Mental Health Awareness Has Grown, But Professional Help-Seeking Remains Low: Expert Insights

Despite a visible rise in public conversations surrounding mental health, medical experts indicate that actual rates of individuals seeking professional help have not experienced a dramatic shift. Speaking at the recent HealthWealth Summit, mental health professionals discussed the persistent treatment gap, alongside the emerging influence of artificial intelligence tools in psychological support.

Expert Findings on Help-Seeking Trends

Dr Samir Parikh, chairperson and director of the Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences at Fortis Healthcare, noted during the summit that approximately three-quarters of individuals experiencing mental health challenges continue to avoid seeking formal help. Furthermore, Dr Parikh stated that the proportion of people engaging with mental health professionals has not increased significantly over the past 25 to 30 years, despite broader public dialogue.

The panel discussion also featured Dr Manushree Gupta, President of the Delhi Psychiatric Society, and Dr Sandeep Vohra, a psychiatrist and digital mental health entrepreneur, who addressed contemporary shifts in how individuals access psychological guidance.

The Role of AI in Mental Health Support

As the public increasingly turns to AI platforms such as ChatGPT and Gemini for guidance, experts have highlighted a dual impact.

Dr Gupta cautioned that reliance on automated tools can sometimes reinforce inaccurate self-diagnoses—such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—or encourage generalized behavioral labels, such as characterizing partners as narcissistic or toxic. However, the discussion also acknowledged that AI tools can serve as an accessible initial entry point, helping individuals bypass the hesitation and social stigma often associated with reaching out to licensed professionals.

Practical Implications and Verification

For readers evaluating the discussion around mental health access and digital tools, understanding the context requires distinguishing between confirmed observations from clinical professionals and unknown variables regarding future technology integration:

• What is confirmed: Medical professionals report that three-quarters of people with mental health issues do not seek professional care, and traditional help-seeking proportions have remained largely steady over decades. Experts also recognize that while AI lowers initial barriers, it carries risks of misdiagnosis and informal labeling.
• What remains unknown: The long-term psychological impact of relying on generative AI for emotional support has not yet been quantified through extensive longitudinal studies.
• How to verify: Readers can review the original coverage and discussion details directly through the official source reporting provided by [India Today](https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/wellness/video/does-social-media-help-people-seek-mental-health-support-3028093-2026-10-29).