“Wysa (AI) exhibits a level of empathy and attentiveness that surpasses even my encounters with psychologists, and at a fraction of the cost,” Sahana a postgrad student added.
She adds that as a student, the cost of consulting a psychologist feels prohibitive as it is costly, adding another layer of stress to an already arduous situation.
Without clear guidelines or oversight, users are left vulnerable to potential risks such as inappropriate advice, data breaches, or the misuse of personal information.
“It’s crucial to recognise that while AI chatbots can provide valuable insights, they lack the emotional understanding that a professional possess,” shares Dr Jamuna Rajeswaran.
Dr Jamuna adds that the lack of regulations in clinical psychology is a significant concern in India. Only the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) provides recognition in this field.
A Lancet study published in 2017 estimated that a staggering 19.73 crore Indians suffer from mental illness. Shockingly, over 80% of these individuals do not receive the necessary care.