Artificial intelligence-assisted mental healthcare in general practice: Benefits, risks and future possibilities

General practitioners (GPs) are increasingly exploring artificial intelligence (AI) to support mental healthcare on the backdrop of a broader discourse about how AI could safely play a part in assisting people with mental health issues.

This paper examines how AI tools could augment GP-led mental health services by improving access and personalisation of care, while highlighting the central role of GPs in assessment and continuity.

We review current AI applications in mental health, from basic note-taking assistants to chatbots and predictive analytics. These tools offer potential benefits including 24/7 access, reduced stigma, improved efficiency, expanded clinical capability, greater patient engagement and support for measurement-based care. However, important risks remain, including privacy concerns, variable reliability and accuracy, algorithmic bias, and broader ethical and regulatory challenges. Given the sensitive and personal nature of mental health, careful integration is essential. Practical implementation requires clear informed consent, prioritising lower-risk use cases initially, and maintaining strong GP oversight at all times. AI should support, not replace, clinical judgement. Overall, AI represents a promising adjunct in general practice mental healthcare, with the potential to extend reach and improve care delivery. However, the therapeutic relationship, clinical expertise and human connection remain central and irreplaceable in delivering safe, effective and compassionate mental healthcare.