Global warming. Unimaginable horrors shared through social media. Conflict overseas and division at home…it’s no shock more of us are reporting feeling anxious. Roughly one in 5 adults is presently residing with diagnosable anxiety or associated circumstances. And the quantity is growing. But relaxation simple, everyone, because the tech giants think they have a answer – and it’s AI.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said: “I personally have the belief that everyone should probably have a therapist. It’s like someone they can talk to throughout the day… about whatever issues they’re worried about. And for people who don’t have a person who’s a therapist, I think everyone will have an AI.”
Earlier this month, Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced an unbiased review into rising demand for mental health, ADHD and autism companies in England. It will look at whether there is evidence of overdiagnosis and what gaps in support exist. Ministers say they are already investing in increasing companies, but there are long waits for therapy in many areas.
For their half, many healthcare suppliers appear to agree that the newest technology is the method of tackling the burgeoning mental health disaster.
COULD AI BE THE ANSWER?
The founders of HelloSelf believe so. Last month, the UK-based online therapy platform launched HelloSelf Companion – the first customer-facing AI in the world developed by therapists. It lives in their app and seems to be like a faceless lump of inexperienced Play-Doh – but a pleasant one that gives personalised therapeutic support and reminds customers to do the issues they mentioned with their therapist.
Dr Rumina Taylor, co-founder of HelloSelf and a medical psychologist who works in the NHS, says HelloSelf Companion has big potential to improve access to therapy and boostoutcomes by supporting customers between and beyond classes.
‘‘If you look at the evidence basis for talking therapies, lots of research papers show that if clients do their homework – the work outside the sessions – they’ll realise advantages sooner. This is where Companion can help. It makes use of the work my shopper and I have accomplished in therapy to support them by reminding them of what to do between classes, permitting them the space to mirror on what they’re studying and establish what’s not working.”
DO WE REALLY NEED MORE SCREEN TIME?
When so many of our points right now appear down to smartphones, can something that further encourages us to stare at a screen actually help those who need it most? Since ChatGPT was launched in late 2022, growing numbers of people have turned to it for mental health advice. But there have been devastating penalties for some.
A landmark lawsuit launched in August saw a California couple sue OpenAI, which created the chatbot, over the death of their teenage son, Adam Raine, alleging it inspired him to take his own life. They argue that the programme validated his “most harmful and self-destructive thoughts”. The company has said “ChatGPT is trained to direct people to seek professional help,” such as the Samaritans in the UK.
Dr Taylor argues that the key distinction is that HelloSelf’s Companion has been developed – and is consistently overseen – by therapists. Therapists led analysis into its design and what to clinically train it – and then taught it through position play. She says: “One key component of therapy is building an alliance with your client – it’s the connection that can really make the difference. The Companion is not trying to replace that, it’s boosting the alliance between therapist and client, like a co-pilot.
“One of the hardest things about my career is witnessing the revolving door of relapse where people who had recovered end up in therapy again. That’s not what you want as a therapist. My job is not to keep you in therapy for life, it’s to teach you how to look after yourself. Our Companion can really help with that.”
BRINGING THERAPY COSTS DOWN:
HelloSelf Companion can also help to make therapy more reasonably priced. Users can have one in-person human therapy session a month – or whatever they can afford – and then get supported by Companion in the weeks in between. In the new 12 months, the company is also launching a teaching pathway, for those who need support with stress or sleep but don’t essentially require weekly therapy. Individuals will be triaged into the proper frequency and sort of therapy – or teaching – that is best for them.
Co-founder Charles Wells says: “People will be matched with a named therapist who will oversee their plan but the coaching will be delivered by Companion. There will always be therapist oversight but not necessarily therapist sessions.
“Imagine if we gave that experience to everyone on a waiting list or even used it as early intervention prevention. That’s how we can help the overwhelmed mental health service in this country.”
However, Dr Taylor acknowledges that even an AI agent developed by therapists such as HelloSelf Companion isn’t for the most susceptible.
She says: “If I had a client presenting with risk needs, seeing them online might not be the safest or best care for them. It all depends on the client and a collaborative conversation with them as to what’s best. However, if a conversation about risk is raised by anyone, Companion will let me know.”
WHAT COULD IT DO TO THE THERAPY INDUSTRY?
Many therapists stay involved about the affect of AI. A current survey by Counselling Directory of 660 UK therapists discovered that 62% of them were nervous that AI could hurt the high quality or depth of human connection in therapy. Just 16% believed it would complement therapeutic work.
Dr Michael Swift, a psychologist and spokesperson for the British Psychological Society, says: “We are living through an era of digital confessional culture. People are increasingly comfortable sharing private emotions through mediated spaces, from group chats to anonymous forums.”
OUR NEXT LOGICAL STEP?
He provides: “The psychological implications of this trend are vast. We are seeing the birth of a new category of relationship: the human-AI bond. It is built on words, patterns and the illusion of mutuality. For many users, these interactions bring genuine relief. They reduce anxiety, encourage reflection, and provide moments of calm in an overstimulated world.”
But Dr Swift cautions: “Reliance on a system that cannot truly understand human context carries risk. AI will always agree, always validate, and always respond. It lacks the capacity to challenge, to hold silence, or to contain complexity.”
Ultimately, the technology isn’t going anywhere so people will use it. As Charles Wells provides: “Above all, Companion is all about getting people better sooner.”
Charles had a life-threatening mind haemorrhage in 2012. Since then he’s been on a mission to improve mind health – and mental health – in as many people as attainable.
- Since launching, HelloSelf has helped 15,000 people with online therapy – and growing numbers of their customers are interacting with HelloSelf Companion. Visit helloself.com for more particulars
Source hyperlink
