Creating an AI therapist has its challenges, as Dartmouth researchers admit it has been a “dramatic failure.”
Their initial chatbot therapists exhibited despair and suicidal thoughts. The subsequent model seemed to exacerbate negative aspects of psychotherapy, often blaming parental issues for the user’s problems.
Finally, they developed Therabot, an AI chatbot intended to assist individuals in addressing difficult issues. With a shortage of mental health providers, many people require treatment for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Living in communities where less than a third of Americans have access to adequate mental health providers highlights the need for solutions to meet local demand. Research indicates that a majority of individuals with mental health disorders remain untreated or receive insufficient treatment.
Source: www.nytimes.com