The Role of Technology in Mental Health: Boon or Bane?

As digital innovations continue to reshape various industries, mental health care is no exception. From virtual therapy sessions to AI-driven diagnostic tools, technology has introduced new ways to support individuals struggling with mental health issues. However, while these advancements have increased accessibility, experts in the field caution against over-reliance on technology at the expense of human connection, which remains critical in mental health care.

Sumit Safaya, Head of Operations, Lissun, highlights both the promise and the pitfalls of digital mental health interventions. He acknowledges that technology can play a pivotal role in reaching individuals who otherwise might not have access to care. “There’s no denying that digital innovations have created new avenues for support—through apps, virtual therapy, and AI-driven interventions,” Safaya notes. “Technology can make mental health services more accessible, especially for people in remote areas or with busy schedules.” However, he also warns that convenience should not come at the cost of authenticity and compassion. “There’s a risk that we’re trading authentic, compassionate care for convenience. The use of AI in diagnosing mental health issues raises concerns about accuracy, bias, and a lack of emotional depth.”

Safaya’s concerns are echoed by Dr Rajat Goel, co-founder, Emoneeds, who stresses the importance of addressing India’s critical shortage of mental health professionals. “India’s alarming deficit of mental health professionals—just 0.3 psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists, and 0.07 social workers per 100,000 people—calls for innovative solutions,” Goel points out. “Technology is undeniably a powerful tool to bridge this gap.” However, like Safaya, Goel believes that technology alone cannot provide a comprehensive solution. “While digital platforms provide an accessible entry point, they cannot replace the need for human connection, empathy, and personalized care.”

Both Safaya and Goel agree that technology has the potential to enhance mental health care but stress that it must be implemented thoughtfully. According to Safaya, “It’s essential to ensure that the technology we use serves the human need for empathy, connection, and understanding.” He adds that, at its best, technology can complement human care, but without careful consideration, it risks diluting the “profound, often life-changing power of genuine human interactions.”

Goel advocates for a balanced, two-pronged approach. “To truly address the mental health crisis in India, we need a strategy that leverages technology to expand reach while ensuring the quality and humanity of care through skilled professionals.” Technology can act as a catalyst, but it requires professional expertise to ensure that individuals receive the level of care they need.

In a world where digital solutions are becoming increasingly prominent, both experts urge a careful balance between innovation and the irreplaceable value of human compassion. Safaya sums it up aptly, “We must ensure that technology enhances mental health care, rather than making it transactional.” Only by preserving the human element in mental health services can we truly address the growing mental health crisis, especially in a country like India, where the need for both access and quality of care is more urgent than ever.