Mental Health Tech Insider: Where Technology Meets Mental and Neuro Health
Dr. Maria Blekher
Founding Partner at Serendipity Impact VC - investing in startups transforming Neuro & Mental Health
Welcome to the ninth issue of Mental Health Tech Insider—your compass for navigating the intersection of technology with mental and neuro health. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, advisor, or simply fascinated by the industry’s evolution, this newsletter is designed for you.
In this issue:
Love, Maria
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Research Transforming Neuro and Mental Health??
Beyond Algorithms: Is responsible AI enough when it comes to mental health?
As AI becomes more integrated into healthcare, we need to ask: Are we really thinking about its full impact on mental health? A recent article in JMIR points out that while we’re focused on building responsible AI that emphasizes transparency, fairness, and accountability, we might be missing a key piece when it comes to mental health, the emotional and relational side of care.
Why isn’t responsible AI enough? While responsible AI works to protect privacy, prevent discrimination, and ensure transparency, mental health is about more than just following rules. It’s deeply tied to emotions, relationships, and trust. AI systems, as they are now, don’t always focus on these human aspects, like building trust or offering real emotional support. For mental health, AI needs to do more than just protect rights; it needs to understand and respond to the emotional and social needs of its users.
This is where the ethics of care comes in. This approach goes beyond rules and regulations, focusing on empathy and human connection. It also takes into account users’ cultural and social backgrounds. Mental health AI needs to adapt to the diverse needs of individuals, understanding that emotional expressions and experiences can vary across cultures.
So, what can we do differently? Developers should start thinking more like therapists when developing AI for mental health, considering users’ emotional needs as much as their privacy. And, of course, we need stronger privacy protections. Once we get this balance right, AI could become a powerful partner in mental health care, not by replacing human interaction, but by enhancing it.
For those interested in reading the original paper: Full article in JMIR
Market Trends: Mental Health at Work
Is technology the key to making mental health a priority at work?
It’s 2024, and mental health has become more than just a personal issue, it’s a workplace priority. Companies are finally realizing that supporting their employees’ mental well-being isn’t just about looking good, it’s also good for business.
Think about personalized wellness programs. One-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t work when it comes to mental health. Leading companies are now giving employees the opportunity to create customized mental health packages, using a mix of digital tools, app subscriptions, wearables, and more, tailored to each person’s unique needs. This shift is making mental health care more proactive and preventive, designed to fit individual patterns and lifestyles.
However, tech-based personalization comes with the challenge of privacy. Mental health data is among the most sensitive information out there. For mental health initiatives at work to be successful, it’s essential to have strong data protection, clear boundaries, and transparent consent processes in place. Protecting personal information must be the top priority every step of the way.
Brain Buzzwords: Key Concepts in Mental and Neuro Health??
Transcranial brain stimulation
Transcranial brain stimulation is quickly becoming one of the most exciting areas in neuro tech, offering new ways to boost neuroplasticity and influence brain function. With more startups entering the space to address mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, it’s easy to get confused about how these technologies differ and whether they really work. Let’s break it down:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Already FDA-approved for depression, particularly for people who haven’t found relief from other treatments, TMS uses magnetic fields to create electrical currents in specific areas of the brain. This non-invasive method can stimulate neural activity, potentially helping to "reset" brain patterns to improve mood and cognitive function.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS): Still largely in the research phase, tDCS delivers a low-intensity electrical current to the brain, aiming to adjust how neurons fire. While it's showing potential for treating depression, anxiety, and improving cognitive function, more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and figure out the best ways to use it.
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS): A newer approach, tACS uses alternating electrical currents to target brain waves and cognitive processes. It’s an exciting area of research, but there’s still a lot to learn, especially about how to fine-tune factors like frequency and intensity to get the best results.
What’s next? Several startups are developing wearable devices for at-home neuromodulation, making these treatments more accessible and easier to use. There’s a lot of exciting potential in the future of transcranial brain stimulation, but it's important to move forward carefully. With solid research, clear safety guidelines, and thoughtful ethical practices in place, we can fully unlock the potential of these technologies and ensure they’re used safely and responsibly.
Upcoming Events??
If you’re in NYC next week and curious about the intersection of finance and mental health, join me at The REAL Summit, happening October 17-18! I’ll be speaking about how AI is shaping the future of mental health care. Hope to see you there!
In a world full of tech, stay human, see human.??
Maria
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About the author:
I am Dr. Maria Blekher, a behavioral scientist, growth strategist, and investor with a robust background in consumer behavior and market strategies. I hold a PhD from Ben Gurion University and a postdoc at NYU, leading to my role as the founding director of the YU Innovation Lab in the heart of the NYC tech ecosystem. My expertise centers on bridging market entry gaps for startups, aligning go-to-market strategies with profound consumer behavior insights and market dynamics, and cultivating strategic partnerships. Driven by a mission to make an impact and enhance the human experience through technological innovation, my partner Avi Yaron and I are launching Serendipity Impact VC—investing in early-stage, disruptive neuro and mental health startups.