DENVER — A new research study led by Johnny Kim, a professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work, is examining the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in screening youth for anxiety and depression.

This initiative is being conducted in partnership with Ellipsis Health, which has developed vocal biomarker technology validated for adult use. This technology enables students to participate in a 90-second conversation about their emotional states through any device equipped with a microphone and internet access. The resulting recordings are analyzed by an algorithm, which flags signs of anxiety and depression.

Professor Kim noted, ‘It considers both the acoustics of how words are delivered and the semantics of what is expressed.’ He believes this method reduces reliance on clinicians’ interpretations of non-verbal cues and the necessity for adolescents to answer truthfully during assessments.

The mental health screening initiative is particularly crucial in Colorado, following the enactment of the Sixth Through Twelfth Grade Mental Health Screening Act in 2023. This law mandates evaluations for all students in these grades.

Kim is hopeful about collaborating with the Colorado Office of Behavioral Health, which manages these evaluations, to optimize the screening process. ‘Screening thousands of students is a significant time challenge,’ said Kim. ‘If this technology proves to be as effective or more so than traditional methods, the positive implications for school districts could be profound.’

The research group aims to complete data collection by the end of this month and begin analyzing the results in January, with aspirations to publish their findings in academic journals.