What to Know Before Using AI in Mental Health Support

When advising people on the use of AI tools for mental health, it’s essential to emphasize that these tools can be helpful but must be used cautiously. Here are key precautions to offer:

1. Understand the Limits of AI • Precaution: AI tools can provide basic mental health support, such as mood tracking, self-help exercises, or education about mental health. However, they cannot replace professional diagnosis, therapy, or crisis intervention.
   • Advice: Use AI tools as a supplement to professional care, not as a substitute. Always consult a licensed mental health professional for more serious or complex issues.
2. Seek Professional Help for Serious Concerns • Precaution: AI tools may not be able to handle severe mental health issues like suicidal ideation, severe depression, anxiety disorders, or psychosis.
   • Advice: If you are experiencing intense symptoms or a mental health crisis, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately. Rely on AI tools for support between sessions but not for acute care.
3. Be Aware of Data Privacy and Security Risks • Precaution: AI tools often collect sensitive personal information, including mental health data, which could be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized sharing.
   • Advice: Before using a mental health AI tool, review the privacy policy and understand what data is collected, how it is used, and whether it is shared with third parties. Use tools from trusted providers with strong security measures, such as encryption and data anonymization.
4. Avoid Self-Diagnosis • Precaution: Many AI tools provide assessments based on questionnaires or behavioral data, but these should not be seen as definitive diagnoses.
   • Advice: Use the information provided by AI tools as a guide or starting point for understanding your mental health, but always verify the findings with a qualified professional who can give a comprehensive assessment.
5. Recognize the Need for Human Connection • Precaution: AI tools cannot provide the same level of empathy, emotional support, or nuanced understanding that comes from a human therapist.
   • Advice: While AI tools can be helpful for tracking your progress or practicing self-care, don’t rely solely on them for emotional support. Seek human connection through therapy, support groups, or family and friends to address emotional needs more fully.
6. Check for Evidence-Based Practices • Precaution: Not all AI mental health tools are grounded in scientifically supported methods. Some may offer advice that is not backed by evidence or clinical research.
   • Advice: Look for tools that are developed in partnership with mental health professionals and use evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based interventions. Avoid tools that make unrealistic promises or lack clinical validation.
7. Monitor How the Tool Affects You • Precaution: AI tools may not work for everyone, and using them could potentially worsen mental health if they provide unhelpful or inappropriate guidance.
   • Advice: Pay attention to how using an AI tool makes you feel. If you notice an increase in stress, frustration, or worsening symptoms, stop using the tool and consult a professional. Mental health interventions should leave you feeling supported, not overwhelmed.
8. Use Tools Designed for Your Specific Needs • Precaution: Many AI mental health tools are designed for general use and may not be suitable for individuals with specific mental health conditions or co-occurring disorders.
   • Advice: Select AI tools that are appropriate for your mental health concerns. For example, if you’re dealing with anxiety, look for a tool specifically designed to manage anxiety rather than a general mood tracker. Always consult a professional to see if the tool is right for you.
9. Don’t Rely on AI for Crisis Intervention • Precaution: AI tools are not equipped to handle emergencies or crises, such as suicidal thoughts or severe panic attacks.
   • Advice: In an emergency or mental health crisis, always reach out to a licensed therapist, crisis helpline, or emergency services. Have a list of crisis resources available, such as hotlines or emergency contacts, rather than relying on AI for immediate support.
10. Regularly Update and Evaluate the Tools You Use • Precaution: AI technology evolves rapidly, and tools may become outdated, offer new features, or change their terms of service without your knowledge.
    • Advice: Regularly check for updates or changes to the tools you use, including privacy policies and features. Ensure that the tool still meets your needs and is being maintained by its developers. Be willing to switch to new tools if better or more secure options become available.
11. Be Mindful of the Role of Commercial Interests • Precaution: Some AI mental health tools are developed by companies with commercial interests, such as selling user data or promoting certain products.
    • Advice: Be cautious of tools that may prioritize profit over mental health. Avoid apps that seem to be more focused on marketing or upselling premium features than on providing real mental health support. Look for tools with clear ethical guidelines and transparency.

By following these precautions, individuals can maximize the benefits of AI mental health tools while minimizing the risks. Encouraging a balanced and informed approach will help people use these tools responsibly as part of a broader mental health strategy that includes professional care.