Heralding The Minimal Clinically Important Difference When AI Is Used For Human Mental Health

The article examines how AI systems are being used for human mental health guidance and argues that developers and users need clearer ways to measure safety. It says generative AI and large language models are often used ad hoc, with platforms available at low or no cost and used as a 24/7 source of advice. The author cites concerns that AI can generate unsuitable or harmful guidance, including claims that AI may help users co-create delusions that can lead to self-harm. It references a lawsuit filed against OpenAI over perceived lack of safeguards after coverage in August, and discusses the limitations of generic large language models such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Grok compared with human therapists. The piece also notes that specialized models remain in development and testing. It calls for the field to address hidden risks before scaling AI for mental health use.