AI Brings Promise and Concerns to Mental Health Care
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There is excitement about using AI in mental health care due to the shortage of therapists and rising rates of mental health issues, but concerns exist about replacing human providers.
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Promising applications include using AI for medical record-keeping and screening patients, but therapy based on emotional relationships should involve human providers.
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Problems caused by therapy bots include worsening mental health crises, addiction-like overuse, and bots giving harmful advice.
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Marketing mental health apps to schools could worsen adolescent anxiety and social isolation.
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In her research, Dr. Halpern found people who have suffered losses can develop empathy for themselves and others that aids their recovery.