Artificial intelligence in mental healthcare: A review of health economics, sustainability, and global health perspectives
Mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide, imposing burdens on individuals, healthcare systems, and economies. Shortages of mental health professionals, unequal access to care, and increasing demand highlight the need for innovative solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a technology with potential to transform mental healthcare through improved diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and service delivery. This review examines AI applications in global mental health, focusing on opportunities, challenges, and implications for health equity. A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies addressing AI technologies, digital mental health interventions, predictive analytics, telepsychiatry, health system integration, and mental health were identified and synthesized. Findings indicate that AI can enhance mental healthcare through early detection, personalized treatment planning, predictive risk assessment, digital therapeutics, and remote care delivery. These applications may expand access to mental health services, particularly in underserved and resource-limited settings, while supporting sustainability through resource allocation and data-driven decision-making. However, challenges include data privacy, algorithmic bias, limited transparency, regulatory uncertainty, and the risk of exacerbating health inequalities. Effective implementation requires governance, culturally appropriate applications, and preservation of human-centered care. Future developments in personalized psychiatry, explainable AI, and integration into public health systems may expand AI’s role in mental healthcare. Overall, AI represents a tool for addressing global mental health challenges, but its benefits depend on responsible, equitable, and ethical implementation. Collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and technology developers is essential to ensure AI improves outcomes and supports sustainable healthcare systems worldwide.