Author(s) :

Nwobi, O. B., Onyemacechi, C. I, Izuchukwu, C., Onuorah, A, Adaigbe, E, Philip, P.O..

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This research examines the potential impact of artificial intelligence (ai) on clinical psychology practices in Nigeria, specifically in improving the delivery of mental health care services. In Nigeria, mental health care encounters numerous obstacles, such as a scarcity of professionals, inadequate resources, and difficulties in accessing care, especially in underserved areas. Ai technologies, such as machine learning (ml), natural language processing (nlp), and chatbots, have demonstrated potential in enhancing diagnostic accuracy, offering therapeutic assistance, and facilitating continuous monitoring of patient data. These tools can aid in the early identification of mental health conditions, tailor treatment plans to individual needs, and provide remote assistance, thereby closing gaps in care delivery. Despite the potential benefits, obstacles such as anxiety towards artificial intelligence, resistance to adopting new technologies, and ethical concerns surrounding data privacy and algorithmic bias pose significant challenges to the successful integration of artificial intelligence. The study underscores the importance of developing AI tools that are culturally sensitive and tailored to Nigeria's distinct social, cultural, and psychological context. It also emphasizes the significance of building trust between healthcare professionals and patients, acknowledging concerns that artificial intelligence might undermine the role of human judgment. The successful implementation of ai necessitates the provision of capacity-building initiatives, training programs for healthcare professionals, and robust infrastructure to guarantee the efficient utilization of ai tools. Furthermore, it is crucial to establish ethical guidelines that protect patient privacy, promote fairness in algorithmic decision-making, and prevent the misuse of data. Ai should be seen as a supplementary tool to augment human knowledge and skills, rather than a substitute for it. The study concludes with several suggestions, such as further research on the impact of ai on mental health outcomes, the creation of national strategies for the integration of ai in healthcare, and the emphasis on promoting fairness and accessibility to ai-driven mental health care. Through meticulous planning and responsible execution, ai has the potential to transform mental health care in Nigeria, making it more accessible, effective, and fair.

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