Supporting mental wellness through AI technology Encounter at Catholic Charities
Encounter at Catholic Charities
World Mental Health Day is a global observance centered around raising awareness, reducing stigma and promoting mental wellness.
This year’s theme, selected by the World Federation for Mental Health following a global vote, is “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.”
While the dignity of work can be good for mental health, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety.
As Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri (CCCNMO) recognizes World Mental Health Day 2024 on October 10, we are reminded of the role we play in building a society of solidarity and advocating for mental health as a universal human right — for those we serve and those we serve with.
One way that CCCNMO is supporting mental wellness is through the Hope emotional support chatbot.
In August 2021, we took part in a two-year pilot program made possible through Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) in partnership with Cass-X2AI.
After concluding the two-year pilot period, CCCNMO recognized the impact this resource can make in our community, and (with the support of the United Way of Central Missouri) committed to providing Hope for another two years.
What is Hope?
Hope is a FREE chat service providing encouragement and strategies on how to manage everyday stress and anxiety using Chatbot technology.
Hope is anonymous, private, and available 24/7/365.
AI-driven text conversations are available in both English and Spanish, using a combination of pre-programmed scripts and machine learned algorithms to provide personalized behavioral health coaching and emotional/mental health supports.
Hope is clinically shown to be an effective tool for managing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety.
Built by psychologists and backed by extensive research, Hope reflects a commitment to ethical AI technology and compassionate care.
Users can connect with Hope anytime and anywhere through SMS text or Facebook Messenger, making this resource accessible even in the most rural communities.
Hope can’t diagnose illnesses and is not meant to replace trained professionals, but she can provide ongoing connections that promote progress and provide support.
As of Aug. 1, 2024, Hope’s crisis escalation strategy was updated to include connections to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
988 is a nationally-accredited service that is trained to de-escalate, support, educate and triage individuals via text and voice calls.
If Hope detects an escalation to crisis, users are reminded to access this always-available, high-quality crisis resource.
Through the Hope emotional support chatbot, CCCNMO realizes our commitment to provide access to mental wellness support and connect community members with local support services.
Hope provides support during limited staff capacity, satisfies the high demand for counseling services through emotional support and de-escalation, offers self-help support while people are waitlisted for appointments/sessions, and is always available free of charge.
This project embodies the spirit of solidarity, ensuring that no one is excluded from support.
It was St. John Paul II who wrote, “[Solidarity] is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all,” (“On Social Concern” [Sollicitudo rei Socialis], no. 38).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness, and feelings of loneliness or isolation can create barriers in accessing services.
Since 2021, CCCNMO Hope Chatbot has been promoted (and used) by staff as a source of coping skills, information, and encouragement for minor mental and emotional health concerns.
By taking steps to prioritize mental wellness in our team, we can better serve our community.
Since our project start date, over 1,000 community members have connected with CCCNMO’s Hope chatbot and nearly 70,000 messages have been exchanged.
Regardless of the size of our impact, we understand that “If [one] part suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if one part is honored, all the parts share its joy,” (1 Corinthians 12:26).
We rejoice in our ability to provide Hope in the Diocese of Jefferson City, knowing that 70 people were offered potentially life-saving support after Hope detected crises and 428 people were referred to CCCNMO for additional social services.
How can you join with others to take concrete steps — big or small — to help build a society of solidarity around mental health?
As people of good faith, we are called to “See, Judge, and Act” in our search for a just resolution.
In observance of World Mental Health Day 2024 and in solidarity with those who are living with mental illness, we challenge you to join us in making mental wellness a priority — regardless of faith, culture or situation.
