AI and Mental Health
With the surge in access to artificial intelligence (AI) comes some interesting questions about how it can be best utilized. Many tout that AI can be helpful in the health care industry for several reasons and others question the ethics and efficacy of using AI in a human centered field. To start, there are different layers of AI that can be used in healthcare. A common first use of AI is the “chat bot” technology that is sweeping the nation, but there are also programs that can help diagnose, track biodata, and improve compliance with treatments (1). Many people are already using AI to improve compliance and track biodata by using smart watches and smart phone apps to track sleep, nutrition, heart rate, mood, and set reminders to take medications, practice exercises or engage in mindfulness activities.
More commonly, the concern for ethics and efficacy is targeted at using chat bot technology as a mental health treatment. Some argue that these platforms can provide coping skills and quick interventions to people that cannot otherwise access mental health care. This could be helpful for those living in rural areas, in places where there is not enough supply to mitigate the demand, or for those that battle social stigma regarding mental health services (2). While this could be helpful in some situations, AI chat bots are an algorithm and can experience errors in the data they compile. Possible misinformation could be more detrimental to a person’s mental health than the benefit of easy access.
At this time, AI chat bots are not regulated by any health care agency or professional board, nor are they bound by the same privacy laws as mental health professionals (3). It is important to remember that these algorithms are able to compile the information you supply and may utilize it for marketing purposes (4). Lastly, research has shown time and time again that one of the most important factors to the efficacy of therapy is the relationship between client and clinician (5). Using AI may be convenient and feel engaging, but it is not able to replace the human connectivity that therapy can bring.
If you find yourself looking to connect with a clinician best fit for your needs, please reach out to Advanced Counseling Bozeman to see if one of our clinicians may be a good fit for you at info@acbmt.com or 406-595-3746.
Gabbi Niemi, MSW, SWLC
References