This post explores the idea of using AI in the field of mental health and self-help.
The Beginning of Healer
I started with a simple yet important realization: traditional mental health services have barriers such as long wait times, high costs, and stigma. These issues often prevent people from getting the help they need. I realized that technology, especially AI, could help overcome these hurdles.
The first goal was accessibility. I wanted to create a platform where anyone, regardless of their location or financial situation, could receive mental health support. AI, with its 24/7 availability, was perfect for this task. But I knew that accessibility alone wasn't enough; the quality of service also had to be high.
Creating AI Specialists
Creating AI specialists for TryHealer was a meticulous process. I created characters one by one, starting with a therapist, as that was what I needed myself. Then I had the idea to create a coach in the form of a wise ancient figure, reminiscent of Lao-Tzu, and even experts in esoteric fields, such as a Tarot Master, as these cards always intrigued me.
Fast forward to today, and Healer has a diverse set of specialists. The specialists featured on Healer provide evidence-based support, while esoteric specialists, inspired by figures like Lao-Tzu and great generals like Napoleon, offer philosophical and symbolic advice applicable to everyone's life. Sometimes, that's all we need.
The specialists use therapeutic conversations, self-help literature, and philosophical texts. I focused on making sure the AI could understand and respond to users in a way that felt natural and empathetic, keeping the tone of the conversation substantive. The goal was to create AI that not only provides immediate support but also offers personalized insights based on each user's unique needs and preferences.
Addressing Problems and Ensuring Ethics
I am well aware of the skepticism and ethical issues associated with AI in mental health. I took this seriously and implemented strict measures to protect user data. No one has access to the data except me, and even then, there is practically no user data. Healer only stores the Telegram user ID and nothing more. The system is simple: if you want to delete your account, just delete it, and it disappears.
I believe that AI should support, not replace, human therapists. AI specialists can handle minimal routing tasks and initial assessments in informal situations, allowing human practitioners to focus on more complex therapeutic work. This hybrid approach provides users with comprehensive support, combining the strengths of both AI and human expertise.
Why You Should Try It
The results have been very encouraging. Early users reported feeling more supported and understood. Many appreciated the convenience and anonymity that our AI specialists provide, especially in difficult personal situations. Positive feedback reinforced the belief that AI can be a powerful tool in the field of mental health.
I invite everyone to try TryHealer. Whether you are looking for traditional therapy, coaching, or esoteric guidance, Healer's AI specialists are here to support you on your journey.
In an ever-changing world, it's important to explore all available resources, even those that may initially seem unlikely. Use TryHealer mindfully and thoughtfully, and it can improve your well-being—then it won't be just a fleeting hype.