Technology is revolutionizing mental health care — and your own industry.
Mental illness has become an epidemic — more than 300 million people experience depression worldwide. The World Health Organization predicts that by next year, depression will be the second leading cause of global disability. By 2030, it’s expected to be the largest contributor to the planet’s disease burden.
Fortunately, breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence and wearable technology are radically shifting the way we diagnose and treat hundreds of mental health conditions. These breakthroughs have major implications for companies worldwide.
Of course, machines cannot provide the exact care of an attentive and empathetic human being. But with America (and countless other countries) experiencing health professional shortages, the advent of these technologies offers effective solutions.
Here are four ways these breakthroughs are improving mental health care.
1. AI therapists are making counseling convenient.
The mind doesn’t work on a schedule. Major crises such as manic episodes and psychotic breaks can take place at any time, on any day. Companies like Woebot and X2AI have developed chatbots that provide personal and responsive care from anywhere — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We are all implicitly biased and a bit judgmental. Numerous studies have found that humans are growing increasingly comfortable sharing personal information with machines, as we feel they are free of judgment. With certain thought processes (e.g. suicidal ideation), someone may feel more comfortable reaching out to a robot than dialing a lifeline.
2. Online therapists are making therapy more financially accessible.
Not only are the aforementioned chatbots extremely responsive, but they are also affordable. Woebot users only need to download the app to begin receiving help.
Those who prefer a human experience can still receive one-on-one counseling with licensed online therapists on platforms like Talkspace.
3. Wearables are assisting mental health professionals.
Emotion-sensing wearables provide professionals detailed access to a patient’s data, which when compiled can indicate emotional well-being. For example, the Empatica E4 monitors a variety of activities that could represent major emotional shifts such as a panic attack or seizure.
In addition, cognitive-behavioral therapists have begun using augmented reality to help patients overcome conditions like phobias and social anxiety.
4. Voice-activated assistants are alleviating loneliness.
With 275 million household voice assistants expected by 2023, assistants like Alexa and Google Home are poised to play a major role in our lives, from ecommerce to mental health care.
Further, loneliness is a major contributing factor to depression, particularly among elderly individuals living alone. Simply hearing the sound of another voice — even an AI one — has made pensioners feel more connected and part of a larger community.
So, with these radical changes taking place, what responsibilities do companies have in ensuring the mental well being of their employees? The growing accessibility of the aforementioned technologies could help companies do so much more for their people on a daily basis.
We’re not far from a world where a company-sponsored program provides every employee with a personalized, 24/7 AI therapist. One that continually learns the company’s culture and responds accordingly. Or a world where employees participate in AR-led training sessions to help alleviate presentation anxiety before important meetings.
The applications for healthtech in the workplace are only just beginning. All it takes to bring these ideas to life is some innovation — and a bit of imagination.
Sam Hoffman is a member of the creative team at co:
