# AI Chatots for Mental Health: A Scoping Review of Effectiveness, Feasibility, and Applications
###### Abstract  
Mental health disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, and there is a global shortage of mental health professionals. AI chatbots have emerged as a potential solution, offering accessible and scalable mental health interventions. This study aimed to conduct a scoping review to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of AI chatbots in treating mental health conditions. A literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including MEDLINE, Scopus, and PsycNet, as well as using AI-powered tools like Microsoft Copilot and Consensus. Relevant studies on AI chatbot interventions for mental health were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by multiple reviewers. The search yielded 15 eligible studies covering various application areas, such as mental health support during COVID-19, interventions for specific conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance use disorders), preventive care, health promotion, and usability assessments. AI chatbots demonstrated potential benefits in improving mental and emotional well-being, addressing specific mental health conditions, and facilitating behavior change. However, challenges related to usability, engagement, and integration with existing healthcare systems were identified. AI chatbots hold promise for mental health interventions, but widespread adoption hinges on improving usability, engagement, and integration with healthcare systems. Enhancing personalization and context-specific adaptation is key. Future research should focus on large-scale trials, optimal human-AI integration, and addressing ethical and social implications. mental health; mental health interventions; clinical psychology; artificial intelligence; AI chatbots; chatbot; AI; feasibility; health promotion; COVID-19 +
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depression is alarmingly low: even in high-income countries, only one-third of people with depression receive formal care, with minimally adequate treatment ranging from 23% in high-income countries to just 3% in low- and lower-middle-income countries [7]. This lack of access contributes to higher rates of suicidal behavior and mortality [8; 9]. Research indicates that areas with overburdened inpatient psychiatric units experience higher suicide rates, underscoring the need for a systemic approach to mental health care [9]. The rise of Cyber Health Psychology has significantly transformed mental health support. This is an interdisciplinary field that explores the intersection of psychology, health, and digital technology. It focuses on understanding how digital tools and online platforms can influence health behaviors, mental well-being, and healthcare practices. This field examines the psychological impacts of using health-related technologies, such as mobile health apps, telemedicine, and online health communities, and seeks to develop digital interventions to promote healthy behaviors and improve mental health outcomes. Cyber Health Psychology aims to enhance healthcare delivery and patient engagement in the digital age [10; 11]. Technological integration in mental health has altered social interactions, communication patterns, and even our identities [12]. Web-based psychotherapeutic interventions have proven effective for common mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders [13]. Combining technological and psychological aspects, particularly through spatial computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI), has shown promising results [14]. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of digital mental health tools, which have helped address the dual impact of increased new-onset mental health disorders and the deterioration of existing conditions [15]. One notable technological advancement in this field is the use of chatbots or conversational agents [16; 17].