Exploring the application of artificial intelligence in mental health through thematic analysis

Purpose Mental health is one of the most serious and prevalent health issues. Artificial intelligence (AI) has a profound impact on mental health. By conducting a thematic analysis, this study aims to provide a scientific basis for future research efforts and promote the advancement of AI application in mental health. Design/methodology/approach Thematic analysis was performed using the open-source R package called Bibliometrix and the visual analysis software VOSviewer. Findings Over the past decade, the field of AI in mental health has witnessed a significant surge in research, with a notable increase in publications. The USA has been a major contributor to this growth, providing substantial support and advancing the field through various publications. Harvard University ranked first among all institutions in terms of study counts. Universities in the USA have consistently showcased the most notable level of collaboration. The co-occurrence network of keywords effectively elucidated the prominent AI methodologies within this interdisciplinary domain, thereby identifying five distinct research areas that exhibited substantial overlap among the clusters. Originality/value This research investigation identified the most efficacious countries, institutions and publication sources, while also elucidating the collaboration dynamics and research themes pertaining to the application of AI in mental health over the past decade. It provided a valuable resource for mental health researchers, professionals and participants without a background in AI, serving as an essential foundation for in-depth exploration.