ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is being used to treat people experiencing mental health issues.
AI technology is powering the 'chatbot' on the website of Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies.
The free and confidential NHS service supports people across the area with common mental health conditions.
Now, an AI-powered chat, known as Limbic, is aiming to make it easier for those seeking help to access the right services.
The tool gathers essential information about the person and assesses whether they are displaying mild or complex symptoms.
Those with milder symptoms can then receive a 20-minute assessment more tailored to their needs.
A spokesperson said: "By automating these early steps the tool will free up therapists’ time which in turn will allow clinicians to focus on helping a greater number of people access the support they need more quickly.
"The cutting-edge tool will simplify the process for people seeking support and enable them to embark on their therapeutic journey online.
"Mental health concerns affect one in four people in the UK annually, however many individuals avoid seeking help due to the fear of judgment.
"Limbic will provide wider access to vital mental health support and furnish psychological therapists with information to help them determine the severity and urgency of a potential patient's needs."
Naomi Holdsworth, operations service manager at Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, welcomes the use of AI.
She said: "We are thrilled to offer this tool in addition to the range of support available from our service.
"This type of technology will mean more people can access our service quickly.
"The AI referral tool will help people who are looking for support to understand the process and be signposted to the relevant part of our service much quicker. As a result we can save our therapists time, so they can focus on helping people feel better."
Limbic adds to a range of options offered by Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, from phone advice to one-to-one courses at various locations across the district.
The website also provides free guides and tools to help people with mental health issues.
The service is open to anyone over 16 who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale or Craven.
People don’t have to go through their GP for support. They can register online at bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk.
For more about mental health and wellbeing support services and self-help resources, visit healthyminds.services.
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