Video Interview for Santé Mentale France: AI and Mental Health
Recording of a video interview in the Santé Mentale France studios about conversational AI uses for mental health. Topics covered: risks, benefits, and guiding patients toward informed usage.
Conversational AI and Mental Health: Interview for Santé Mentale France
I had the pleasure of being interviewed in the Santé Mentale France studios for a video interview about conversational AI uses in the mental health field.
SMF Studios
The Context: A Rapidly Expanding Reality
Source: MentalTech/Ifop 2025 study
These figures reflect a reality that mental health professionals can no longer ignore: more and more people are turning to AI to discuss their personal difficulties.
Santé Mentale France: A Major Institutional Player
Santé Mentale France is a federation recognized as a public utility since 1986, active for over 70 years. It is the only French federation representing all actors in the mental health sector: healthcare providers, social workers, and medical-social professionals.
With over 200 member organizations and 12 regional coordinations, the federation works for:
- Prevention and early intervention at all ages
- Recovery for people affected by mental disorders
- Territorial cooperation between stakeholders
- Innovation and research in mental health
It is also a founding member of PSSM France (Mental Health First Aid), which has trained over 226,000 first aiders in France.
Mental Health: National Cause 2025-2026
This interview takes place in the context of the National Cause “Let’s Talk Mental Health!”, extended into 2026 by the government following massive mobilization in 2025 (over 3,000 events organized, 900+ labeled actions).
The four priority objectives of this initiative:
- Destigmatization of mental disorders
- Prevention and early detection
- Access to care across all territories
- Support in all dimensions of daily life
Issues Addressed
The interview explored the multiple facets of AI use in mental health:
Observed Benefits
- Easier access to a first form of support (24/7 availability)
- Digital disinhibition allowing easier discussion of intimate topics
- Preparation and clarification before dialogue with a professional
- Personal reflective strategies to develop
Identified Risks
- Algorithmic sycophancy — AI tends to validate rather than confront
- Misinformation — 86% of French people identify this risk
- Potential dependency and isolation
- Inadequacy for acute crisis situations
My Position
AI does not replace human and professional support. It can be part of a care pathway as a complementary tool, provided it is used in an informed and supervised way. Our role as professionals is not to prohibit, but to guide toward mature uses that reinforce autonomy and empower the user.
A Recovery-Centered Approach
In line with Santé Mentale France’s values — Care – Support – Recover – Innovate — I advocated for a vision where AI can contribute to the autonomy of those affected, without ever replacing human relationships and professional frameworks.
The central issue remains empowerment: AI as a springboard toward better self-understanding and toward professional help when needed, never as an end in itself.
The video will be available soon on Santé Mentale France channels.