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Evaluating AI-Enabled Mental Health Support: WYSA
Evaluating AI-Enabled Mental Health Support: WYSA
Project Summary
Project Summary
We evaluated the use of WYSA, an AI-enabled conversational mental health tool, to understand its role in supporting emotional wellbeing, self-management, and access to support within the health system.
Background
Background
Demand for mental health support increased significantly in recent years, while access to traditional services remained constrained. AI-enabled digital tools offer a potential way to provide scalable, low-intensity support; however, robust evaluation is essential to ensure safety, effectiveness, and acceptability.
WYSA was deployed to support people experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, and sleep difficulties.
Associated Themes
Associated Themes
What We Did
What We Did
NIHR ARC NWL conducted an applied evaluation including:
analysis of user engagement and usage patterns
assessment of presenting needs and reasons for use
review of user-reported outcomes and acceptability
examination of equity, safety, and ethical considerations
consideration of how AI tools fit alongside existing mental health pathways
What We Found
What We Found
Users most commonly sought support for stress, anxiety, low mood, and sleep problems
The tool supported emotional self-regulation and reflection
High acceptability among users seeking low-threshold support
Evidence highlighted the importance of clear governance and integration with existing services
Findings helped clarify where AI tools are most appropriate within stepped-care models
What This Means
What This Means
The evaluation provides evidence to support cautious, evidence-led adoption of AI mental health tools. ARC NWL’s work:
informed ICS decision-making on digital mental health tools
highlighted ethical and safety considerations for AI deployment
contributed to national conversations on digital mental health innovation
demonstrated the role of AI as a complement, not a replacement to clinical care
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