NHS Talking Therapies launches a chatbot and Everyday Mental Health app to improve access to mental health services
NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression announces the launch of a new chatbot and the “Everyday Mental Health” app. This dual release aims to improve the experience of people who access NHS Talking Therapies and provide immediate support for individuals experiencing mild to severe symptoms of anxiety and low mood.
The NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies website now accepts referrals via its new chatbot feature. The chatbot takes the individual through an easy to navigate conversation and some short exercises. It automatically populates the individual’s patient record, reducing the need to repeat the information to multiple clinicians. Upon completion of the referral, the patient is then prompted to download the Everyday Mental Health (EMH) app.
The EMH app links to the chatbot and offers immediate, personalised support to the individual by creating conversations, offering customisable check-in times and weekly reports, while they are waiting to be assessed by a clinician following the chatbot referral. The EMH app allows the patient to track their progress and engage with mental health support without fear of judgement. Referred to as an “emotionally intelligent” app, EMH detects immediate risk and provides personalised support, ensuring people receive the appropriate care and access information that is helpful to improve their mental health until they start their therapy sessions.
Sheri Ashton, Head of Service NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies for anxiety and depression said : “The chatbot and app are set to improve the way patients access and engage with NHS Talking Therapies. By leveraging AI technology and ensuring comprehensive support, we are committed to enhancing the mental health journey for our patients.”
Sonya Gardiner, Chief Operating Officer NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust said: “It is our goal to enable clinicians' to dedicate more time to patient care. the adoption of this new technology helps to achieve this by providing a summary of key information for clinicians to review before initial triage appointments. This innovative approach will ensure those in need of mental health support will be able to rapidly access the most appropriate support for their needs, from their phone or PC.
“NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies aims to provide accessible mental health services. By adding the new chatbot and EMH app to its list of offerings, Talking Therapies is enhancing its digital support provision and helping people to improve the emotional resilience of those we support.”
About NHS Talking Therapies
NHS Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull Talking Therapies is part of Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, which offers support for depression, low mood, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and more for those 16 years and older registered with a GP. It will take no more than two weeks to be assessed by a qualified clinician after a self-referral. Since the rebrand in April 2023 from IAPT to Talking Therapies, about 7,000 people have accessed the service.
For anyone feeling down or anxious, please visit the NHS Talking Therapies website, https://www.talkingtherapies.covwarkpt.nhs.uk , call 02476 671 090 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm) or email talkingtherapies@covwarkpt.nhs.uk to self-refer and find more information.