Technology and mental health are crossing paths more than ever. From smart glasses designed to ease daily stress to AI-powered chatbots offering a listening ear, governments and innovators are bringing new devices, technology and digital solutions to the marketplace to improve wellbeing.
Atrium Clinic has partnered with Start-up innovators to train chatbots and even so far as extending therapeutic knowledge and skills to robots to supplement therapy services. We are a Flow neuromodulation treatment service provider, an innovator in bringing gaming and VR mediated therapies into the professional space and and publish papers with our university partners on new innovational approaches to support those with mental health struggles. This week, the UK government announced funding for projects including smart glasses to help people with depression and anxiety manage everyday tasks and AI-powered filter apps to support mental wellbeing. It’s an exciting signal that technology is being taken seriously as part of mental health care. We have noticed how chat GPT open source platforms have increased their sophistication and the quality of their responses and the growing number of the population who consult with Chat GPT on their problems. There is always resistance and caution from professionals working in mental health services but demand continues to exceed supply of services and new AI generated services and devices such as Flow may have a key role in ensuring that those who need higher level support get it sooner.
What are the potential gains and pitfalls?
Potential advantages When designed well, technology can offer powerful benefits for people struggling with their mental health:
- Accessibility & reach – Smart glasses or phone apps can provide support outside of clinic hours, reducing the gap between therapy sessions.
- Practical support – Wearable devices may give prompts for self-care, reminders to breathe, or visual aids to navigate stressful environments.
- Reducing stigma – Digital tools feel more discreet, especially for young people who may feel uneasy about seeking face-to-face support.
- Early intervention – AI-powered filters can detect patterns of stress, poor sleep, or negative thought spirals, offering nudges before crises escalate. Many people are relying on watches and phones to get their sleep and nutrition data but is it accurate?
Potential disadvantages The flipside is that mental health technology is not without risks. Research is warning of several pitfalls:
- Over-reliance on tools – People may lean on AI apps instead of seeking professional help, delaying real intervention. Over reliance on technology overtime may reduce resilience and the development of independent strategies to problem-solve and self-manage. This is not only a concern for individuals but for society over time.
- Data & privacy concerns – Sensitive emotional data stored in devices raises questions about who has access and how it’s used.
- Bias & errors – AI responses may lack nuance, miss cultural context, or even reinforce harmful stereotypes. Who is checking and monitoring AI responses or training the AI? Who is evaluating the engagement and clinical outcomes from these services?
- Emotional impact – If a chatbot misreads distress or gives a cold response, it could increase feelings of isolation rather than reduce them.
Finding the Balance
The challenge is to balance innovation with care. Technology can never replace the human warmth and clinical expertise of therapists, but it can extend their reach. For tools like smart glasses and AI filter apps to be truly safe and effective, they need:
- Robust testing with diverse groups before rollout and to recognise limits and risks.
- Clear guidelines on when digital support is enough — and when to seek professional help.
- Strong regulation around data use and transparency.
- Integration with NHS and community mental health services, not as standalones but as supplements.
- Staff confidence-NHS staff and community practitioners need to feel confident in tech and be aware that it is supplementing services and not a threat to their jobs when demand for services is growing alongside the expectation to deliver efficiencies and evidence-based outcomes.
