AI in Mental Health Screening

Main Researcher: Dr. Alan Dennis

Overview: In collaboration with healthcare providers, we investigated the efficacy of AI-powered chatbots in mental health screening. Our research revealed that while AI agents can facilitate faster, more scalable interventions, they also face unique challenges in gaining user trust. Users often perceive AI as more judgmental than human agents, even when the responses are identical, leading to lower disclosure rates and compliance with AI-recommended treatments.

Key Insights: This study underscored the importance of nuanced, empathetic AI design. While AI offers significant potential for scalability in mental health applications, our findings suggest that users need to feel a human touch in sensitive contexts. The challenge lies in developing AI systems that can navigate complex emotional landscapes while maintaining the clinical precision necessary for healthcare.