The Benefits and Risks of Using Talking Software to Address Mental Health
From: Stanford News - 09/25/2017
By: Milenko Martinovich

In an interview, Stanford University scholars Adam Miner, Arnold Milstein,
and Jeff Hancock discuss the growing use of conversational software programs
as a tool in mental health therapy, along with their potential advantages and
drawbacks. "Conversational agents may allow people to share experiences they
don't want to talk about with another person," and thus encourage more
patient honesty, Miner says. The availability of such programs to patients
amid a limited number of human mental health professionals is another
potential benefit that Hancock notes. However, Miner says negative
experiences with conversational agents could make patients less willing to
seek aid in the future. "A balance must be struck between high-tech and
high-touch treatment," he says. Meanwhile, Milstein says mainstream
healthcare organizations will likely not adopt the technology until it
demonstrates clear therapeutic benefits. "Clinical trials can address safety
and efficacy, but clarity around user expectations and rules governing
medical devices are needed," Miner says.

Read the entire article at:
http://news.stanford.edu/2017/09/25/scholars-discuss-mental-health-technology