Ritu Mehrotra, Founder & CEO, United We Care talks about the role of technology in revolutionising mental health
Lately, technological innovations have ushered in a transformative era for mental health care. These developments are reshaping the landscape of diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals grappling with mental health challenges.
From teletherapy platforms providing remote counseling to AI-driven mental health apps offering personalised interventions, technology is bridging gaps in accessibility and effectiveness, heralding a promising era where mental well-being is increasingly within reach. Here are a few examples:
Telehealth: By using online tools like video conferencing, telehealth enables patients to get mental health care services from a distance. Those who reside in underserved or rural areas or who find it difficult to commute to a therapist’s office may find this to be of particular use.
Mobile apps: A variety of apps for smartphones can be utilized to promote mental wellness. With the aid of these apps, users can keep tabs on their emotions, symptoms, and advancement; pick up coping mechanisms; and establish connections with others facing comparable difficulties. This is the first step in understanding and building preventive mental health and wellness.
Virtual reality: with VR, immersive experiences are being created that can benefit those suffering from mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and phobias. VR, for instance, can be used to expose people to their concerns in a safe environment so they can develop coping mechanisms.
Artificial intelligence (AI): AI is being utilised to create novel instruments and therapies for disorders related to mental health. For instance, chatbots driven by AI can offer assistance and direction to those experiencing mental health issues. AI is also being utilized to customize treatment regimens and provide new screening instruments for mental health issues.
The transition from generative to cognitive AI signifies a pivotal leap for us at United We Care. This evolution extends beyond early diagnosis, encompassing a proactive approach to healthcare. By integrating preventive measures, we are not only enhancing the accessibility of mental health and wellness solutions but also making them more cost-effective. This strategic shift enables us to serve a broader global audience, positively impacting billions of lives simultaneously.
Wearable devices: Wearable devices, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, can track physiological data such as heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels. This data can be used to monitor mental health and identify early warning signs of problems.
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs): BCIs allow people to communicate and control devices using their thoughts. This technology is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way that people with mental health conditions are treated.
Online communities: Online communities can provide support and connection to people who are struggling with mental health conditions. These communities can be especially helpful for people who feel isolated or misunderstood.
Focused reading material verified by clinicians: This acts as a secondary source of information and sometimes even a primary source to get things done or take advice from an expert POV.
Technology is transforming mental healthcare, making it more accessible, affordable, and personalised.
In conclusion, the integration of innovative technologies is bringing about a transformative era for mental healthcare. From telehealth platforms expanding accessibility to mobile apps that empower individuals to monitor their mental well-being, these advancements are reshaping the efficacy of diagnosis, treatment, and support.
A 2022 survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that 40 per cent of people have used a mobile app to improve their mental well-being. A 2022 study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that 70 per cent of therapists believe that technology is improving the quality of mental health care. AI is driving personalised interventions and offering new screening tools, while virtual reality and wearable devices provide novel ways to address mental health challenges in real time for mass adoption.
The transition from generative AI to cognitive AI is a pivotal leap, as it proactively enhances global mental health and wellness with greater accessibility and affordability, leading to more predictive and comprehensive preventive healthcare.