Can AI offer the empathy and trust of a human mental health professional? The University of Newcastle is testing whether AI chatbots can effectively support users with sensitive mental health and substance use questions, providing a glimpse into the future of scalable mental health support.

Nicole Gibson, Australia’s youngest-ever Commonwealth Mental Health Commissioner, has launched InTruth, an AI-powered start-up focused on tracking emotions with clinical-grade precision through wearables. Aiming to transform mental health management, InTruth promises real-time, personalized emotional insights while prioritizing user privacy.

A Florida mother is suing Character.AI, alleging its chatbot fueled her son’s mental decline, ultimately leading to his tragic suicide. The case highlights potential dangers of AI-driven interactions, prompting urgent calls for stricter safety measures in AI technology.