[Perspectives] Assessing generative artificial intelligence for mental health

As more studies emerge exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) conversational chatbots in health, it is clear these tools offer benefits that were absent in earlier digital health approaches. The generative abilities of newer chatbots have surpassed the previous generation of rule-based chatbots and mental health apps in their ability to gain medical knowledge, synthesise information, customise care plans, and potentially be scaled up for use in mental health services. Earlier this year the first randomised trial of a generative AI chatbot (Therabot) for mental health treatment was reported.