Americans turn to artificial intelligence to treat anxiety and depression

(Chicago, IL) - Americans may soon start turning to artificial intelligence to treat anxiety and depression.

The National Institute of Mental Health funded a pilot study that discovered Lumen, an AI voice-based virtual coach, helped improve depression and anxiety symptoms.

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago tell WebMD the program is not a replacement for therapists, but it could be a stopgap measure.

Lumen, which was developed at the university, aims to serve users as swiftly as possible.