Artificial Intelligence–Driven Counselling Platforms and Their Impact on Access to Psychological Care

Abstract

Access to psychological care remains a major challenge in many developing societies, including Nigeria, due to shortages of professional counsellors, stigma surrounding mental health, high costs of services, and geographical barriers. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI)–driven counselling platforms have emerged as innovative tools with the potential to transform the delivery of psychological care. These platforms utilize technologies such as chatbots, machine learning algorithms, and automated assessments to provide mental health screening, emotional support, and counselling-related interventions. This paper examines the role of AI-driven counselling platforms in enhancing access to psychological care. Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model, Person-Centred Counselling Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory, the paper explores how AI-based platforms can address accessibility gaps, reduce stigma, and complement traditional face-to-face counselling services. The paper further reviews existing literature on AI applications in counselling, identifies ethical and practical challenges, and proposes a conceptual framework for integrating AI-driven counselling platforms into psychological care systems. The paper concludes that while AI-driven counselling platforms hold significant promise for improving access to psychological care, their effectiveness depends on ethical deployment, professional oversight, cultural sensitivity, and supportive institutional policies.

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