Mental health copilot (a conversational assistant for support seekers on online mental health platforms(OMHP))

Abstract

This thesis presents the development of Mental Health Co-Pilot (MH-CoPilot), a novel conversational assistant designed to revolutionize the support-seeking experience on Online Mental Health Platforms (OMHPs) like Reddit and TalkLife. At the core of this research is the hypothesis that explicitly articulated help-seeking intentions in posts significantly increase the likelihood of eliciting responses from support providers, a notion substantiated by findings from studies [6]. The research undertakes an exhaustive analysis of the BeCOPE dataset, encompassing over 10,118 posts across 21 mental health-specific subreddits. This investigation identified three primary controlling parameters – event, effect, and requirement – that significantly influence the help-seeking nature of posts. These findings align with the objectives of the thesis, highlighting the importance of intent analysis, where help-seeking posts are shown to be 18.01% more likely to receive assistance than others. Additionally, the study examines criticism and readability aspects, emphasizing how well-articulated posts and constructive criticism can enhance engagement and support within these digital communities. MH-CoPilot is poised to address the critical gap in supporting support seekers in P2P OMHPs by providing guidance on optimizing their posts for more effective communication and higher engagement. This project not only aligns with but also extends the current understanding of peer engagement dynamics in online mental health forums. It underscores the significance of a holistic approach to peer interaction and engagement, focusing on granular user posting behaviours to enhance the overall efficacy of mental health support in digital environments. This thesis contributes significantly to the mental health and technology field by developing a tool that leverages conversational AI to improve the experiences of those seeking help in OMHPs, marking a pivotal step in operationalising empathetic, effective, and responsive digital mental health care.