Peer-Reviewed Publication
Int J Soc Psychiatry2026;207640251415507.March 5, 2026Journal Article
Real-World Testing of an Artificial Intelligence Conversational Agent as an Early Intervention and Support Tool in the Mental Health Referral Care Pathway: A Mixed-Methods Study.
Edward Meinert1,2,3, Madison Milne-Ives1,2, Emma Taylor4, Becky Inkster4,5, Alina Paik6, Ananya Ananthakrishnan1, Martin Orr7, Ceire Costelloe3,7, Rohit Shankar8,9
1Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
2Gnosis Health Limited, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK.
3Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK.
4Wysa, London, UK.
5Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK.
6Department of Psychology, Central North West London NHS Foundation, UK.
7Division of Clinical Studies, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
8Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, UK.
9Cornwall Intellectual Disability Equitable Research unit, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Bodmin, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The incidence of mental health concerns is growing, and demand for support is exceeding service capacity. Digital tools can provide additional support but risk causing harm if not delivered safely.
AIMS: We aimed to establish real-world evidence of the impact of an artificial intelligence-based mental health conversational agent (Wysa) on depression and anxiety in patients waiting for…
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