AI seems like it’s on a world takeover. From AI-generated answers to your searches on Google to chatbots on websites, AI is becoming an unavoidable part of daily life. And now, it’s even making its way into the field of mental health. Whether people are looking for information on mental health, trying out a generative AI therapy chatbot, or seeking advice from an AI-generated mental health app — generative AI is making its presence known.
Learn more about how AI affects mental health and what it means for teens when you read on here.
What Is Generative AI?
You’ve probably been lectured about using ChatGPT, Google Assistant, or another type of AI to complete your homework in the last few years. And chances are, you’ve used it before. But what does “generative AI” mean?
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can generate new data based on patterns and trends found in existing data. It uses algorithms and machine learning to create new content like articles, conversations, images, or videos. It can’t create anything unique or original, but it uses past content to develop an answer that meets your query.
How Generative AI Could Affect Mental Health
So, what should you expect from the new frontier of generative AI and mental health? Here are some possibilities.
1. Easier Access to Mental Health Help
AI could make getting mental health support easier for people who struggle to find it. For instance, if you live far from a therapist or can’t afford one, an app or chatbot might offer advice and support when you need it. It can also help you survive a bed shortage at a residential treatment facility.
However, AI is no substitute for professional help. It’s important to remember that while AI can provide valuable information and support, it cannot replace the benefits of face-to-face therapy with a trained mental health professional.
2. Misinformation Risks
One downside of using AI for mental health is the chance of spreading incorrect information. AI might not always provide accurate advice, which could mislead people.
Some scientists are even warning that AI could deliberately lie in the future — a huge issue for mental health support. People could become more anxious, depressed, or confused because of the bad information that AI gives them.
3. Less Personalized Care
Therapy is often about connecting with someone who understands and cares. If generative AI takes over mental health care, that human touch would be totally lost.
Think about how you feel when someone listens to you and asks how you’re doing. Now, imagine if a chatbot or app did the same thing — it just doesn’t have the same impact.
4. Privacy Concerns
Using AI in mental health also brings up questions about privacy. Your therapist has a legal responsibility to keep your conversations confidential, but can you trust an AI chatbot with the same information?
5. Effects on Therapists
The rise of generative AI in mental health is raising questions about how it will affect therapists. Will AI take over some therapy jobs or just help therapists do their work better? What will this mean for the role of therapists?
If you’ve ever spent time in therapy, you know how valuable it can be to have a trusted professional guide you through your struggles. While AI may offer some benefits, it’s important to consider the potential consequences for therapists and the quality of care they provide.
Should You Avoid AI Because of Mental Health Concerns?
Now that you know a little more about how AI affects mental health, you can make more conscious decisions in the future. Just because AI isn’t quite ready to handle mental health doesn’t mean that it can’t be a fun thing to play around with.
AI tools can help you get creative, solve problems, or inspire you to explore. Just be mindful of how much you depend on AI for mental health support.
Ascend Is Here to Help with Mental Health Treatment for Teens
Whether you’re a teen struggling with mental health concerns or an adult looking for a higher level of care for a loved one, Ascend is here to help. Reach out to us at 310.388.3713 to learn more about our targeted programs, compassionate staff, and personalized care today!
