Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), said during an Action for Progress event focused on addiction and mental health that AI avatars are the best way to help rural communities access mental healthcare.
"We do not have enough practitioners for mental health support in these areas," Dr. Oz said during the event.
"I'm telling you right now. There's no question about it – whether you want it or not – the best way to help some of these communities is going to be AI-based avatars."
He proposed using agentic AI with the ability to conduct early mental health intakes, customize support to a patient's needs and understand what a patient is "up to."
"[These tools] will pick up subtle little nuances in how you're saying things – if you do it on purpose, it's actually cool to find out – that will alert the avatar, but more importantly, the doctor they are going to report to that there is something going on," Oz said. "And there will always be a doctor."
He framed the use of AI avatars to be used in conjunction with clinicians as, he said, humans are biologically designed to interpret facial cues, such as happiness, boredom, excitement and more, before a person verbalizes it.
"The key question is how do we use AI thoughtfully in that setting? If we do it right, we'll build a much more sustainable healthcare system around mental health issues," Oz said.
THE LARGER TREND
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, Americans in rural communities experience higher rates of suicide and depression compared with individuals who live in urban areas but are less likely to obtain mental healthcare services.
In a study published on ScienceDirect, researchers reviewed and synthesized published literature to outline current trends and future prospects of AI use in mental healthcare.
The study highlights how algorithms can help recognize signs of mental health conditions, but that adoption raises concerns about patient privacy, algorithmic bias and the preservation of the human element in therapy.
"Establishing robust regulatory frameworks, ensuring model validation and transparency, and investing in continuous research and development are crucial steps toward harnessing the full potential of AI in improving mental healthcare," the study's authors wrote.
The researchers emphasized the importance of validation and transparency pertaining to AI models, alongside rigorous testing to ensure AI interventions are reliable, accurate and safe for patients.
