Artificial intelligence chatbots are emerging as an unconventional but increasingly popular mental-health support tool in Nigeria. With only a few hundred psychiatrists serving a population of more than 200 million people, access to professional mental-health services is extremely limited. AI-driven chat platforms such as “Chat Kemi” and “FriendnPal” are being used to provide emotional support, coping strategies and referrals to professional services. These tools use scripted conversational frameworks designed with input from licensed psychologists and social workers. Users can interact with the systems anonymously, which reduces stigma and encourages people to seek help. While experts caution that chatbots cannot replace trained therapists, they acknowledge that AI tools may help fill gaps in mental-health services where access to care is limited.
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