The Ground Up Model: How We’re Using AI to Revolutionize Youth Mental Health Treatment

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is grabbing headlines and captivating imaginations across industries. But for those of us working in youth mental health care, it’s more than just a buzzword—it’s a tool that, when used ethically and effectively, can fundamentally change how we approach treatment. When it comes to my work at Bend, we’re not interested in shiny, theoretical applications of AI. Instead, we’re focused on how it can make a real, tangible difference for clinicians, patients, and their families.

Let’s start with the big picture: AI isn’t about replacing clinicians. It’s about lightening their administrative burden, enabling them to spend more time doing what they do best—providing compassionate care. It’s about creating tools that help us find patients in need faster, evaluate quality more efficiently, and deliver insights that improve care. Most importantly, we’re not using AI just for the sake of using AI. Every implementation is purpose-driven, designed to address real challenges in youth mental health care.

Here’s how we’re incorporating AI into Bend’s Ground Up Model:

1. Lightening the Load for Providers

Documentation is one of the most time-consuming tasks for mental health providers. We’re leveraging AI to summarize reports and notes, cutting down the time clinicians spend on administrative tasks. Instead of wading through pages of documentation, providers can quickly access the insights they need, enabling them to focus on their patients. Think of it as the difference between navigating with a GPS versus unfolding a paper map—the destination is the same, but the process is far more efficient.

2. Improving Patient Experiences

AI can enhance the patient journey by reducing redundancy. For instance, we’re exploring tools that consolidate patient information so that families don’t have to repeat their story at every touchpoint. By streamlining data collection and organization, we’re making it easier for patients to receive consistent and personalized care.

Additionally, AI tools can provide patients with helpful resources or reminders between sessions, fostering a sense of support even outside the clinical setting. These tools could guide families to educational materials, coping strategies, or appointment scheduling, creating a seamless care experience.

3. Enhancing Quality and Training

AI has the potential to revolutionize how we evaluate the quality of care. By analyzing patterns in provider documentation or patient progress, we can identify areas for improvement and tailor training programs accordingly. This isn’t just about catching mistakes; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

For example, AI might flag trends indicating where a provider could benefit from additional training or where a new intervention strategy could be more effective. These insights allow us to refine our methods and maintain a high standard of care across the board.

4. Looking to the Future

We’re particularly excited about the possibilities of AI in analyzing video and audio data. Imagine tools that could compare a patient’s behavior or speech patterns over time, flagging subtle changes in eye contact, tone, or affect that might escape the human eye. While this is still in the future-thinking stage, it represents a promising frontier for early intervention and improved outcomes.

Another future possibility involves leveraging AI to monitor broader mental health trends in real time. By analyzing aggregated, anonymized data, we could identify emerging issues within specific demographics or regions, allowing for proactive responses to potential crises.

The Ethical Balancing Act

With all its promise, AI isn’t without risks. One of my biggest concerns is the potential for over-reliance on these tools. As we’ve seen with the internet, there’s a danger that clinicians may lose foundational knowledge, relying too heavily on AI to fill gaps. This shift could erode the quality of care over time, as professionals drift further from critical thinking and core competencies.

Another red flag? The breakneck speed of AI development. It feels like we’re building the plane while flying it. While innovation is exciting, we need to proceed thoughtfully, prioritizing ethics and long-term implications over short-term gains.

We also need to remain vigilant about data privacy and bias. AI systems are only as good as the data they’re trained on, and biased data could lead to inequitable outcomes. Ensuring that our AI tools are transparent, fair, and aligned with patient rights is a non-negotiable part of the process.

Why It Matters

At the end of the day, AI isn’t about flashy features or industry trends. It’s about improving lives—whether that’s a provider who can finally leave work on time, a family that feels truly heard, or a young person receiving the care they need at the right time. By embedding AI into our Ground Up Model, we’re building a system that supports providers and patients alike, ensuring that youth mental health care continues to evolve and thrive.

As we move forward, let’s embrace AI not as a crutch but as a partner—one that helps us be better, faster, and more thoughtful. After all, the goal isn’t to replace the human element in care; it’s to amplify it.

‍