New Partnership To Explore The Role Of AI In Mental Health Services
The NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network has announced a new initiative to explore the safe and effective adoption of artificial intelligence across mental health services, supported by digital health company Limbic.
The project aims to address the growing role of AI in reducing pressures on health services whilst ensuring responsible deployment that benefits both patients and healthcare workers. With mental health services facing unprecedented demand, the collaboration seeks to provide practical guidance on implementing AI tools that can reduce administrative burdens and improve access to care.
The initiative aligns with the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which emphasises harnessing digital technologies and AI to improve access, outcomes and efficiency across the NHS. However, the project acknowledges that alongside the potential benefits, there remains a pressing need for robust governance, clear evidence of effectiveness and a focus on patient safety.
Through engagement with providers already using AI tools and focused discussions culminating in a roundtable in early 2026, the project will identify both barriers and opportunities facing NHS systems in adopting AI for mental health care. The work will produce practical guidance supported by case studies demonstrating real-world applications.
Rebecca Gray, director of the NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network, said the rise of AI-enabled tools presents both opportunities and challenges. She noted that issues around safety, effectiveness, accessibility and a lack of guidance mean there is genuine need for support in this area.
“We are delighted to be working with Limbic, whose wealth of experience and expertise will help to ensure that science and evidence underpin the adoption of AI in mental health services,” Gray said. “We need to give members the confidence to make informed decisions focused on the biggest areas of need, sharing practical examples of what works, and ensuring that AI strengthens services rather than adding unnecessary complexity.”
Ross Harper, CEO and founder at Limbic, emphasised that realising AI’s potential requires collaboration, evidence and a problem-first approach. Kathleen Henrick, UK general manager at Limbic, added that mental health services are under enormous pressure and AI offers tangible solutions, but only when implemented safely and effectively.
NHS Confederation members can express interest in contributing to the project, with opportunities to share examples of AI use in mental health care and receive early access to the user guide when developed. The work will also feature at the organisation’s annual Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Conference and Exhibition in April 2026.
The initiative represents a significant step towards establishing clear frameworks for AI adoption in mental health services, ensuring that technological advances translate into meaningful improvements in patient care whilst maintaining rigorous safety standards.
