AI-Powered Patient Chatbots for Counseling Practice

The core of this initiative involves the creation of Open AI custom GPT-based chatbots designed to simulate realistic psychological therapy sessions. These chatbots act as virtual patients, providing psychology students with hands-on opportunities to practice counseling skills in a safe and controlled environment. These chatbots not only replicate real-life scenarios but also introduce dynamic and challenging elements, helping students gain confidence and experience in handling diverse patient cases.

Key Components of the System

  • Simulated Therapy Sessions:

    Custom GPT chatbots replicate interactions with patients experiencing psychological issues such as anxiety and depression. Students engage with the chatbot as counselors, engaging in conversations that mimic real therapy sessions and practicing therapeutic techniques while building confidence in handling diverse scenarios. This simulation provides a safe, controlled space for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice.

  • Dual-Chatbot Design:
    • Patient Bot: Simulates patients with psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depression, responding dynamically to create a realistic therapeutic dialogue.
    • Counseling Bot: Evaluates the student’s counseling performance, analyzing transcripts of sessions to assess engagement quality, therapeutic skills, and adherence to professional standards.
  • Dynamic Patient Variability:

    Each new conversation features a unique patient profile with varied personalities, symptom severities, and response complexities. This diversity mirrors real-world scenarios, ensuring that students experience a wide range of cases, equipping them to handle professional challenges with adaptability and competence.

  • Evolving Versions:
    • Version 1: Combines anxiety and depression into a single chatbot, offering a comprehensive yet generalized training experience.
    • Version 2: Separates the conditions, introducing specialized bots for anxiety and depression, allowing for more tailored and focused training.

Enhancing Student Skills Through AI

The inclusion of assessment capabilities within the counseling chatbot further enhances the learning experience. After each session, transcripts are reviewed by the counseling bot to evaluate the student’s performance, providing feedback and insights for improvement. This approach ensures that students not only practice but also refine their skills in alignment with established counseling standards.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

This project exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary research, combining psychological expertise with advanced AI technologies. Initiated by SLIIT COEAI in partnership with the Psychology Department at SLIIT, this project is a testament to SLIIT’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve real-world problems and prepare students for professional success.

By leveraging AI to simulate therapy sessions, SLIIT aims to set a new benchmark in education. This initiative underscores the institution's commitment to innovation, providing students with the tools and experience they need to excel as mental health professionals while advancing the integration of AI into diverse academic fields.