Google Gemini now connects users in crisis directly to helplines

Despite the shortcomings of LLM chatbots, many people have been turning to the likes of ChatGPT and Claude for AI-powered health and wellness advice. Not one to stay behind, Google just announced via this post on The Keyword that it has updated Gemini’s ability to handle conversations about mental health.

Google, in collaboration with clinical experts, has developed a new “Help is available” module in Gemini for crisis support. If the chatbot detects signs that a user may need help with mental health, the module will be activated and able to provide the user with more effective and direct contact with healthcare services.

Gemini has also been equipped with a new emergency contact window that will be activated if the chatbot detects signs of a risk of self-harm or suicide in its conversations. The window will contain links to helpline websites, and with a single click in the window, users will be able to call, text, or chat directly with helplines.

On top of that, Gemini is now better at encouraging users to seek help during conversations. The chatbot has also been trained not to agree with users’ false beliefs and instead carefully attempt to distinguish between personal experiences and concrete facts.