AI-Facilitated Cognitive Reappraisal via Socrates 2.0: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.
Philip Held1, Sarah A Pridgen1, Daniel R Szoke1
1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, 1645 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 602, Chicago, IL, 60612, United States.
JMIR Mental Health
|December 5, 2025
Summary
Socrates 2.0, an AI tool, shows feasibility and acceptability for self-guided cognitive reappraisal, offering potential mental health support. It demonstrated moderate symptom reduction in depression and anxiety, acting as a possible adjunct to therapy.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Technology
- Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
- Digital Therapeutics
Background:
- Innovative mental health tools are crucial to overcome provider shortages and accessibility issues.
- Large language model (LLM)-based tools can offer real-time, personalized feedback for cognitive reappraisal.
- Socrates 2.0 is an AI tool designed to guide users through Socratic dialogue for mental health support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Socrates 2.0.
- To assess the potential of Socrates 2.0 for reducing psychological symptoms.
- To explore user experiences with an AI-driven mental health tool.
Main Methods:
- A 4-week mixed-methods preclinical feasibility study involving 61 adult participants.
- Participants used Socrates 2.0 as desired, completing self-report measures for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD symptoms.
- Feasibility, acceptability, usability, and working alliance were assessed using validated measures and semistructured interviews.
Main Results:
- High ratings for feasibility (4.26/5), acceptability (4.16/5), and usability were reported.
- Participants showed small-to-moderate symptom reductions in depression (d=0.30), social anxiety (d=0.25), OCD (d=0.33), and PTSD (d=0.28).
- Qualitative feedback highlighted the tool's nonjudgmental, on-demand nature, while noting limitations in conversational depth and repetitive questioning.
Conclusions:
- Socrates 2.0 is perceived as feasible, acceptable, and moderately helpful for self-guided cognitive reappraisal.
- The AI tool shows potential as an adjunct to traditional mental health therapies.
- Further research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm effectiveness and optimize personalization.
Keywords:
cognitive behavior therapycognitive reappraisaldigital mental healthgenerative artificial intelligencelarge language modelsMore Related Videos
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