How might AI assist in mental health crisis?

A battle for resources in the NHS is leading bosses to look to AI to make efficiency savings.

But, although AIs may be better at streamlining admin tasks and ‘triaging’ clinical priorities, chatbots are not trained professionals and can be biased, or even ‘hallucinate’.

Researchers at LJMU have launched a study of the potential for AIs to improve mental health provision amid rocketing demand for services and stretched budgets.

The team aim to explore the lived experiences of both patients and professionals with a view to shaping emerging policy and laws around the use of AI in mental health services.

“Our project is exploring both the perceived and actual benefits and risks of AI in dealing with the mental health epidemic,” explained Dr Alison Liu, Associate Professor in Corporate and Financial Law.

Help or hindrance

“For instance, how can AI complement human professionals in streamlining administrative and clinical tasks? How may it help in detecting MH problems or monitoring treatment?”

Alison, experienced in the legal aspects of AI, is collaborating with colleagues in the School of Law - Kenneth Kang and Richard Ridyard, Professor Pooja Saini and Ryan Johnston in Psychology and creative writing programme leader Sarah Maclennan. Together they will be canvassing views on ChatGPT and other with professionals – counsellors, nurses, psychiatrists, as well as experts in computing technology.

Crucially, they will need volunteers, particularly university students with or without prior use of generative AI for mental health purposes. Ethnic minorities, under-represented in this debate, are strongly encouraged to participate.”

Findings as performance

In looking to shape legislative ideas, the team will use a novel methodology called Legislative Theatre – a participatory way of making laws and policies, which involves  turning data from desk-based research and focus groups, into dramatized dialogues with audience participation.

“We want to democratise the decision-making process, as the AI tech companies are often very powerful and have significant lobbying power,” added Alison.

“Fundamentally, we want people to have a voice in shaping the regulatory landscape of AI in mental health.”

If any colleagues or students are interested in participating, please contact Alison by 16th February 2026 at a.lui@ljmu.ac.uk. Participants will be compensated for their time with gift vouchers for the online focus group meeting and the interactive workshop.