Innovative AI technology streamlines mental health referral and assessment process to help guide people to the right support

A new era of mental health care for Cheshire residents has arrived, as West and Central Cheshire Talking Therapies launches a referral chatbot using innovative artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

The service is provided locally by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), and is for anyone aged 16 and over encountering common mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.

‘Limbic ‘AI’ assists psychological therapists in tailoring a responsive approach to a patient’s mental health needs. Using nationally approved AI technology, the system streamlines the referral and assessment process, and ensures that people looking for support are guided to the services they require much quicker.

A key aim of the AI-supported NHS Talking Therapies (previously known as IAPT) is to make getting mental health support easier, and the chatbot caters to people who might find phone interactions a bit overwhelming. It offers a friendly and easy-to-use way for anyone taking their first steps towards seeking support.

West and Central Talking Therapies provides a variety of options tailored to individual needs. These range from one-to-one over-the-phone support to video and online courses. The services website also features free resources and tools to help people navigate life’s challenges more effectively.

You can find out more about the service at: www.talkingtherapies.cwp.nhs.uk.