Views A meeting of the minds: AI and employee mental health

Abstract

Over the last few years, the shortage of mental health professionals has become a national crisis. As of March 2023, 160 million Americans live where the supply of mental health practitioners is less than half of what is needed. This has led to overburdened therapists, patient delays and frustration and a loss of confidence in a failing mental health system. Everyone deserves mental health care when they need it, not three months later, as is often the case. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), the rest stop for many workforce members grappling with emotional and work-life challenges, are seeking new resources to address this shortage. More recently, their quest has led to artificial intelligence. But to what extent can AI replace the functions performed by EAP counselors? This topic was explored at the 2023 Spring Conference of the National Behavioral Consortium (nbcgroup.org), a trade association of thought leaders from top-tier EAPs, behavioral health firms and partner companies.