Chatbots for Mental Health

 

ELIZA with the DOCTOR script simulated a Rogerian psychotherapist (in particular, Carl Rogers, who was well-known for simply parroting back at patients what they had just said)

Lately, mental health is a major concern, be it in workplaces or schools. Many would agree that having conversations with someone who actively listens would help alleviate one's woes. With that in mind, I wondered if technology could be used effectively for that very purpose especially with advancements in technology in the space of AI and Natural Language Processing. I came across ELIZA which was one of the first chatterbots and one of the first programs capable of attempting the Turing test.

According to Wikipedia, 

"ELIZA's creator, Weizenbaum, regarded the program as a method to show the superficiality of communication between man and machine, but was surprised by the number of individuals who attributed human-like feelings to the computer program, including Weizenbaum’s secretary. Many academics believed that the program would be able to positively influence the lives of many people, particularly those suffering from psychological issues, and that it could aid doctors working on such patients' treatment. While ELIZA was capable of engaging in discourse, ELIZA could not converse with true understanding.However, many early users were convinced of ELIZA’s intelligence and understanding, despite Weizenbaum’s insistence to the contrary."

Somehow Joseph Weizenbaum who wrote books like Computer Power and Human Reason: From Judgement to Calculation is also apprehensive about Artificial Intelligence. He had thought philosophically about the implications of artificial intelligence and later became one of its leading critics. In an interview with MIT's The Tech, Weizenbaum elaborated on his fears, expanding them beyond the realm of mere artificial intelligence, explaining that his fears for society and the future of society were largely because of the computer itself.

Those of you who are curious and want to try out the chatbot (now with a voice even) can go to https://www.masswerk.at/eliza/. There are other simpler alternatives like this, this or this.

This one was built in Scratch by a father and son duo fun project

It is important to note here that ELIZA or modern variations of it are not adequate to replace true professionals (therapists, psychologists etc.). Locally, there are chatbots that have been created to act as a listening ear or venting board (or bot). For public servants, we have https://www.mindline.sg/workspace/publicservice/ which is equipped with a clinically-validated self-assessment tool, various carefully curated resources and an emotionally-intelligent chatbot, mindline.sg serves as a one-stop portal for improving your own wellbeing or finding support for a loved one.

According to the MOHT site, mindline.sg addresses the need for a trusted platform to improve the wellbeing of people in Singapore through technology. Its key features include:

 

1. A clinically validated self-assessment tool

The tool directs users to the most suitable resources, including both self-help links and helplines, based on their self-assessed level of stress and anxiety.  Referring users along these pathways of intervention and support streamlines access to care and support resources.

2. Wysa, an emotionally intelligent AI chatbot

Available 24/7, the chatbot enables users to share their emotions safely and anonymously without being judged, anywhere and anytime. It also provides users in Singapore with free access to a wide range of self-management and cognitive behavioural therapy exercises.

3. A compendium of customised local resources, direct hotlines and self-care exercises

A portfolio of resources carefully curated from various social and healthcare organisations, and span the following domains and themes:

• Helplines and counselling by phone
• Employment support
• Financial assistance
• Family and Caregiving support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Health and fitness tips

MOHT has launched this website as a base platform and will integrate more customised and newly-emerging resources in the coming months. To this end, mindline.sg will be adapted to address the growing needs of the population, thereby providing an evolving palette of resources. While mindline.sg is a one-stop for the general population today, it aims to address the needs of specific population groups such as youth, working adults and seniors over time.

a variation of the Mental Health continuum

I tried the chatbot and found it quite decent (see pics below) and I think it could work quite fine just to rant. However, as mentioned above, it is important that professional help is sought if one is on the more critical or urgent side of the mental health continuum as written about previously. ​

Perhaps someday I will get the chance to work on a chatbot or system that leverages technology (like AI and NLP) to help alleviate mental health issues and promote positive well-being and self-care practices for students.