AI for health has been a long-discussed topic specifically on therapy by bringing digital solutions to mental health issues. Some applications have already been, such as Genie in a Headset which manages human emotional behavior in work environments. But bringing AI into therapy means building an AI that feels and is keen to improve mental health issues.
The fundamental objective of AI therapy is to assist patients in fighting mental illnesses. Ideally, this technology would be able to distinguish each patients needs and personalize their mental health programs through an efficient data collection process.
In 2019, Microsoft and SilverCloud announced their collaboration toward improving mental health. Since then, Google invested in AI health programs, and we are seeing a medical future full of technology with better effectiveness.
Microsoft researchers are working alongside SilverCloud Health to develop better interventions for people living with mental health difficulties. See how they hope to use probabilistic machine learning to give personalized treatment: https://t.co/6m7lhZq32E #WorldMentalHealthDay
— Microsoft Research (@MSFTResearch) October 2, 2019
Statistics and analysis predict AI therapy success
Research shows that nearly 1 billion people need psychological therapy, but most never know where an immense number can’t afford it. Another analysis that backs the concept of Microsoft AI-based therapy is that many people are more comfortable expressing themselves to a machine than to a person. So, it has three supporting arguments that validate that it would be a success.
- It has a massive potential market of 1 billion people.
- It is going to be way cheaper than already present solutions.
- The potential buyer feels more comfortable with it compared to other solutions.
The therapists are using #AI to make therapy betterhttps://t.co/LN0D0SfI5C pic.twitter.com/w4GuNilCHY
— Edvancer Eduventures (@Edvancer) August 12, 2022
AI therapists would be way ahead of the usual ones
Psychological therapy is a tough job that requires extracting confidential information from patients they hesitate to share. Like any other medical issue, it is essential to diagnose the problem before curing it. It requires exquisite skills to make someone comfortable.
An AI therapist can access your cellphone, laptop, personal data, emails, all-day movement, and routine, making it more efficient in understanding you and your problems. Knowing problems in depth gives an AI-therapist advantage over the usual therapist.
Another fascinating thing about an AI therapist is that the technology can have the ability to respond to your issues quickly. If an application is installed in your cellphone, laptop, car, or smart home system, it can advise you whenever you need it.
For example, it knows that the person is going through a tough time through data received from your cellphone. When you push start your car, it will advise you to calm down and travel within legal limits for your safety and gives you the reasons to do so, whereas a usual therapist doesn’t have such access to their patient’s life.
Impact of AI therapy
On average, a therapist makes $31 an hour, and treatment can go up to 15-20 sessions over six months. According to Statista, 41.4 million people in the US alone went for mental health therapy in 2020.
Unfortunately, people from poor financial countries can’t bear such expensive treatment and decide to live with their mental health problems for the rest of their life. Companies like Microsoft, SilverCloud, and Google are bringing a more affordable solution to change the situation and help repair the lives of millions.
Vimeo: SilverCloud Health – At a Glance (Coached)
Photo credit: The feature image has been taken by Eduard Nurgaleev. The infographic was done by Statista.
Sources: Microsoft / Google Health / UN / Matt Swayne (Futurity)
