AI Therapy Bots for Mental Health
New research shows AI therapy bots can deliver mental health therapy with as much efficacy as human clinicians, addressing the shortage of mental health providers in the U.S. Researchers trained AI bots in clinical best practices and found significant improvement in patients with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. The AI therapists also foster strong bonds with patients and offer flexibility in accessing therapy without time constraints.
Key Points
- AI therapy bots trained in clinical best practices show efficacy in treating mental health conditions
- Patients developed strong relationships with AI therapists and accessed therapy without time constraints
- Dartmouth researchers stress the need for additional trials before widespread adoption
Pros
- AI therapy bots can provide mental health therapy with efficacy comparable to human clinicians
- Addresses the acute shortage of mental health providers in the U.S.
- Patients showed significant improvement in conditions like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders
- Patients formed strong bonds with AI therapists and felt they could trust and work together on mental health symptoms
Cons
- Some AI therapy bots on the market have shown dubious results or even led people to self-harm
- The technology is still a long way from being widely available and needs further trials