Recent trends indicate a rising prevalence of mental health issues globally which has catalyzed the growth of technology-delivered interventions, including internet-delivered psychotherapies and AI-driven conversational agents. While these interventions offer accessible solutions, they often lack the personalized, flexible approach of direct patient-therapist interactions, potentially affecting treatment adherence. This panel explores the potential of AI-enabled robots in psychotherapy from four perspectives: i) the feasibility of establishing a therapeutic alliance, ii) integration into stepped and blended care, iii) their use in training psychotherapists, and iv) the attitude of mental health professionals toward such system.

Human therapists may not be entirely replaceable by inanimate beings – not necessarily because of what human therapists do, but because of what they are. Indeed, there seems to be more than the literal meanings conveyed through spoken words that account for the effectiveness of psychotherapy. In this presentation, I examine the role of human therapists’ ontological status as human beings and sociocultural status as socially sanctioned and legitimate providers of mental health care. I argue that this role carries crucial implications for the potential of robotic therapists and raises questions about whether such interventions should be classified as psychotherapy or something else.  

Several researchers have advocated for utilizing AI and social robots in stepped or blended care approaches rather than as a replacement for human involvement in mental health treatment. This presentation delves into essential considerations and precautions necessary when incorporating AI-enhanced social robots in such therapeutic strategies. It aims to navigate the complexities and potential benefits of this approach, highlighting the importance of calibrating expectations and contingency plans, maintaining human responsibility and oversight in mental health care while leveraging technological advancements to enhance treatment outcomes and accessibility. 

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mental healthcare presents significant opportunities and challenges. Despite the prevalence of mental health disorders and the barriers to effective care, such as the shortage of professionals and stigma, AI has the potential to enhance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. This study explores the attitudes of mental health professionals towards AI, identifying factors that influence their perceptions and acceptance of AI technologies.  Key findings indicate that while there is optimism about AI's role in documentation and synthesis of information, concerns persist regarding AI's ability to replace human interaction. Negative perceptions, lack of understanding, and the opaque nature of AI (black-box AI) contribute to reluctance in adoption. Trust in AI, perceived usefulness, and the level of AI knowledge significantly impact professionals' willingness to utilize these technologies. Ethical and privacy concerns, accountability, and the cultural and organizational environment also play crucial roles in shaping attitudes.  The study underscores the importance of educational initiatives and continuous training to improve AI literacy and competence among mental health practitioners. Addressing ethical concerns, enhancing transparency, and fostering a supportive organizational culture are essential for the successful integration of AI in mental healthcare. By positioning AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human judgment, the potential benefits of AI can be realized, leading to improved patient outcomes and efficiency in mental healthcare delivery.