EXPLORING THE USE OF AI IN PSYCHOTHERAPY: CURRENT APPLICATIONS, EMOTIONAL UNDERSTANDING, AND THE FUTURE OF AI IN THERAPY

Abstract

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is visible in the field of mental health care. AI has been integrated in smartphone apps, and online platforms aiming to enhance user experience and improve mental health. Through the analysis of an individual's ‘digital exhaust’ and their activity on social media, digital footprints across platforms can be used to interpret behavior and mental health insight (D’Alfonso, 2020). Such analysis is more significant as it allows more personalized mental health support. AI tools provide mental health solutions that can be accessed by people from all around the world. Studies show that the majority of people do not receive the treatment they need because of social stigma (Corrigan, 2004). Lack of resources and lack of access are other reasons (Minerva and Giubilini, 2023).