On World Mental Health Day, Google is highlighting how innovative startups are leveraging artificial intelligence to scale and personalise mental healthcare globally.
Dr. Karen DeSalvo, Chief Health Officer at Google, emphasises the critical importance of mental health support, particularly for entrepreneurs. "The founder journey can be incredibly lonely, and the pressure to succeed often takes a toll on mental wellbeing," DeSalvo notes, citing studies that show entrepreneurs are 50% more likely to report having a mental health condition.
Google for Startups' Growth Academy: AI for Health programme in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa is supporting startups that are developing AI-driven solutions to address mental health challenges. The programme provides mentorship, resources, and a global network to help these startups scale their impact.
Four startups from the programme exemplify the innovative use of AI in mental health:
1. O7 Therapy (Egypt): Creates an AI-driven platform matching patients with suitable therapists based on specific needs and preferences.
2. Callyope (France): Builds speech-based foundational models to analyse patient behaviours and monitor symptoms across various mental health conditions.
3. HearMe (Poland): Uses AI-powered chatbots to provide immediate support and resources to individuals experiencing mental health distress.
4. Thalia Psychotherapy (Kenya): Develops AI-powered tools to assist therapists in analysing patient conversations and identifying potential mental health concerns.
These startups are leveraging AI and Google Cloud to improve patient outcomes, provide scalable mental wellbeing solutions, and transform mental health support in various settings, including the workplace.
The WHO recognises mental health as a fundamental human right and emphasises the need for comprehensive, accessible, and high-quality mental health services. These AI-driven innovations aim to bridge the gap in access to quality care, which remains a significant challenge for many.