Mental health tech paradox: AI chatbots advising suicide yet other rigorous digital tools lowering attempts by 58%
This week, Chris and Melissa tackle one of the most difficult, yet vital, conversations in modern health innovation, recorded on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10th). The two delve into the stark contrast between technology’s promises, and its unintended dangers in the mental health space.
They discuss how the immense power of technology, specifically LLMs, can go wrong when unchecked. Talking about a recent lawsuit against OpenAI, where an AI chatbot was accused of assisting a high-risk 16-year-old with carrying out suicide.
They also dive into the profound findings from a randomised control trial, involving We Therapeutics and its digital therapeutic intervention for inpatients with elevated suicide risk
This episode’s underscores the necessity of authenticity in life and work. The importance of listening to clients’ needs and sticking to core values. Focusing on progress and supporting mission-driven work, allows innovators to band together to “do more with less” and keep pushing for better outcomes.
If you or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts, know you are not alone. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone.
Links from today’s episode:
Parents suing OpenAI and Sam Altman allege ChatGPT coached their 16-year-old into taking his own life. (Fortune):
https://fortune.com/2025/08/26/adam-raine-openai-sam-altman-wrongful-death-lawsuit-suicide/
Hosts:Chris Hemphill - Chris’s 17 years in healthcare technology have spanned sales, operations, data science IC, and AI leadership. Chris couples this with a focus on health equity and serves as the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy Research Fellow for Healthcare AI. Chris’s currently leads Modular Feedback, which focuses on helping healthcare innovators find and build thoughtful AI use cases: https://modularfeedback.com
Melissa Reilly - Melissa spent the last 20 years leading innovations at major payers: UnitedHealth Group(Optum Ventures), Aetna, and Evernorth/Cigna. She’s helped drive and commercialize multiple startups in AI & consumer testing, and she is now driving product and commercialization for healthcare innovators full-time. She brings industry expertise as well as a background in law, negotiation, & real estate. Her company’s name is STLTH.
Production:Edited by Alyssa SchrollMusic by Chris Hemphill
