Kayley Moylan, a PhD researcher affiliated with ADAPT and supervised by Dr. Kevin Doherty at University College Dublin, has published new findings recently in JMIR, one of the leading journals in digital health research. Her study, titled Expert and Interdisciplinary Analysis of AI-Driven Chatbots for Mental Health Support: Mixed Methods Study, explores the ethical and clinical implications of using AI chatbots for mental health support.
The research draws on insights from expert mental health professionals and highlights both the potential and the pitfalls of these technologies. While current financial and organisational fragmentation creates genuine opportunities for impactful digital solutions, Moylan’s findings warn that many chatbots embody a generic view of therapeutic care, posing risks to the development of genuine therapeutic relationships. The study adds a critical perspective to ongoing conversations about the safe and effective integration of AI into mental health services.
Access the study here.
