The Current State of AI in Mental Health in Australia

Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems that perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence – such as understanding language, recognizing patterns, or making decisions. In mental health, AI typically powers digital tools like conversational chatbots, predictive algorithms for diagnosis, or workflow assistants. Early experiments with AI in therapy date back decades (e.g. the 1960s ELIZA program), but only recently have more sophisticated AI mental health tools become available to the public unsw.edu.au. Modern chatbots such as Woebot and Wysa leverage natural language processing to engage users in two-way therapeutic conversations, offering cognitive-behavioral exercises and mood tracking via a smartphone app.

Beyond chatbots, AI algorithms are being developed to detect mental health issues from speech, text, or behavioral patterns, and to assist clinicians by analyzing large datasets (for example, flagging at-risk patients based on electronic records or personal device data). Despite these technological advances, the health sector (and mental health in particular) has historically lagged in technology adoption. A government scan in 2022 noted that very few Australian digital mental health services were utilizing cutting-edge AI capabilities like conversational agents or virtual reality, even though such technologies held promise health.gov.au. This slow uptake reflects the unique challenges of mental health care – where issues of trust, safety, and human connection are paramount.

However, the landscape is now changing rapidly. The release of powerful generative AI systems (like ChatGPT in late 2022) spurred a surge of experimentation, putting AI tools directly into the hands of clinicians and consumers. As discussed below, recent Australian surveys show that both groups have begun using AI in various ways, albeit carefully.

With ongoing access barriers to traditional care, an increasing number of Australians (especially younger people) are turning to AI-based mental health support via their phones and computers. These tools are available on-demand, low-cost or free, and private – making them an attractive option for those unable to see a therapist regularly.

To understand AI's current role in Australian mental health, a 2024 study by Orygen (a youth mental health research institute) provides valuable insight. This study – the first to survey both community members (general public) and mental health professionals – found that a notable portion of Australians have already dabbled in AI for mental health support orygen.org.au. About 28% of surveyed community members reported using an AI tool for mental health purposes mental.jmir.org.

The AI tool of choice for many was the general AI chatbot ChatGPT, repurposed to talk through feelings or provide coping advice orygen.org.au. On the professional side, 40% of mental health practitioners in the survey had used AI in their work, primarily to assist with paperwork tasks like note-taking, report writing, or background research. In other words, clinicians are leveraging AI more as a behind-the-scenes assistant than as a direct therapy tool at this stage.

Crucially, both groups in the study – the public and practitioners – reported generally positive experiences with these AI tools so far. Over three-quarters (77%) of the community users and 92% of the professionals said the AI had been beneficial to them in some way mental.jmir.org. They cited benefits such as immediate access to information or support, help with routine tasks, and personalized advice. These findings align with global observations that AI-powered mental health apps can improve self-management of mild symptoms and relieve some burden on human providers.

The current state of AI in Australian mental health can be characterized as early-stage but accelerating. Over the past two years, there has been a shift from small pilot projects toward broader awareness and trial use of AI tools. One driver was the pandemic-era expansion of telehealth and online therapy, which primed both patients and clinicians to accept digital modalities. Another driver was the global explosion of generative AI in 2023 – tools like ChatGPT demonstrated surprisingly human-like conversational abilities, prompting many professionals to experiment with them for tasks like writing psychoeducation materials or summarizing case notes.

Indeed, the Orygen survey noted that ChatGPT was the most commonly used AI tool among respondents, essentially becoming a general-purpose assistant in psychology practices orygen.org.au. Importantly, the attitudes of mental health professionals seem to be warming to AI, albeit carefully. In the Orygen study, clinicians on average reported a positive outlook on AI's future in mental health care mental.jmir.org. They recognized potential advantages such as better accessibility of services, cost efficiencies, and personalized interventions for clients. Many clinicians were "keen to see more AI tools developed" especially for evidence synthesis (keeping up with research) and tracking patient progress over time.

In summary, the current state of AI in Australian mental health can be described as cautiously optimistic. There is growing enthusiasm that AI tools might help address longstanding challenges – such as insufficient service capacity, geographic disparities, and administrative overload on clinicians. Early adopters report positive experiences: community users like the immediacy and anonymity of AI support, and professionals appreciate AI's help in reducing mundane tasks orygen.org.au.

"AI has the potential to revolutionise mental healthcare by making it more accessible and efficient for the many who currently miss out. This is a new technology, and we must address significant concerns related to privacy, ethics, and the quality of AI-generated advice to ensure these tools are safe and effective."

That said, optimism is tempered by the recognition that AI in mental health is new and unproven at scale. A mishandled AI tool could do harm – for example, a chatbot that gives unsafe guidance to a suicidal user is a serious risk. Regulators and professional bodies are therefore actively working on frameworks for safe and responsible AI use in healthcare.

Australia stands at an early but pivotal point in the adoption of AI for mental health. We see a growing base of users and a generally positive initial reception, coupled with clear calls for caution and robust safeguards. The current state is one of pilot projects, surveys, and exploratory usage, rather than widespread implementation. Both the public and professionals are gradually building confidence in these tools.

Over the next few years, we can expect more data from research (such as longitudinal studies tracking outcomes and acceptability of AI in mental health care) mental.jmir.org which will inform policy and practice. For now, the consensus is that AI holds promise to augment mental health care in Australia – improving accessibility, personalization, and efficiency – provided its integration is done thoughtfully.

Australians largely believe AI should "augment rather than replace" human care, and maintaining the human element will be critical even as we leverage intelligent machines.

With a balanced approach, the mental health field may harness AI to help close gaps in care while upholding the values of trust, empathy, and safety that are core to psychological practice mental.jmir.org.