Tech & Innovation

Canadian University Launches AI-Powered Mental Health App

Researchers collaborated with healthcare professionals to create an app that offers early detection and support for emotional wellness.

Published April 09, 2025 | By Priya Chauhan

A major Canadian university has launched a mobile app that uses artificial intelligence to screen for signs of depression, anxiety, and burnout among students.

The app, called MindSense, was developed over 18 months by the university’s computer science and psychiatry departments, with input from student mental health groups.

Users interact with a chatbot interface that monitors language, tone, and response patterns to detect shifts in emotional state over time.

If the app identifies risk markers, it offers a list of resources and, in severe cases, connects users with live counselors for immediate support.

According to lead researcher Dr. Aminah Rauf, the app is not meant to replace therapists but to serve as an early intervention and triage tool. 'It’s about catching warning signs before they escalate,' she said.

MindSense has been piloted with over 1,500 students, with 78% reporting that they found the tool helpful for managing day-to-day stress.

Privacy advocates initially raised concerns, prompting the team to build in anonymized data handling and strict opt-in consent protocols.

The app also features journaling prompts, mindfulness exercises, and a peer support forum moderated by trained volunteers.

Campus mental health services say the app has already reduced response wait times by identifying urgent cases early.

The university plans to expand MindSense to staff and alumni networks next year, with interest from other post-secondary institutions across Canada.