Generative AI: A Promising, but Cautious, Ally in Children's Mental Health (Preprint)

UNSTRUCTURED Generative artificial intelligence (AI), a powerful subfield of AI, is rapidly gaining momentum in both private and public sectors, demonstrating its applicability across diverse domains. The healthcare system is no exception, with researchers enthusiastically embracing its potential to provide valuable support across various healthcare domains. This article explores the transformative potential of Generative AI in addressing children’s mental health, considering its promises, challenges, and ethical implications. By highlighting the applications of Generative AI models in detection and support, the article emphasizes the need for cautious implementation due to risks such as bias, hallucination, and privacy concerns. Emphasizing a collaborative approach involving clinicians and robust governance, the article concludes by advocating for responsible integration, acknowledging Generative AI as an augmentation, not a replacement, for human expertise in the realm of children’s mental health.