Technologies for Mental Health and Wellness

2-0-10 units · Graduate

Introduction to new technologies used in the practice of psychiatry and psychology, with emphasis on mental health wellness. The effect of technology on mental health and the human experience is discussed. Topics include social identity and connection, mood and anxiety disorders, sleep and dreams, chronobiology, addiction and substance abuse, behavior medicine, and wellness activities such as meditation. Guest lectures from domain-expert doctors and reading assignments identify current needs and challenges found in clinical practice. Emerging technologies being applied to mental health are reviewed including chatbots, social robots, wearable sensors, AI, virtual reality, biofeedback, neuromodulation, and mobile phone phenotyping. Topics of privacy and ethical use discussed. Students complete readings and weekly written assignments and three group design projects. Students taking the graduate version complete additional assignments.