Mental Health Chatbot Research & Design

About the Project

This project is a collaborative effort between Tsinghua University and the University of Washington (Seattle).

This project explored the research question: "Considering the needs of both therapists and clients, especially the marginalized groups in China, what design principles and features should be integrated into mental health chatbots to improve the overall therapy experience?" By addressing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities in China, the project sought to bridge the gap between marginalized communities and accessible mental health care.

We employed a range of research and design methods, including surveys, interviews, co-design workshops, and value-sensitive design approaches. Surveys were distributed to individuals with mental health needs, while in-depth interviews were conducted with both therapists and clients to gather diverse perspectives. These efforts have yielded valuable insights, and we are currently conducting qualitative analysis to further explore and interpret the findings.