AI's Role in Promoting Mental Wellness in Higher Education: From Chatbots to Predictive Analytics

Abstract

We address the implementation of AI-based approaches in mental health services with an emphasis on their contribution to alleviate growing mental health crises in student and faculty populations of higher education settings. The AI-powered tools such as chatbots, early-warning systems and VR-based therapies scale personalized and accessible solutions for mental health care and disrupt ways to manage support and intervene on that level. These tools have the ability to radically improve care by making timely and effective mental health assistance possible, thus benefiting the individual as well as society. Nonetheless the essay also makes the points to be very mindful of ethical issues so that these tools are not just implemented responsible but also fair. It mainly encourages the development of health supportive and enabling Academic Institution Environments to increase resilience to promote academic success. The chapter stresses that although AI has the potential to improve mental health care, it will only be well implemented if the problems with AI in care avoid getting worse.