The AI yearbook photo trend has flooded everybody’s timelines recently with people using artificial intelligence to edit their faces into preset yearbook photos. Other than this you may be familiar with AI through AI image editors, image generators, and chatbots.
But did you know that AI may now also be used to tackle the world of mental health and emotional well-being? You may now be able to consult with an AI chatbot built on psychology and mental health research for advice on your mental health concerns.
The Wellbeing Buddy AI launched by the Kalinaw Mind Center last October 20, 2023, is here to be your new well-being ally. Read on to learn more about this new innovation!
Built by a team that cares
The Wellbeing Buddy AI was developed by a team of experts who want to innovate in the field of mental health and wellbeing. It is headed by Cebuano psychiatrist Dr. Jorge Oñate, Jr. of Kalinaw Mind Center alongside AI coaches Alaric Ong and BK Han.
It is also supported by medical professionals in the country including Dr. Glenda Antonio, the CEO of Spring Rain Global. Their aim is to make mental health solutions more accessible to everybody.
“Even if it means saving just one more person’s life, it already means a lot to this AI initiative.” —Dr. Jorge Oñate, Jr.
A feat of technology
Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning (ML), often used interchangeably, is being touted as a bringer of exponential innovation in industries as it helps in automating and speeding up workflows. It makes use of an algorithm to mimic human cognitive abilities and perform complex tasks such as doing mathematics, editing photos, writing prompts, etc.
The AI-powered “Buddy” is a chatbot built with research on psychology and mental health to offer evidence-based mental wellness solutions. It offers 24/7 support should you need a helping hand.
Should you be feeling stressed mid-way through your work day or being plagued by worries at midnight with no one around to talk to, you can consult with the Wellbeing Buddy.
You can use it for a simple chat like a friend to talk to who listens and offers advice. But it can also pinpoint signals of serious mental health issues and recommend solutions such as seeking a qualified health provider for diagnosis and treatment. This AI chatbot can also converse in over 100 languages allowing it to communicate and help people worldwide.
Judgement-free support 24/7
There is a prevalent stigma around talking about mental health concerns all over the world. If you are simply talking to friends and family about your worries, you may be concerned that they would judge you or not be able to understand your situation.
There is also a concern that seeking a mental health professional may mean that there is “something wrong” with you even when you haven’t had a diagnosis yet.
Wellbeing Buddy offers judgment-free support 24/7 whether you simply need someone to talk to about a worry you have or you are still hesitant to seek a professional about a mental health concern. It can offer a listening ear and advise you on your next course of action regarding your situation.
You also have fewer worries about your issue reaching unwanted ears as your conversations with the AI are kept private. Only you and the people you want to share the conversations with are able to access your chat conversations.
Supplementing the support team
Other than people with mental health concerns, the Wellbeing Buddy is also helpful to family members, friends, and health providers who want to be of assistance. If you have a family member who is going through treatment for mental health concerns, you can ask the AI for advice on what you can and shouldn’t do in regard to their situation.
It also aids healthcare providers by lessening their workload. As humans can only operate and offer consultations during office hours, the AI can augment this by offering support 24/7. Psychiatrists and other healthcare providers are able to stay up to date with their patient’s advancements while keeping their regular work hours.
The team emphasizes that the AI is not meant to replace medical professionals, but is there as a tool that aids treatment for mental health conditions.
“I am a doctor myself. I am not building an AI to compete with.” —Dr. Jorge Oñate, Jr.
Building a healthier, happier world
Dr. Jorge Oñate, Jr. is dedicated to the cause of accessible mental health solutions. He initially wanted to make Wellbeing Buddy free for everyone to access. However, it was not possible given how costly it is to build an AI chatbot and the numerous researchers and developers they needed on staff. They instead compromised to lower the price of the service to “worth a few coffees”.
If you are interested, you can sign up for Wellbeing Buddy today through http://wellbeingbuddy.ai/. They offer daily, monthly, yearly, and lifetime access payment plans for you to try.
