Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health whether he plans to take steps to ensure that Artificial Intelligence-based mental health tools do not replace clinically appropriate human-delivered psychological support.
Minister of Health: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) within mental health services presents both opportunities and important considerations.
My Department is clear that AI-based tools must not replace clinically appropriate, evidence-based, human-delivered psychological support. Psychological care is underpinned by clinical assessment, formulation, therapeutic relationships, and ethical decision-making, which cannot be replicated by AI systems, particularly for individuals with complex, high-risk, or enduring mental health needs.
In line with guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the professional standards set by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), any adoption of AI within mental health services will be governed by the principle of clinical primacy. This means that AI tools should only be used to support, and not replace, interventions delivered by appropriately trained practitioners.
AI-enabled tools may have a role within a stepped-care approach, including in areas such as psychoeducation, guided self-help, and service navigation, where clinically appropriate. However, they will not be used as a substitute where higher-intensity or specialist psychological input is required.
Robust governance and oversight arrangements are essential when considering the use of AI tools in NHS mental health services. All AI tools would be subject to appropriate evaluation of clinical effectiveness, patient safety, risk management, and data protection requirements, with clear accountability for their use in practice.
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