Large Language Model-based Chatbots and Agentic AI for Mental Health Counseling: A Systematic Review of Methodologies, Evaluation Frameworks, and Ethical Safeguards (Preprint)

Key Points

• Chatbots leveraging large language models may enhance mental health counseling approaches, offering more accessible support.
• The review highlights the importance of rigorous evaluation frameworks in assessing chatbot effectiveness and user experience.
• Methodologies analyzed include various design features, assessment metrics, and ethical considerations for implementing AI in therapy.
• Future applications of chatbots must prioritize ethical safeguards to ensure safety and efficacy in mental health interventions.