AI Screening for Youth Mental Health: A New Study in Denver
Denver, CO — A groundbreaking research study at the University of Denver is exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen adolescents for anxiety and depression. Led by Professor Johnny Kim from the Graduate School of Social Work, the study is using vocal biomarker technology developed by Ellipsis Health, which has shown promise in adult populations.
The software allows students to engage in a 90-second conversation about their feelings using any device equipped with a microphone and internet access. These recordings are analyzed by an algorithm that identifies signs of anxiety and depression based on both acoustic features and the content of the conversation. "It does not rely on a trained clinician to interpret non-verbal cues, nor on adolescents to provide honest answers," Kim explained.
This research arrives at a critical time as mental health evaluations for children gain attention in Colorado. Governor Jared Polis recently signed the Sixth Through Twelfth Grade Mental Health Screening Act, mandating mental health evaluations for students in these grades. Kim aims to collaborate with the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health to enhance the evaluation process, particularly as schools face challenges screening large numbers of students efficiently.
“If this technology proves to be as effective, or perhaps more so, than current methods, it could significantly improve the mental health support system in schools," Kim added. The team hopes to complete data collection soon, with plans to analyze findings and publish results in academic journals by early next year. This innovative approach could pave the way for employing AI in youth mental health assessments, potentially transforming how schools support students’ mental well-being.