Pinterest says AI reduced reported self-harm content by 88%

Rural Wisconsin has a shortage of mental health resources for youth. Supported by private grants and public funds, Wisconsin's statewide hotline offers counseling via text. The hotline was founded on the belief that young people may be more open to discuss their problems over text than through in-person conversations.

A partnership between Montana State University and Seattle-based Waypoint Health Innovations is helping bring virtual mental health services to rural communities in Montana. Although the program has only been in research stages thus far, the positive effects already documented has led the program to be ushered into "widespread implementation" amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In Kenya, rates of suicide are increasing and cost of help is not attainable for many, so volunteers are stepping in to fill the void. From a hotline to educating religious leaders and police officers to on-the-ground "gatekeepers" who are trained to recognize signs of suicidal behavior, communities are joining together to prevent suicide.

Wisconsin’s teen suicide rate and affiliated mental health concerns have increased, challenging school systems to maintain the quality of life for students. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has launched a Mental Health Project that allocates funds to different counties to focus on crisis, suicide, violence, and substance abuse prevention in schools. PATH is one successful program from this initiative—with cost-saving measures, increased student productivity, and improved quality of life.

Some youth are using mental health apps to supplement therapy or help them manage their emotions, making mental health care more accessible. While there are limitations regarding the apps’ regulations and validity, some research has found that mental health apps have moderately reduced anxiety, depression and suicide risk among the youth who use them.

Gaggle monitors student behaviors on school devices using AI software to identify keywords on the device that could indicate a mental health crisis. The AI alerts a Gaggle employee, who evaluates the situation and elevates it to the school and local law enforcement if necessary.

LandLogic Model trains mental healthcare providers to use farmers’ relationships to their land to identify and treat depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues. Virtual and easily adaptable training models have helped the LandLogic Model support this notoriously hard-to-reach population.

Sonar Mental Health, the developer of the AI-powered “wellbeing companion” named Sonny, is offering its services to schools that struggle to meet students’ demand for mental health services. Sonny’s algorithm also has trained humans working behind the scenes to ensure students receive proper care. The hybrid bot is available in more than 4,500 public middle and high schools across the country, many of which are in rural and low-income areas.

As many struggle to access mental health care, AI-powered chatbots, called “psychobots,” are emerging as a response to limited access to traditional psychotherapy. While they may not be a replacement for human connection, these chatbots offer affordable, convenient and anonymous psychological support, using techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and advanced conversational AI algorithms to communicate.

For some youth, AI apps like ChatGPT are emerging as easy, inexpensive tools for mental health care, as traditional therapy methods can be inaccessible for many.