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I recently interviewed a psychologist in California on artificial intelligence and psychotherapy. (Click here to watch the full interview)
I was looking forward to this interview regarding the topic as I have been feeling unsettled when I think of AI’s role in psychology and society.
But I left the interview feeling excited, enthusiastic, and hopeful about how AI can help improve an individual’s mental health in ways that I did not think of, and to do so much more quickly than without AI.
Pointing Out Patterns
Something I often explore in my therapy sessions – and in myself – are patterns in the way a person relates to others and the way they think.
Is there a pattern in how this person communicates with friends versus loved ones? Is there a pattern in the way they relate to new acquaintances? What do I notice about the way they are interacting with me?
However, the benefit of artificial intelligence is that it can identify patterns much more quickly and compare them with the patterns of other people who are either similar to or different from you.
For example, when an individual is depressed, there are ways in which they view the world, themselves, and their future that are similar to other depressed people people. In other words, there is a pattern in the way people think and behave when they are depressed.
If you can point out this pattern, you can address it more quickly and efficiently than if you went about your life with these patterns being unnoticed.
According to Dr. Esherick, that’s what our official intelligence can do. When used in a therapy session, AI can help to identify patterns in the way one is speaking that can suggest whether or not they are depressed. Identifying these patterns of thinking more quickly, a therapist can help recommend suggestions and interventions tailored to the person’s circumstances, improving their mood and mental health.
Only Time Will Tell
I’ve used a smartphone since 2003. If there’s something I’ve learned since then, technology is never perfect the first time it’s introduced. There are always updates and upgrades. For the most part, technology improves with time.
The same can be said when it comes to the implementation of AI into a therapist’s office or any other industry. Yes, there will be many benefits, but I suspect there will also be many frustrations, hiccups, and speed bumps along the way.
But as long as we don’t elevate our expectations or get them too high, and as long as we are patient and have good intentions, then I think anything that can help us with our work – regardless of what industry we are in – will also benefit society as a whole.
Let’s wait and see what happens.
Richard
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Revolutionizing Mental Health Counseling with AI: Benefits and Applications
