He@lio is an initiative by youth members of Bellevue Youth Link Board and Youth Council, aimed at providing mental health support through innovative chatbot technology. Our project leverages advanced AI to create a non-judgmental, supportive environment for youth.
He@lio was our first project was born during the early stages of the pandemic, addressing the rising mental health challenges. The idea of a mental health chatbot emerged from a storytelling session on AI by local entrepreneur Chad Oda. The entire design was ideated by youth, who took on the challenge of learning computer science at an early stage all by themselves. We tried Microsoft Virtual Agent to create the first chatbot. Followed by conversational AI programming playing with Voiceflow. Last year we graduated to ChatGPT based API that learnt from our journaling data.
Started by Bellevue Youth Link's Mental Health subgroup, ideated the text chatbot based on Microsoft Virtual Agent.
Migrated from text to a conversational AI program called "Voiceflow".
Adapted ChatGPT and moved on to the 3rd iteration.
Applied to NSF (National Science Foundation) & qualified as "Human-centric design," moving on to the next stage.
Custom GPTs creating chatbots that respond in specific ways to guide mental health journaling.
Continuous improvement through brainstorming and implementation of new ideas.
Seamlessly connecting our journaling chatbot to websites and school portals.
Connects to school and corporate portals to create accessibility for all users.
Built on real-life conversations to provide authentic and relevant support.
Creates a unique personalized plan tailored to each user's specific needs.
Journaling helps accept rather than judge mental experiences, resulting in fewer negative emotions (Ford, Lam, John, & Mauss, 2018; Baikie & Wilhelm, 2005).
Encourages active reflection on thoughts, walking participants through positive thinking.
Good alternative for people who don't like face-to-face conversations.
Chatbot remembers events and can circle back for updates.
Provides strategies and resources for overcoming challenges.
1-2 hours per week
No Experience Necessary: We'll teach you everything you need to know.