Virtual Therapy: Unpacking the Potential and Pitfalls of AI Chatbots in Mental Health

Description

Page: 236-240

Neethu Prakashan¹, Charu Lavania², Anusmita Kalita³, and Starla Wilson⁴ (RYT Life Healthtech Private Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka¹ and Independent Researcher, Bangalore, Karnataka²,³,⁴)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers innovative possibilities for therapy and support in the mental health field, one of which is Chatbots. Chatbots are computer programs that simulate human-like conversations and interact with users through either text or voice communication. These chatbots are built using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing techniques to respond appropriately to individual inputs. Over the past decade, it has facilitated enhanced access to mental health care services. The increasing number of these chatbots and their demand highlights the inadequacies in traditional mental health systems. But does this increase in demand imply greater efficiency in mental health services provided by these AI chatbots? In the current paper, the authors attempt to provide a comprehensive review of both the advantages and disadvantages of mental health services offered by chatbots.