Why Generative AI (LLM) Is Ready for Mental Healthcare

I’m among those amazed by the power of OpenAI’ ChatGPT and new technologies using large language models (LLMs). There is no doubt that these innovations represent a new chapter in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) for mental healthcare. However, I’ll start this article by focusing on the human patient, not the technology.

New Tech Platform To Revolutionise Psychiatric Care

Carle Illinois College of Medicine (CI MED) student, Aditya Vaidyam, together with a team at Harvard University, have developed a new technology platform to make mental health care available whenever and wherever it’s needed most. The platform is called Learn, Assess, Manage, Prevent, or LAMP and not only makes psychiatric care more accessible to those who need it but also enables professional care teams to work with more patients at any given time.

More Digital Mental Health Therapies Backed for NHS Use

NICE has recommended eight digital therapies (DTx) for mental health disorders, continuing a drive by the health technology assessment (HTA) agency to review treatment options for patients that can relieve pressure on the NHS.

Digital Mental Health Interventions for Young People in Rural South Africa: Prospects and Challenges for Implementation

The growing access to mobile devices in South Africa has the potential to increase access to mental health care services through digital platforms. However, uptake of digital mental health interventions may be hampered by several factors, such as privacy, confidentiality, informed consent, and affordability. This study identified the prospects and challenges of implementing a mobile phone-based mental health intervention for young people in Ingwavuma area.

VR Therapy? Why It Isn’t Used More And What Lies Ahead

The conversation around VR use for treating mental ill health has been longstanding but the introduction of modern, home-accessible products like VR headsets has turbo-charged the discourse. VR use in treating phobias and anxiety allows users to encounter their fears in a safe, controlled environment but barriers to accessing this technology remain. Barriers include the high costs of the technology and lack of trust and/or awareness of its benefits for those seeking mental health support.