7

On the other hand, one of the primary advantages of utilising chatbots as therapists lies in their accessibility. Unlike traditional therapy that operates within specific hours or requires appointments, chatbots are available round the clock. This accessibility is particularly valuable for individuals seeking immediate support during non-traditional hours. Apps such as Woebot and TalkSpace also suggest seeking professional help and provide resources such as helplines and websites to contact professional advice if needed. Therefore, maybe the answer is to work alongside chatbots and use them as one of many tools to help combat this global surge of mental health problems. Chatbots should compliment the work of trained professionals and be used alongside cognitive based therapies.

Challenges to consider

As well as the challenges previously explored, the concerns about data privacy and accuracy of AI-driven assessments is certainly one to be considered. Opening up about your deepest struggles to a robot is so good until that data is leaked, potentially putting people in more harm than they were in! Although there is a long way to go, cyber-security is becoming more and more advanced by the day and so perhaps this is only a short term concern…

Looking to the future of chatbot tech

Looking ahead, the potential for chatbots in mental health support is vast. Advancements in AI technology mean these bots continue to be refined with the aim to enhance their emotional intelligence, better understanding of nuanced human emotions, and maintain ethical guidelines for responsible therapy.

Additionally, the collaboration between chatbots and human therapists could revolutionise the world of mental health care; with hybrid models that combine the strengths of AI support with the empathetic guidance of trained professionals. An exciting and more holistic way of supporting mental health is certainly on the horizon!

However, it is crucial to navigate these tech advancements thoughtfully, ensuring ethical standards, user safety, and wellbeing is at the core of every decision.