Mental health needs have grown significantly worldwide since Covid-19, yet most people still do not receive care due to shortages of professionals and limited resources. Artificial intelligence offers promising ways to bridge this gap and reach those who need help most.

Key points from the article include:

• Depression and anxiety increased by 25 to 27 percent after the pandemic according to the World Health Organization.

• About 85 percent of people with mental health conditions do not receive treatment because of a global shortage of mental health workers (WHO Mental Health Atlas, International Journal of Mental Health Systems).

• The number of mental health professionals varies greatly with high-income countries having up to 40 times more than low-income nations.

• AI tools can expand access by assisting clinicians with diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and personalized insights.

• A survey from the Oliver Wyman Forum shows nearly one-third of people worldwide are open to AI-based mental health support, especially younger generations and countries with fewer mental health professionals. (Read the 2024 Report)

• Many users see AI as an empathetic and reliable confidant due to its constant availability.

• Privacy and security remain major concerns, with regulations such as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and US Federal Trade Commission warnings addressing data misuse risks.

• AI should complement human providers to ensure care is safe, personalized, and empathetic rather than replacing them.

AI has real potential to transform mental health care by extending access, reducing stigma, and supporting clinicians. For a full exploration of how AI can improve mental health access and the challenges involved, read the original article at the World Economic Forum here.