The NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network has announced a new partnership with Limbic to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) can be safely, effectively, and responsibly adopted across mental health services. Announced on 11 December 2025, the project responds to rapid advances in AI and growing interest in its potential to reduce pressure on services, support clinicians, and improve access to care—while recognising the need for robust governance, evidence, and patient safety.
Aligned with the ambitions set out in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, the initiative will focus on demystifying the use of AI in real-world mental health settings. While AI-enabled tools are increasingly being used to streamline administrative processes, support clinical decision-making, and expand access for patients, the partners note that uncertainty around regulation, liability, effectiveness, and implementation continues to be a barrier to wider adoption.
The programme will explore the current landscape of AI tools in mental health, balancing innovation with careful, strategic implementation. Through engagement with providers already using AI, intelligence gathered via the Mental Health Network, and focused discussions including a roundtable planned for early 2026, the project aims to build a clearer picture of both the opportunities and challenges facing NHS systems.
Key objectives of the work include:
- identifying barriers and enablers to the long-term adoption of AI in mental health services;
- providing practical, evidence-informed guidance on AI adoption, supported by case studies and real-world examples; and
- supporting systems that are looking to scale their use of AI tools in a safe and sustainable way.
As part of the project, NHS Confederation members are being invited to share their experiences of using AI in mental health care, with the potential for examples to be featured in a forthcoming user guide. Participants will also receive early access to the guide and advance notice of a launch webinar planned for March 2026. The work will be showcased at the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Conference and Exhibition in April 2026, where Limbic has been confirmed as the first event partner.
Leaders from both organisations emphasised the importance of grounding AI adoption in evidence, clinical need, and patient safety. The partnership aims to move beyond hype and provide mental health leaders with the confidence and practical tools needed to make informed decisions about where and how AI can add real value to services.
Read the original article, New partnership to explore the role of AI in mental health services.
