The Impact of AI on Mental Health
Technology and Humanization
On October 9, during the 10th Conference on Safety and Risk Management in Mental Health held at the Official College of Physicians of Navarra, prominent medical and technology experts gathered to discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on mental health care.
The event, organized by Hermanas Hospitalarias Navarra, coincided with World Mental Health Day and provided a platform to reflect on how AI can transform the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
Technological Innovation in Healthcare
The event was inaugurated by Miryam Zabalza, Managing Director of Hermanas Hospitalarias Navarra, who emphasized the importance of technological innovation in healthcare. “Mental health needs innovation and tools that help us offer a more humanized and effective service,” Zabalza stated in her opening remarks. On the other hand, Olga Sala, Deputy Director of Assessment and Services at the Navarre Agency for Autonomy and Development of People, highlighted that “it is essential to use this technology in our research and clinical practice to improve patients’ mental health, always from an ethical and responsible perspective.”
In his presentation, Raymond Salvador, representing the Fundación Hermanas Hospitalarias, spoke about how AI can expand access to medical services in resource-limited areas. “Artificial intelligence opens doors to new forms of care that were previously unimaginable, and we must harness this potential.” Salvador emphasized, underscoring how this technology can ensure greater equity in healthcare, particularly in geographically challenging regions.
Bioethics and Artificial Intelligence
Another key topic addressed during the event was the ethical framework guiding the use of AI in medicine. Rafael Amo Usanos, Director of the Bioethics Chair at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, discussed the challenges and opportunities AI presents from a bioethical standpoint. According to Amo, technology must be used to promote individuals’ well-being and dignity without attempting to replicate or replace human intelligence. “AI should serve bioethics, always fostering human well-being and dignity,” Amo asserted, adding that while technology cannot replace human decision-making, it can guide it in a more informed and precise manner.
Panel Discussion: Building a Creative AI Community
A roundtable discussion, moderated by Pablo Moreno Flores, Medical Director of Hermanas Hospitalarias Navarra, provided a comprehensive view of AI applications in mental health. Participants emphasized the need to build a creative and collaborative community around AI in this field.
Francisco Ferre Navarrete: AI as an Ally for Personalized Care
During the discussion, Dr. Francisco Ferre Navarrete, Head of Adult Psychiatry at the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid, explained how digitalization and proper AI implementation can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment personalization.
“AI is a fundamental ally for delivering more personalized care, allowing mental health professionals to focus on what truly matters: the patient’s well-being.”
María Beunza: Personality Analysis Through AI
María Beunza, CEO of Human AI Tech, discussed how AI can analyze patients’ personalities. She explained that tools developed by Human AI enable the analysis of socio-emotional skills without traditional tests, offering a faster and more precise approach.
Beunza demonstrated how this technology can assist not only in diagnostic evaluation but also in treatment personalization. Adapting to the emotional and psychological needs of each individual.
“Artificial intelligence doesn’t just complement medicine; it also helps humanize it. Personality analysis can be pivotal in offering more personalized and effective treatments.”
Antonio Rosa Castillo: Practical Applications and Ethical Challenges of AI
Antonio Rosa Castillo, a professor at the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Barcelona, concluded the session with a detailed analysis of AI’s practical applications in mental health, from its origins to current challenges.
“AI has come a long way, but there is still much to do. Healthcare professionals must be prepared and trained to use these technologies effectively.”
Balancing Technology with Human Interaction
A recurring theme was the ethical challenge posed by AI implementation in mental health care. “How can we ensure that the technological tools we design not only improve care but also preserve humanity in every interaction?”
This dilemma underscores the need to design systems that maintain empathy and human sensitivity, especially in delicate fields like mental health.
The challenge is not just technical but also ethical. As AI becomes more integrated into patient care, developing regulatory and ethical frameworks to guide its responsible implementation is crucial. Rosa Castillo urged attendees to consider how to balance technological efficiency with human connection, ensuring AI complements rather than replaces empathetic care.
“AI cannot replace doctors, but it can enhance them as professionals.”
Looking Ahead
The conference concluded with remarks from Sara Chivite, Mental Health Manager at the Navarre Health Service – Osasunbidea. She thanked the speakers for their valuable contributions on AI and mental health. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of ongoing research and discussion about the future of mental health in a rapidly advancing technological world.
“It is imperative to continue working together to ensure AI is a tool that benefits patients and improves their quality of life,” Chivite concluded.
AI has immense potential to revolutionize mental health and many other aspects of our lives. However, as Antonio Rosa Castillo noted, it is vital to maintain a balanced and critical attitude: “This is not about catastrophizing but about using technology responsibly.” AI should be seen as a powerful tool, and it is our responsibility to guide its development to improve lives without compromising humanity.
At Human AI Tech, we firmly believe that artificial intelligence is not just a tool for data analysis but an opportunity to bring human value to healthcare. Mental health requires a comprehensive approach where technology aligns with professionals to make better decisions and deliver more accurate and personalized care.