{
  "id": 38029,
  "title": "AI Provides Mental Health Support For Those In The Aftermath Of Natural Disasters",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/ai-provides-mental-health-support-for-those-in-the-aftermath-of",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-02T07:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Forbes",
    "slug": "forbes",
    "url": "https://www.forbes.com/sites/lanceeliot/2026/08/02/ai-provides-mental-health-support-for-those-in-the-aftermath-of-natural-disasters/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Generative AI and large language models are increasingly being utilized as a cutting-edge approach to mental health support in the aftermath of natural disasters. These AI tools provide immediate, round-the-clock, and affordable access, functioning as cognitive first aid for individuals grappling with psychological impacts. Traditional mental health services often face challenges in addressing the scale of need following disasters, and AI can help fill this gap. AI can provide stabilization, psychoeducation, and emotional support, or even triage and refer individuals to human therapists when necessary. However, concerns regarding AI safety, potential for inappropriate advice, privacy, and the need for robust governance persist. Experts stress the dual-use nature of AI, acknowledging its potential to both enhance and harm mental well-being, necessitating careful management and oversight by public health agencies. The analysis explores the use of generative AI and large language models (LLMs) to deliver immediate and potentially ongoing mental health support for those psychologically affected by large-scale natural disasters. This innovative application of AI in mental health is predicted to gain widespread acceptance as research progresses. Accessing LLMs online enables people to seek AI-driven mental health guidance anytime and anywhere, at a relatively low cost compared to human therapists and disaster support specialists. AI serves as a valuable form of cognitive first aid and aids in helping individuals regain mental stability. Following initial assistance, those requiring further help can transition from AI to seek human-based mental health services. This examination of AI advancements is part of a regular Forbes column, covering the latest developments in AI, including their potential impacts and complexities. The author has extensively covered various aspects of AI's role in mental health, with over a hundred analyses and posts available. The field of AI-driven mental health support is rapidly evolving, presenting both significant benefits and hidden risks. The author frequently addresses these concerns, including a recent appearance on CBS’s 60 Minutes. The rise of generative AI and LLMs has led to millions of people using AI as their ongoing mental health advisor, with the top-ranked usage being consulting the AI on mental health matters. Despite claims of AI safeguards being implemented, concerns remain about the potential for AI to provide unsuitable or harmful advice, such as inciting delusions that may lead to self-harm. The author has predicted that major AI companies will eventually face scrutiny over their inadequate AI safeguards. For this article, the focus is on the mental health impacts of large-scale disasters and the various ways individuals can access mental health support, including the emerging use of AI-based capabilities. In the United States, the diverse climate results in a range of natural disasters, with 81 occurring in 2024. Of these, 49 were severe convective storms, 9 were caused by wildfires, heat waves, and drought, and 12 resulted from floods and flash floods. The remaining few were due to winter storms, cold waves, and tropical cyclones. Natural disasters not only cause significant economic damage and loss of life but also have profound mental health consequences.",
  "summary": "People often need mental health support after natural disasters. Human-based resources are scarce and costly. AI can be a viable option. Here's how. An AI Insider scoop.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}