Digital horizons in mental health: a clinical perspective on embracing technology in India

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to remind significant stakeholders, such as health-care professionals, researchers and policymakers, of our collective responsibility to embrace newer digital innovations, overcoming the potential challenges in technological contributions toward a more comprehensive, efficient and individualized approach to mental health care. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a perspective paper based on the authors’ perspectives (make it plural) derived from their clinical experiences, reiterating the imperative to embrace technological innovations in mental health care, such as virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence. Findings Based on the authors’ experience of using technological innovations as mental health practitioners, the authors have found that the most effective mental health advocacy strategies inevitably need to involve a hybrid approach, integrating digital tools with traditional methods. In the future, technological innovations need to be not just welcomed but also tested, implemented with the collection of evidence, design of treatment protocols, paving the way forward. Research limitations/implications It is essential for stakeholders to collectively recognize the need to invest in such avenues, with a collaborative approach including interdisciplinary experts bringing in their acumen. While building competence of such interventions can be enabled by ensuring rigorous scientific validation and clinical evidence, it is equally important to foster an open-minded approach toward emerging technologies. Originality/value There is still a lack of longitudinal research assessing the long-term impact of such technological innovations, to understand sustained effects and explore any potential unintended consequences.