Singapore’s Institute of Mental Health (IMH) is addressing long wait times for psychiatric consultations by trialing an AI-powered app called AmDTx, launched in May 2025. This app offers guided meditation and stress-level predictions to help users manage anxiety and depression during the two-month waiting period. IMH’s Dr. Christopher Cheok highlighted the app’s focus on teaching coping mechanisms while patients await in-person therapy, responding to the increasing demand for mental health services. Additional digital tools, including FDA-approved apps and AI-based assessments, are also under exploration. The digital mental health landscape showcases innovations like internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT), which could provide accessible care for many. However, experts warn of the challenges within this unregulated space, stressing the importance of using validated tools. Ultimately, the goal is to create an efficient hybrid model for mental healthcare delivery in Singapore, ensuring empathetic support through innovative technology.
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