With twice as many Americans seeking mental health treatment versus two decades ago, new technologies powered by large language machine learning (LLM) and artificial intelligence (AI) are making the benefits of therapy and counseling more widely available, accessible, and affordable.
How therapy is delivered
“The most important factor driving the increase in demand for psychotherapy is a basic structural change, how psychotherapy is delivered,” said Mark Olfson, professor of psychiatry at the Columbia University Medical School.
Historic mental health decline
U.S. trends are reflecting a historic recent decline in mental health but also an increase in virtual care access and a positive trend of destigmatization, Alejandra O’Connell Domenech reports in The Hill.
Prior to the pandemic, telehealth accounted for just 1 percent of outpatient visits for mental health and substance use issues, according to data from health policy research organization KFF. In 2020, telehealth usage skyrocketed, with telehealth making up 40 percent of mental health and substance use outpatient visits.
Virtual therapy works for many
Data shows that virtual therapy or counseling works for many patients.
The nonprofit PAIRS Foundation is working to make an AI-powered version of virtual therapy and counseling available to “anyone, anytime, anywhere,” says Rachel Marmor, the foundation’s training director who is also a licensed mental health professional.
Dr. Alexander Eisenberg, a Miami-area family physician, said working with an AI-powered relationship coach like PAIRS Foundation’s Yodi App can also help boost health outcomes.
“As a family physician, I recommend Yodi to patients as a valuable tool for navigating the complexities of relationships and promoting overall well-being,” Dr. Eisenberg said.
“App-based relationship coaching and mentoring is an innovative use of AI technology, combined with the proven PAIRS program. It offers a unique and effective approach to addressing communication challenges and fostering emotional connections,” the Florida medical doctor said.
Practical, evidence based skills
“In 2004, just 13 percent of adults said they had visited a therapist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional within the past year,” Demenech writes in The Hill. “In 2022, that number was up to 23 percent.” A 2021 study found around 41.7 million adults in the United States received treatment or counseling for their mental health. Statista reports anxiety and depression are two common reasons for seeking mental health treatment.
AI help for navigating emotional issues
PAIRS Foundation’s development team has integrated practical, evidence-based exercises to help people understand and navigate emotional issues into their AI-powered relationship coach and mentor.
For example: Has something in your relational past effected your current relationships that needs to be worked through so you can move forward? Try Untangling a Love Knot.
Feel like your emotions are constantly brimming over and don’t feel safe discussing it with those closest to you? Try Emptying the Emotional Jug.
Need a way to jump start the communication in your relationships after a period of stagnation? Try the Daily Temperature Reading.
Want to practice a difficult conversation with a partner in hopes of moving past a relationship hurtle? Try a Fair Fight for Change.
These are just four of the interpersonal and relationship tools available for FREE through the Yodi app.
One million AI therapy consumers by 2026
PAIRS is estimating at least one million U.S. consumers will be receiving App-based relationship coaching, mentoring and emotional support services by 2026. While the program is currently available for free, Marmor said the foundation plans to add a premium service with additional exercises, voice options, and live support later this year.
Yodi is available in both the Google Play and Apple App store. More about the Yodi App is information is available at www.MyPAIRSCoach.com.
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