How does AI therapy work?
There are a number of ways that artificial intelligence can be used to provide therapy. For example, certain AI technology provides feedback for the journal entries that a patient makes. This means that an algorithm reviews and reaches conclusions about the entries, determining the emotional status of the patient and recording concerns. Sometimes the AI system takes things a step further and informs your doctor or other heath provider of your emotional status. This can then be acted upon as a crisis or addressed at the next medical appointment.
Is AI therapy effective?
Speaking with a professional therapist is really the gold standard when it comes to therapy. However, The National Institutes of Health informs us that one in five people experience mental health challenges, but less than half of them are in a position to access services. Therefore we know that if effective, artificial intelligence therapy can be of value to numerous patients. We know that the process of giving feedback on your feelings and take into consideration new ways of dealing with depression and anxiety can be helpful to patients.
What are the limitations of AI therapy?
Artificial Intelligence therapy is only as valuable as the response from patients who use it. If a patient is not in the right frame of mind to take advantage of what artificial intelligence therapy has to offer, then it will not be an effective therapy tool for that patient. We also need to be careful with AI since it’s capable of providing erroneous or inappropriate feedback. Regardless, always consult with your physician including as to whether artificial intelligence therapy or any other tools are worth trying.
