Therapy Tech: The Digital Transformation of Mental Healthcare

Therapy Tech examines the state of tech-based mental healthcare and argues that it perpetuates preexisting disparities and relies on the same failed focus on personal responsibility. It features case studies of popular AI "doctors on demand" and how therapists are being conscripted into the gig economy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 04 January 2022
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

The proponents of technology are hailing it as the solution to the increasing mental distress that our nation is facing. They are excited about the arrival of various tools such as algorithms, intelligent chatbots, smartphone applications, telehealth services, and more. However, the question remains: Are these technological fixes truly effective in addressing the mental health challenges we face?

In her book "Therapy Tech," Emma Bedor Hiland delves into the comprehensive transformation of mental healthcare brought about by technology. She presents a critical examination of how technology has been marketed as the panacea, but in reality, it perpetuates preexisting disparities and fails to deliver on its promises. Through vivid and in-depth case studies, Therapy Tech uncovers these issues, covering topics such as psychosurveillance on websites like Facebook and 7 Cups of Tea, the shortcomings of popular AI "doctors on demand" like Woebot, Wysa, and Joy, and even the conscription of therapists into the gig economy.

This book is a groundbreaking exploration of mental health technologies and the cultural changes they have enabled. It serves as both a sobering dissection of the current state of mental health and a necessary warning of where things are headed. Therapy Tech makes a vital assertion about how we can best help those in need of mental health services today.

By examining the impact of technology on mental healthcare, Therapy Tech sheds light on the complexities and challenges that we face in this realm. It highlights the need for a more holistic and comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of mental distress and promotes mental well-being for all.

In conclusion, "Therapy Tech" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of technology and mental health. It provides a critical analysis of the current state of mental healthcare and offers valuable insights into how we can shape a future that prioritizes mental well-being and promotes equity.

Dimension: 216 x 140 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517911164