The Use of Conversational Agents in the Delivery of Mental Health Interventions for the Treatment of Symptoms of Depression in Young Adults
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Authors
Fleming, T
Issue Date
2025-08-31
Type
Capstone
Language
en
Keywords
AI , conversational agents , depression , mental health , psychosocial development , young adult
Alternative Title
Abstract
Despite being at elevated risk for mental illness, most young adults do not access traditional, in-person therapy due to barriers to access (Hoffman et al., 2024; Koulouri et al., 2022; Lattie et al., 2019; Murray & Knudson, 2023; Skjuve et al., 2021). As young adults are among the highest users of Artificial Intelligence (AI), recent advances in technology have prompted the use of conversational agents (CA) to bridge the gap between need and support for this population (Fitzpatrick et al., 2017; He et al., 2022; Hoffman et al., 2024; Maples et al., 2024; Wang & Toscano, 2024). This capstone explores the evolving nature of CAs for the delivery of primarily cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based mental health interventions for the treatment of symptoms of depression in young adults and critically analyzes relevant literature. While the literature demonstrates that CAs can help reduce symptoms of depression, they are not without risks. The benefits and risks of their use are explored, including the potential impacts on the psychosocial development of young adult identity and intimacy. Additionally, the mental health interventions offered by CAs are assessed against the standards set by the field of counselling psychology, including ethical considerations. The recommendations include an AI literacy curriculum for counselling psychology students to support critical analysis of this emerging phenomenon and future research projects. Together, these recommendations are designed to address current gaps in research, knowledge, and practice. This information aims to ensure future practitioners are informed in the use of CAs within mental health and have the critical skills necessary to evaluate the ethical, developmental, and psychological impacts of AI on client needs, professional practice, and ethics.