The Cost-Benefit of Interdisciplinarity in AI for Mental Health
Published: Oct 21, 2025
Last Updated: Oct 21, 2025
Authors:Katerina Drakos, Eva Paraschou, Simay Toplu, Line Harder Clemmensen, Christoph Lütge, Nicole Nadine Lønfeldt, Sneha Das
Abstract
Artificial intelligence has been introduced as a way to improve access to mental health support. However, most AI mental health chatbots rely on a limited range of disciplinary input, and fail to integrate expertise across the chatbot's lifecycle. This paper examines the cost-benefit trade-off of interdisciplinary collaboration in AI mental health chatbots. We argue that involving experts from technology, healthcare, ethics, and law across key lifecycle phases is essential to ensure value-alignment and compliance with the high-risk requirements of the AI Act. We also highlight practical recommendations and existing frameworks to help balance the challenges and benefits of interdisciplinarity in mental health chatbots.