In a time when data shows that mental health is in a state of crisis, Cedars-Sinai researchers are seeing some promising results using virtual reality and AI technology to increase treatment options and availability.
Dr. Omer Liran, a psychiatrist who is developing and studying AI and VR technologies for mental health at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, said they’re working on validating several different applications.
One study is looking at software using a virtual avatar that provides mental health support. It works with a Meta Quest VR headset or Apple Vision Pro.
Liran said it works like a health coach, answering questions about nutrition, exercise and sleep hygiene. It also leads people through breathing exercises and meditations. “[It is designed] to give helpful advice without falling into the trap of being sycophants that a lot of other AI systems have fallen into,” he added.
They’ve added many guardrails, including another AI that was specifically trained to flag things like excessive flattery. The second AI negotiates with the first AI before green-lighting a response for the user.
Liran said they’re also looking for red flags, including the system telling patients to hurt themselves. Though he said he’s never seen the system do that, there are papers about other AI systems doing things like that.
“So we’re trying to be very careful,” he added.
A psychologist helps them validate AI responses through the process. Liran cautions that, regardless of what might be advertised, no AI system today can offer reliable therapy or an accurate mental health diagnosis without having a human expert for verification.
“I think it’s very important that there is always a human in the loop when it comes to these technologies,” he said.
Another study involves virtual reality and AI software that interacts with the electronic health record system at Cedars-Sinai. The software collects and reviews the patient data, and creates individualized profiles. The patient can then receive meditations in virtual reality customized to their specific profile.
Liran said they can hyper-target the kind of meditation or hypnotherapy that would most likely benefit the individual, and added that the responses from patients so far have been “very, very positive.”