Kids Help Phone
Generative AI for Simulated Conversations: Preparing Frontline Workers and Volunteers to Support Youth with Anxiety and Depression
Lydia Sequeira · Kids Help Phone · Canada
What they're working onOur project is developing and evaluating a generative AI–enabled training system to help frontline mental health workers and volunteers build confidence and skills in supporting young people experiencing anxiety and depression. The system combines two components: a conversation simulator, which creates realistic practice interactions, and a performance assessor, which provides structured feedback based on established clinical and quality frameworks.
The project brings together expertise in generative AI, digital mental health, clinical practice, implementation science, responsible AI, and lived-experience engagement. The technology will be developed through iterative co-design with youth, frontline providers, and clinical experts, with particular attention to safety, bias, cultural responsiveness, and real-world usability. We will also evaluate whether simulated practice can improve provider confidence, preparedness, and skills, and explore how the approach can be adapted across different cultural and service contexts.
AI approach
Generative AI · simulated conversations
Mental health focus
Youth mental health · anxiety · depression · workforce training
Links
Social media
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/kidshelpphone?originalSubdomain=ca
- linkedin.com/school/torontometropolitanuniversity/?originalSubdomain=ca