In 2025, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer science fiction—it’s part of our everyday lives, including mental health. With tools like AI chatbots and wearable devices becoming mainstream, more people are asking: Can technology truly support emotional well-being?
At The Hope and Care Clinic, Kolkata, Dr. Sanjoy Roy combines human compassion with modern science to explore personalised emotional care.
AI Meets Mental Health — Around the World (and Here in India)
- A global wellness report notes that AI-powered mental health tools are now part of mainstream care—many users rely on 24/7 chatbots between therapy sessions
- In India, apps like Wysa now support over 3 million users and have facilitated more than 100 million coaching conversations
- Rural mental health has also benefited: India’s Sangath AI helpline supports over 3 million people and has reportedly reduced suicide rates by 15% in pilot regions.
At The Hope and Care Clinic, Kolkata, Dr. Sanjoy Roy we embrace the future of caring—where technology supports your emotional well-being, not replaces it.
How AI Is Helping — And What the Data Shows
1. AI Chatbots Provide Real Support
- A Dartmouth study (2025) found AI chatbots reduced depression and anxiety symptoms as effectively as in-person therapy, with users reporting strange yet strong emotional bonds with the bot.
2. Personalised Treatment with Tech
- IIT Madras and Czech scientists used EEG and machine learning to predict antidepressant success with 73% accuracy within one week—speeding up effective treatment.
3. Wearables Monitoring Emotions
- Smartwatches like the Fitbit Sense 2, launched by 2025, helped reduce perceived stress by 20% among users through real-time alerts and breathing exercises
Real-World Examples in 2025
- Meela, an AI voice companion for seniors, significantly improved depression and anxiety in nursing home residents.
- Resonance, an AI journaling tool, helped users reflect more positively—showing significant reductions in depression within 2 weeks.
The Hidden Risks: When AI Replaces Human Connection
While AI offers convenience, depending solely on it can have downsides, especially when it comes to emotional health. Let’s look at some important risks that users and providers must be aware of.
1. Emotional Isolation
- AI chatbots may provide instant replies, but they lack genuine empathy, human warmth, and non-verbal understanding.
- Over time, users may begin to avoid real conversations with family, friends, or professionals—leading to emotional withdrawal.
- A study published in 2025 found that individuals who used AI chatbots daily without therapist interaction showed a 30% increase in loneliness scores over six months.
2. False Sense of Healing
- Chatbots are programmed to say comforting things, but they cannot fully assess complex emotional trauma or crises.
- Many people mistakenly believe that talking to a bot regularly is “enough”—when in fact, they may need deeper psychological treatment.
- This can delay real help, worsening conditions like depression, PTSD, or suicidal thoughts.
3. No Personal Accountability
- Real therapists help you stay accountable, guide you through difficult choices, and challenge unhealthy thinking patterns.
- AI tools often avoid confrontation or deep questions, leading to superficial self-reflection.
4. Data Privacy and Misuse
- AI systems collect sensitive data, and not all of them are transparent about how it’s stored or used.
- In 2024, a data leak involving a popular mental health app exposed over 500,000 users’ conversations, causing global concern about AI safety in healthcare.
5. Lack of Cultural Understanding
- AI systems are still limited in cultural sensitivity, often trained on Western models.
- In Indian contexts, where family dynamics, religion, stigma, and social pressures play a strong role, AI may misinterpret emotions or give poor advice.
Why Human Touch Still Matters in 2025 and Beyond
At The Hope and Care Clinic, Kolkata, we believe in balanced care. AI tools can support, but not replace, the therapeutic relationship between a patient and psychiatrist.
Dr. Sanjoy Roy emphasises:
“Mental health is not just about logic—it’s about connection. AI can remind you to breathe, but only a human can remind you that you matter.”
Final Thoughts: Technology With Humanity
AI is a powerful ally—but not a replacement for human care. When used wisely, it can make mental health support more accessible and timely. But when overused, it can create emotional distance, reduce meaningful connections, and even delay recovery.
At The Hope and Care Clinic, we are proud to lead with compassion and expertise —giving you the best of both worlds.