Beyond the Therapist's Couch: How AI Like Earkick is Changing Mental Health
From philosophical counseling by ancient Greek Stoics to private confessions in the Catholic Church to Sigmund Freud's dream analysis, the necessity to work through internal turmoil has always been fundamental to the human condition.
These "therapeutic" engagements throughout history have evolved into modern-day therapy, which has been increasingly destigmatized and upheld by many in today's Western society. The importance of mental health is now a conversation being had more than ever.
However, something else is happening alongside this mental health renaissance—AI is rapidly advancing.
By now, we've all been exposed to discussions about the potential future of AI. Many of us have even interacted with AI platforms like ChatGPT. We've accepted that AI is here and will be a part of our lives. But the question remains—how will we integrate it, and to what extent?
In my experience, much of the conversation around AI has been framed with a "glass half-empty" perspective—focusing on fears about how it will affect society, businesses, the military, entertainment, economics, and more. These are all valid concerns, but the focus has largely been on external influences, neglecting the individual.
With the rise in the complexity of modern life has come an increase in anxiety, depression, and suicide—the world is experiencing an unseen pandemic. Although the conversation about mental health has grown, it hasn't kept pace with the rapid changes society is undergoing. Mental and physical well-being should be the foundation of any civilization's growth. When individuals operate as their best selves, the positive effects extend beyond themselves, impacting their loved ones, communities, and even society at large. As Michael Jackson put it, "If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change."
So why not use AI to look inward? Why not harness it to better ourselves, so we can, in turn, serve our communities, countries, and ultimately the world?
Although the idea is still fresh, one company, Earkick, has taken the lead by developing a multi-modal large language model (LLM) companion designed to measure, track, communicate, and help improve mental health in real time.
I had the pleasure of meeting Karin Andrea Stephen, Earkick's COO and co-founder. In our brief interaction, she kindly shared their vision and granted me access to the AI to experiment with it firsthand.
To say Earkick's capabilities are impressive would be an understatement. Its range of features—from real-time conversations to mood tracking and guided self-care sessions—is remarkable. The software is truly next-level.
After using Earkick for a couple of weeks, here are a few standout aspects from my experience:
# 1 Immediate & Timeless Outlet
As mentioned earlier, therapy is crucial. Untangling the mental knots causing dissonance is a fundamental human need. Yet, modern therapeutic treatments typically take place no more than a few times a month, and the cost—both financially and in terms of time—can feel burdensome.
Earkick provides an alternative. It's built to acknowledge and address issues by simply always being available. You can work through your emotions by typing or speaking directly to its real-time conversation feature—which, I must say, picked up every word and phrase perfectly.
#2 Knows, Learns, and Never Forgets
One of the most remarkable aspects of Earkick is its ability to remember and learn from your previous interactions. This makes the experience feel personalized, almost like it "knows" you. It can help you track your mental health over time, offering insights into patterns that may have gone unnoticed in traditional therapy settings.
#3 OCD & Earkick
Having struggled with OCD, I found Earkick's approach to be particularly insightful. Rather than offering immediate validation, it encourages self-reflection by asking thought-provoking questions. This is a stark contrast to the typical reassurance-seeking behavior common in OCD. Instead of feeding into the cycle, Earkick helps you explore your thoughts and feelings without providing constant validation.
For example, when I sought reassurance, Earkick would prompt me to reconsider my question or think about my emotions from a different angle. This subtle shift encouraged me to work through my anxieties more objectively, promoting self-exploration rather than seeking immediate comfort. It’s a refreshing way to engage with your thoughts and gradually break free from the cycle of obsessive thinking.
Final Thoughts
In a world where AI is often met with skepticism and fear, Earkick presents a compelling case for how technology can be used for personal growth and mental well-being. By providing a 24/7 outlet for self-care, personalized tracking, and objective responses, Earkick offers a glimpse into how AI can help us look inward—improving not just our mental health, but our ability to positively impact those around us.