Mental health is the cornerstone of our overall well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and interact with the world. Now, Apple Vision Pro can help you with that, using a new AI-powered application named XAIA
Highlights:
- Researchers used the GPT-4 and Apple Vision Pro to create an immersive therapeutic system, called XAIA.
- The system was developed on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions (CBTs) to provide the best support for patients.
- The application offers self-administered Mental Health Therapy to its users.
AI Therapy App made for Apple Vision Pro
Physician-scientists at a Los Angeles-based health system have created a first-of-its-kind program that offers mental health support.
Cedars-Sinai launches XAIA, or Extended-Reality Artificial Intelligence Assistant, for Apple Vision Pro which uses Generative AI and Immersive VR for mental health support. This new application can do immersive therapy sessions led by a trained digital avatar, programmed to simulate a human therapist.
The researchers team at Cedars-Sinai employed GPT-4, spatial computing, and virtual reality to immerse people in peaceful, nature-inspired settings where they converse therapeutically with a therapy avatar.
Following the announcement for XAIA, the lead researcher Brennan Spiegel, MD, MS, co-founder of XAIA stated:
“Apple Vision Pro offers a gateway into Xaia’s world of immersive, interactive behavioral health support—making strides that I can only describe as a quantum leap beyond previous technologies. With Xaia and the stunning display in Apple Vision Pro, we are able to leverage every pixel of that remarkable resolution and the full spectrum of vivid colors to craft a form of immersive therapy that’s engaging and deeply personal.”
Another co-founder Omer Liran calls it a ‘transformative step in making quality therapy accessible to all’. Their work was published in Nature Digital Medicine, which showed that the program is safe for patients. The XAIA system was trialed on 14 people with mild to moderate anxiety or depression with immersive treatment sessions, using the Apple Vision Pro VR headset.
This new program can immerse the users in a “spatial environment,” like a beach or meadow, where they can receive treatment from an AI-enhanced avatar that mimics a human therapist. Treatments include deep breathing exercises and meditation.
Cedars-Sinai plans to combine consumer marketing and clinical use cases by integrating its new app with Apple’s most recent consumer-facing technologies.
Let’s now look deeper into how the genius team collaborated on bringing this amazing invention to life!
Analyzing How XAIA’s Immersive AI Works
To train the XAIA, researchers used transcriptions from skilled therapists’ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions—which emphasized good communication, empathy, and validation.
Through iterative testing with therapists role-playing different clinical settings, the AI’s reactions were further improved, resulting in ongoing improvements to the psychotherapeutic communication of the system. The AI and participants engaged in various topic discussions, enabling researchers to record the AI’s use of psychotherapy techniques.
The system made a heart-touching response to one of the participants who was feeling left out. It said “I’m sorry to hear that you felt rejected in such a definitive way, especially when you were pursuing what’s important to you. It must have been a tough experience.”- XAIA, the prompt response generated.
The researchers stated that rather than taking the role of professional counselors, the app should be used to supplement them while the study is still ongoing. The study found that, in certain cases, XAIA over-questioned a patient, similar to what a less skilled therapist may do, or went back to describing coping strategies instead of going deeper into the reasons behind the patient’s difficulties.
“Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), provide an opportunity to enhance VR’s therapeutic potential. These models can simulate naturalistic conversations, paving the way for AI-driven digital therapists.”- Spiegel and his team explained in the study’s abstract.
Amazing Features of XAIA Program
The journey toward mental well-being takes a vast uphill, thanks to XIAI’s development. With its impressive design and countless impressive features, let’s take a look at how potentially it can contribute to mental development for society:
- Combines AI and VR: This unique blend allows for personalized therapy experiences tailored to individual needs and preferences. Users can engage in various exercises and activities within a virtual environment, making therapy more interactive and engaging.
- Offers multi-disciplinary training: Xaia goes beyond traditional therapy by providing various therapeutic approaches, allowing users to explore different methods and find what resonates most with them.
- Provides personalized coaching: The AI component personalizes coaching based on user interactions and progress, offering supportive guidance throughout the therapy journey.
- Connects users with therapists: Xaia facilitates connections with licensed therapists for virtual sessions, ensuring professional support alongside AI assistance.
- Tracks mood and goals: The app helps users track their mood and progress towards set goals, promoting self-awareness and accountability.
- Offers meditation exercises: Meditation techniques are integrated into the program, aiding in stress management and relaxation.
Conclusion
Overall, XAIA AI Application for Apple Vision Pro aims to improve mental health by providing accessible, engaging, and personalized therapy in an immersive virtual environment. While it’s not a replacement for professional therapy, it can be a valuable tool for individuals seeking additional support and self-management strategies.
