LTAI: A Continually-Learning AI Chatbot for Student Mental Health Issues
AURORA, Colo. — In a world where mental health resources for students are often limited, Keith Pontiflet, the founder of Key to Life Counseling in Aurora, had a groundbreaking idea. Teaming up with computer engineer Alex Doyal, they created LTAI, an AI chatbot designed to help high school students navigate mental health issues and provide answers.
Pontiflet recognized the lack of accessibility to counselors in schools, with only one to two counselors available for every 700 to 800 students. This gap inspired him to develop a solution that could reach more students in need of support.
“LTAI stands for ‘Let’s Talk About It,'” Pontiflet explained. The AI chatbot is continually learning and evolving, using evidence-based resources and research to provide students with valuable information and guidance.
Through a simple chat interface, students can ask LTAI questions like “How can I avoid a relapse?” and receive detailed suggestions on coping mechanisms and support group attendance. But LTAI’s capabilities don’t stop there.
Pontiflet shared that the next step for LTAI is to link with Zoom and facilitate support groups for students. The AI chatbot will record and transcribe conversations, offering feedback and resources for future group sessions.
This Sunday, LTAI is set to work with a support group of students from Denver Public Schools high schools, with plans to expand to other school districts in Colorado.
In a recent Q&A session with LTAI, the AI chatbot highlighted the various ways AI can assist individuals with mental health issues, from providing information and resources to offering virtual therapy and counseling. While AI can be a valuable tool, it is important to seek help from qualified human counselors for more personalized support.
As the field of AI continues to advance, LTAI serves as a promising example of how technology can be harnessed to support students’ mental health and well-being. With its innovative approach, LTAI is paving the way for a new era of mental health support in schools.