Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail any role that Artificial Intelligence-based mental health tools are expected to have within NHS mental health services.
Minister of Health: The increasing availability of artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled tools in mental health care presents both opportunities and risks.
From a Chief Psychological Professions Officer perspective, it is essential that their use is carefully governed to ensure they do not displace clinically appropriate, evidence-based human-delivered care.
At present, AI tools cannot replicate the core components of psychological care, which involves clinical and psychometric assessment, formulation, and interventions which are underpinned by strong therapeutic relationships, and ethical decision-making. This is particularly important for individuals with complex, high-risk, or enduring mental health difficulties.
In line with guidance from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the professional standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), the following principles should underpin any adoption of AI within mental health services:
Clinical primacy: AI tools should only be used where they support, and do not replace, clinically indicated interventions delivered by appropriately trained practitioners.
Stepped care: Digital or AI-enabled interventions may have a role within low-intensity or early intervention offers, but must not be used as a substitute where higher-intensity or specialist psychological input is required.
Safety and governance: All AI tools must be subject to robust evaluation for clinical effectiveness, risk management, data protection, and transparency, including clarity on their limitations.
Workforce development: The introduction of AI should not be used to offset investment in the psychological professions workforce. On the contrary, a skilled workforce is required to safely implement, oversee, and integrate these tools into care pathways.
Equity and access: AI and digital solutions must not create a two-tier system in which some individuals are diverted to AI-based provision where face-to-face or human-delivered care would be more appropriate.
Nevertheless, there is considerable potential for AI to add value in areas such as psychoeducation, guided self-help, service navigation, and administrative support, with appropriate clinical oversight.
ENDS
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