Overview
AI is already changing how people seek help, understand ourselves, form relationships, and receive care. Young people are turning to AI companions. Patients are using chatbots before they reach a clinician. Doctors are using AI-generated information in diagnosis, treatment, and crisis response. Families, schools, health systems, and communities are trying to understand what is helpful, what is harmful, and what should never be left to machines.
The AI and Mental Health conference brings together our communities with leaders from academia, healthcare, industry, and government to explore these challenges and opportunities. Hosted by the Michigan Institute for Data and AI in Society (MIDAS) and university partners, the conference will foster meaningful dialogue, spark new collaborations and accelerate responsible, human-centered AI innovation.
More than a conference, this event is a call to action. The ideas, perspectives and recommendations generated throughout the event will help shape future research directions, community engagement strategies and policy considerations, creating a lasting resource for researchers, practitioners, decision-makers and communities working at the intersection of AI and mental health.
Key Points
Inspiring Keynote Speakers
Hear from nationally recognized leaders in AI, mental health, health care, policy and industry as they share emerging research, real-world experiences and visions for the future.
Expert Panel Discussions
Gain insights from researchers, clinicians, policymakers, technologists and community leaders through multidisciplinary panel conversations and audience Q&A.
Interactive Discussions
Participate in facilitated table discussions designed to elevate diverse perspectives, encourage meaningful dialogue and shape the conversation throughout the event.
Posters, Demonstrations & Networking
Connect with researchers, students, community organizations and industry partners while exploring research posters, AI demonstrations and collaborative projects.
Community Collaboration
Discover opportunities to build new partnerships, pitch collaborative ideas and contribute to projects that extend beyond the symposium.
The Listening Wall
Share your ideas, concerns and hopes for the future of AI and mental health. Attendee feedback collected throughout the event will help inform the symposium’s post-event white paper and recommendations.
Sessions
Session 1
What is Happening to Us?
Setting the Human Stakes
Explore how AI is influencing mental health across individuals, families and communities through perspectives from researchers, clinicians, caregivers and policymakers.
Discussion topics include:
- Mental health trends in the AI era
- Experiences from patients, families and students
- Community perspectives and lived experiences
- The human impact of rapidly evolving technologies
Session 2
What Can AI Actually Do?
Promise, Hype and Responsible Innovation
Examine where AI is making meaningful advances in mental health while distinguishing evidence-based applications from speculation.
Discussion topics include:
- AI-powered mental health tools and interventions
- Evidence versus hype
- Equity and access
- Responsible AI development and clinical validation
- The role of human connection in care
Session 3
Who Decides?
Governance, Guardrails and Accountability
Discuss how AI should be governed to ensure responsible, transparent and equitable use in mental health.
Discussion topics include:
- Public policy and regulation
- Ethical governance
- Community accountability
- Industry responsibility
- Standards for trustworthy AI
Community Connection Session
During the Lunch & Community Connection session, community leaders, researchers, and industry partners will present short spotlights on their work. Presentations are organized around three simple focus areas: what teams are trying to Build, what research questions they want to Study, and what policy or practice changes they want to Change. This informal dialogue session is designed for participants to share ideas, learn from one another, and build relationships that can help move this work forward.
Build
AI tools, technologies and interventions
Study
Research questions, data and measurement
Change
Policy, advocacy and standards
What’s Next?
Turning Conversation into Action
The conference concludes by highlighting emerging collaborations, community ideas and actionable next steps that will help shape future research, partnerships and policy recommendations.
Who Should Attend
AI is reshaping how we understand, support and care for mental health. This symposium brings together diverse perspectives to explore the opportunities, challenges and responsibilities of AI in mental health. Whether you’re conducting research, delivering care, shaping policy or engaging with your community, you’ll find opportunities to learn, connect and contribute.
This event is designed for:
- Anyone interested in the future of AI and mental health
- Researchers and faculty
- Clinicians and health care professionals
- Students and trainees
- Community organizations and advocates
- Policymakers and government leaders
- AI and technology professionals
- Educators
- Industry partners
AI and Mental Health Post-Conference Workshop
🗓️ Tuesday, October 6, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
This invite-only post-conference workshop brings together researchers, clinicians, community partners, students, and policymakers to turn conference insights into concrete next steps. Moving from broad conversation to structured collaboration, the half-day session is organized into three parallel tracks focused on community programs, research priorities, and policy strategy. Participants will work across disciplines to establish clear priorities, identify lead organizers, and outline milestones, leaving with an action plan to guide the work ahead.
Co-sponsors
Department of Psychiatry
