The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Reducing the Mental Health Treatment Gap in India: A Critical Scoping Review

Abstract India continues to face a substantial mental health treatment gap, with a large proportion of individuals experiencing psychological disorders not receiving adequate care.Workforce shortages, uneven service distribution, financial barriers, and stigma contribute to this gap.In response to these structural challenges, Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a potential technological tool to enhance accessibility and support within mental healthcare.The present study examines the role of AI in reducing the mental health treatment gap in India through a PRISMA-guided scoping review of literature published between 2015 and 2025.The review synthesizes global and India-specific evidence on AI applications across screening, chatbot-based therapeutic support, digital monitoring, and mental health applications accessible to Indian users.Findings indicate that AI-driven chatbots show small-to-moderate short-term reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety, particularly among adolescents and young adults.AI-based screening systems play a role in identifying early markers of psychological distress.High attrition rates, limited long-term outcome data, challenges in cultural adaptation, and concerns related to privacy and regulatory oversight are important limitations to consider.Evaluations of Indian mental health applications reveal variability in clinical validation and professional involvement.Overall, AI appears most effective as a supplementary tool within a stepped-care framework rather than as a replacement for human-delivered services.Its contribution to reducing India’s treatment gap depends on responsible integration, cultural contextualization, and structured regulatory mechanisms.