Do Mental Health Chatbots Work?

People affected by mental health issues may hesitate to get treatment due to strained financial conditions or stigma surrounding psychological issues. Presently, due to technological advancements, we are witnessing companies creating various chatbots for smartphones.

Medical chatbots aim to be the initial line of interaction for mental health patients while maintaining their privacy and anonymity. These individual-targeted apps were created to keep track of users, be available to listen and converse at any time and place, and offer activities that can help in improving users' well-being. 

Here are three chatbots that aim to help people with mental health issues. 

Woebot

Developed by Woebot Labs in San Francisco, it is a wholly automated conversational chatbot. Woebot is simple and starts with a quick survey to determine the issues an individual wishes to work on. It also discusses confidentiality, advises you that it is not a substitute for human assistance, and provides guidance on what to do during an emergency. 

It is among the most industry-recognized chatbots with features like emoji support (to identify your mood and thoughts), a sense of humor, and CBT treatment. The software starts discussions in English and keeps track of the user's emotions every week. Woebot's ability to acquire data about the user and provide a first-line of mental health help will improve as the chats get more frequent and regular, according to the firm. 

Wysa

An AI-based 'emotionally intelligent' chatbot, Wysa, seeks to support users in managing their emotions and thoughts using various tools and techniques, including evidence-based CBT, guided meditation, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), breathing, and yoga. 

Wysa was created using Facebook Messenger as the user interface and is compatible with iOS and Android devices.  Researchers from Columbia University and Cambridge University partnered to design the chatbot. Anyone who feels a requirement of a human connection and more tailored treatment can pay a subscription of $29.99 to converse with a Wysa human coach.

MoodKit

It is a collection of features that allow people with mental illness to manage their symptoms. The features include structured activities that identify and change negative thought patterns, tools that rate and chart moods over time, and text journaling with bespoke templates. Moodkit was named one of Healthline's Best chatbots for Depression in 2017, and it includes a tool called 'Thought Checker' that helps control negative feelings tied to a particular event, leading to a shift in perspective with repeated use. ‍

Conclusion 

The most apparent advantage of chatbots is convenience and cost-effectiveness. While it cannot fully replace in-person therapy, it is a viable option for mental health care. You can learn more about making applications by viewing various courses and blogs at Congent.