UofM Researchers Develop AI Chatbot to Support Student Mental Health

Exploring generative AI chatbots for self-managed mental health

A team of University of Memphis researchers is taking an innovative approach to addressing the growing mental health challenges faced by college students. Drs. Polina Durneva and Yuan Zhang from the Fogelman College of Business and Economics, along with Dr. Sohye Lee from the Loewenberg College of Nursing, are leading a groundbreaking project to develop a Generative AI (Gen AI) chatbot designed specifically to help students manage academic stress. 

With nearly half of college students reporting higher-than-average stress levels, the need for accessible mental health support has never been more urgent. This AI-enabled chatbot aims to deliver tailored, engaging strategies for stress self-management, offering a scalable solution for students seeking support outside of traditional counseling services. 

The research team is following a multi-phase development process, including collaboration with CustomGPT.ai, expert panel evaluations, and task-based usability testing sessions. The chatbot is being trained using trusted mental health resources, such as the NIH National Institute of Mental Health and the American Psychological Association, ensuring that the support it provides is both reliable and evidence based. 

This project represents a significant step forward in integrating Gen AI into digital health interventions. The insights gained from this study will guide future research in developing AI-driven mental health tools for a broader range of psychological needs. Ultimately, this work aims to expand access to personalized, timely support and help close the gap in mental health care for students and beyond. 

For more information on this project, contact Durneva at pdurneva@memphis.edu.