Using AI to help adults with emotional distress
Study of a PST-Trained Voice-Enabled Artificial Intelligence Counselor (SPEAC) for Adults with Emotional Distress
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-10886014
This study is testing a friendly AI counselor called Lumen, which helps adults dealing with moderate depression and anxiety by using a special therapy technique, and you can try it out on your personal device while helping to improve it!
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10886014 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an AI-powered virtual counselor named Lumen, designed to assist adults experiencing moderate depression and anxiety. By utilizing Problem Solving Therapy (PST), Lumen aims to provide accessible mental health support through voice interaction on personal devices. The project will involve user-centered design evaluations and a randomized clinical trial to assess Lumen's effectiveness in engaging specific brain areas related to emotional and cognitive control. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with this innovative technology and contribute to its development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health conditions or those who are currently receiving intensive therapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a scalable and accessible mental health support tool for individuals struggling with emotional distress.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in using AI for mental health interventions, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MA, JUN — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: MA, JUN
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.