However, many experts argue that another, equally devastating, crisis is happening in parallel – that of mental health. Researchers at the School of Computing at Ulster University (UU) are now working closely with mental health professionals to see how data science and AI can alleviate the increasing pressure on already-stretched mental health services. AI for goodAnother project the UU team has pioneered is that of “ChatPal”, a new “chatbot” or mental health app designed to support mental health and wellbeing. Bond explains that the goal is to provide psychoeducation and support self-management but not diagnose or treat mental health issues. “We are trying to balance what AI can do reliably well, what users actually want, and what mental health professionals would support.

Source: The Irish Times September 30, 2020 09:22 UTC