Google has launched two AI initiatives aimed at improving mental health treatment and expanding access to care for people around the world.
The company is releasing a practical field guide for mental health organisations and investing in multi-year research into AI-based approaches to treating anxiety, depression and psychosis.
These efforts are intended to address the global mental health crisis, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to treatment is often limited.
The first initiative, developed in partnership with Grand Challenges Canada and McKinsey Health Institute, provides guidance on how to use AI to scale evidence-based mental health interventions.
It includes foundational concepts, real-world use cases and advice on responsible AI use – covering areas such as clinician training, personalised support, workflow efficiency and data collection.
The second initiative sees Google for Health and Google DeepMind partner with the Wellcome Trust on a long-term research investment. The funding, which includes research grants from the Wellcome Trust, will support projects focused on developing more precise, objective and personalised ways to measure and treat anxiety, depression and psychosis.
This includes exploring new therapeutic approaches, potentially involving novel medications.
Together, the two initiatives represent what Google describes as a two-pronged strategy – combining immediate support for mental health providers with longer-term research into future treatments.
The field guide also addresses concerns around the ethical use of AI in mental health care, including data privacy and the safe deployment of new technologies.
