Chatbot tool makes it easier for people seeking help to access the right servicesBradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, which has helped thousands of people with common mental health conditions across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven, has recently unveiled an exciting addition to their website – Limbic, an innovative mental health referral chatbot powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that will make it easier for people seeking help to access the right services.

The free, cutting-edge tool will simplify the process for people seeking support and enable them to embark on their therapeutic journey online.

Mental health concerns affect one in four people in the UK annually, however many individuals avoid seeking help due to the fear of judgment.

Limbic will provide wider access to vital mental health support and furnish psychological therapists with information to help them determine the severity and urgency of a potential patient’s needs.

The tool gathers essential information and assesses if a person is displaying mild or complex symptoms, which allows people showing mild symptoms to receive a more suitable 20-minute assessment.

By automating these early steps, the tool will free up therapists’ time. This will allow clinicians to focus on helping more people access the support they need more quickly.

Naomi Holdsworth, Operations Service Manager at Bradford District and Craven Talking TherapiesNaomi Holdsworth, Operations Service Manager at Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies said: “We are thrilled to offer this tool in addition to the range of support available from our service. This type of technology will help more people access our service quickly. The new AI referral tool on our website will help people looking for support understand the process and be signposted to the relevant part of our service much quicker. This means we can save our therapists time, so they can focus on helping people feel better.”

Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies offers a range of options to suit individual needs, including phone advice or one-to-one courses at a range of locations available across the district. The website also offers a range of free guides and tools to help people better manage life’s ups and downs.

The service is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale or Craven. People don’t have to go through their GP to access support. People accessing support can register online at: www.bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk 

For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources and apps, visit www.healthyminds.services.