Mental health chatbot adds COVID-specific support to its app

The programme includes tips for connecting with loved ones whilst apart and assistance in dealing with grief

Spotted: Woebot Lab’s latest offering is a new in-app programme called Perspectives. It was designed explicitly to help individuals work through the emotional and mental health challenges brought on by the global COVID-19 health emergency. Perspectives uses Interpersonal Psychotherapy to help individuals process loss, and the myriad changes occurring in almost every aspect of our lives.

Woebot is an emotional support platform that uses the mindfulness exercises and mood regulation of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help users improve their mental health. Free, easily accessible and clinically proven, Woebot uses short conversations to provide support, track patterns in mood and offer recommendations for more targeted care when appropriate. The AI behind the chatbot ensures that relevant, timely care is available whenever needed. Such professional therapy is beyond the means of many people, and thus the app brings high-quality preventative care directly into the home.

Built by Stanford University psychologists and leading AI experts, security and confidentiality are paramount to the use and success of the app and platform. Currently available only in English, almost five million messages from around the world are exchanged with Woebot each week. An Italian version is in development.

Other ways Springwise has spotted mental health care being made more accessible include a text messaging service and grandmothers providing free, outdoor talking therapy.

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