Towards Responsible AI for Mental Health and Well-being: Experts Chart a Way Forward

On 29 January 2026, more than 30 international experts in artificial intelligence, mental health, ethics, and public policy participated in an online workshop organized by the Delft Digital Ethics Centre at Delft University of Technology, the first WHO Collaborating Centre on AI for health governance and ethics. The workshop was held as an official pre-summit event of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The workshop brought together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and mental health advocates to discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence on mental health and well-being. WHO experts emphasized that as AI tools increasingly interact with people during emotionally sensitive moments, it is important to ensure that these systems are designed with safety, accountability, and human well-being as top priorities.

One of the major concerns discussed was the rapid rise in the use of generative AI tools for emotional support, especially among young people. Many of these AI tools were not originally designed or tested for mental health support, which may create serious risks if not properly regulated and monitored. Experts stressed that the rapid adoption of AI has been faster than research on its mental health impact, creating an urgent need for better understanding and governance.

The workshop resulted in three major recommendations. First, the use of generative AI should be recognized as a public mental health issue, requiring attention from governments, healthcare systems, and technology companies. Second, mental health impact should be included in AI impact assessments and monitoring systems to understand both short-term and long-term effects. Third, AI tools designed for mental health support should be developed together with mental health professionals and individuals with real-life experience, ensuring that these tools are safe, effective, and culturally appropriate.

The workshop also highlighted the important role of WHO Collaborating Centres in supporting responsible AI development. These centres bring together global experts to develop evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for AI governance in healthcare.

Looking ahead, WHO is working to establish a global consortium of collaborating centres on AI for Health. This international network will support countries in adopting AI responsibly by ensuring that AI systems in healthcare are ethical, evidence-based, and focused on improving public health outcomes.