AI is transforming men's mental health by offering private, accessible, and stigma-free support. This piece by Videra Health's Co-founder, Brett Talbot, explores innovative technologies empowering men to seek help and reshaping behavioral health care delivery.
Breaking the Silence: Using AI to Empower Men to Seek Help for Mental Health
Orem, Utah - June 2, 2025
By Brett Talbot, Co-founder and CCO, Videra Health
In a world where strength is often measured by stoicism, millions of men are suffering in silence. The statistics around male suicide paint a sobering picture: men die by suicide at nearly four times the rate of women, making it one of the leading causes of death among men — particularly those in their middle years.
Despite this alarming reality, less than half of men experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions will ever seek professional help. The barriers men face aren't just about availability of services; they're deeply woven into the cultural fabric. Mental health professionals have witnessed first-hand how traditional notions of masculinity have created what many are now recognizing as a public health crisis.
"Many men have a complicated relationship with their mental health, "psychotherapist Scott Meyer wrote. "Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety. Yet ... just 42 percent of male-identifying respondents were treated for any mental health issue compared to 57 percent of female-identifying respondents."
The stigma is real and deeply ingrained. According to a UK survey by Priory Group, 40 percent of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, with 29 percent reporting they were "too embarrassed" while 20 percent cited a "negative stigma" around the issue. Perhaps most troubling, the same survey found that for 40 percent of men, it would take thoughts of suicide or self-harm to compel them to seek professional help.
The Technology Breakthrough
The intersection of artificial intelligence and mental health presents a unique and powerful opportunity to address this crisis. As we celebrate Men's Health Month in June 2025, innovative AI solutions are emerging as game-changers in breaking down barriers that have historically prevented men from seeking help.
What makes AI particularly promising for men's mental health? Three critical factors:
Recent scientific research validates this potential. In March 2025, researchers at Dartmouth College published groundbreaking results in NEJM AI from the first randomized clinical trial of generative AI therapy.
The study included 210 participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or eating disorders. Over an eight-week period, participants who interacted with Therabot experienced significant reductions in symptoms: a 51% decrease in depression symptoms, a 31% decrease in anxiety symptoms, and a 19% reduction in eating disorder concerns. These outcomes were comparable to traditional outpatient therapy, suggesting that AI-assisted approaches may offer clinically meaningful benefits. Patients developed strong therapeutic relationships with the AI and appreciated the ability to access support whenever needed, including during middle-of-the-night insomnia episodes.
AI Innovations Changing the Landscape
Several promising AI applications are already making an impact:
Not Without Challenges
Despite its promise, the AI mental health revolution faces important hurdles. Ethics boards and mental health organizations have rightfully raised concerns about patient safety, data privacy, and the risk of providing inadequate care. There's also the danger of some men using AI as an indefinite substitute for human connection rather than a bridge to comprehensive care when needed.
Dr. Vaile Wright from the American Psychological Association emphasized this point in her recent comments to NPR on AI therapy research: "I don't think humans need to be concerned that they're going to be put out of business," observing that given the tremendous shortage of mental health providers, "the country needs all the quality therapists we can get—be they human or bot."
This highlights the ideal path forward: leveraging AI as a complement to, rather than replacement for, human care. The most effective systems will likely be those designed to identify when a case exceeds the capabilities of AI and facilitate smooth transitions to appropriate human providers.
A New Framework for Men's Mental Health
What's emerging is a promising multi-tiered approach:
Tier 1: Awareness and Education AI-powered content through social media, podcasts, and targeted campaigns helps normalize mental health discussions for men and raises awareness about available resources.
Tier 2: Self-Help Tools Digital mental fitness applications provide anonymous skills training in stress management, emotional regulation, and resilience building.
Tier 3: Early Intervention AI screening tools enable early detection of developing problems and guide men toward appropriate resources.
Tier 4: Treatment Support AI companions enhance traditional therapy by improving engagement and providing support between sessions.
Tier 5: Crisis Prevention Advanced monitoring systems detect warning signs of self-harm and activate appropriate safety protocols.
The Path Forward: Implementing Effective Solutions
For behavioral health leaders and clinicians, the implications are significant. Here are key recommendations for organizations seeking to leverage AI to better serve men:
A Promising Horizon
The reluctance of men to seek help for mental health concerns has persisted as a stubborn public health challenge for decades. AI technology now offers a promising pathway to change this narrative. By creating bridges to care that align with men's needs for privacy, control, and gradual engagement, we have an unprecedented opportunity to reach millions who might otherwise suffer in silence.
As we observe Men's Health Month this June, let's recognize both the progress we've made and the work that remains. The AI revolution in mental health care isn't simply about implementing new technologies — it's about reimagining how we approach men's wellness altogether.
By combining technological innovation with compassionate understanding of the unique barriers men face, we can create a future where seeking help isn't seen as weakness, but as a powerful act of self-determination and strength.
Brett Talbot is co-founder and CCO of Videra Health, an Orem-based, AI-driven, multimodal assessment platform that empowers providers and health care organizations to proactively identify, triage, and monitor at-risk patients. Talbot is a distinguished clinical psychologist and technology innovator. Prior to Videra Health he served as Chief Clinical Officer and Executive Director across several healthcare organizations. His pioneering efforts led to the creation of video-based depression, anxiety and trauma clinical assessments.