Exploring AI in Mental Health: Collaborative Project Between USJ and UCP
Exploring AI in Mental Health: Collaborative Project Between USJ and UCP
02
Jun
02/06/2025
A project themed “Artificial Intelligence and Grief within Families” engaged 48 students from Master’s in Psychology (specialising in Clinical and Health Psychology) at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) and Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy at USJ Macao.
As part of the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) model, a project themed “Artificial Intelligence and Grief within Families” engaged 48 students from the Master’s programmes in Psychology — specialising in Clinical and Health Psychology at the Faculty of Education and Psychology of the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP), and in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao.
The students explored the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool to support families navigating grief and bereavement. In preparation for their future roles as mental health professionals, they examined the responsibilities and skills required when assisting individuals, couples, and families facing the loss of a family member through death. The discussions also addressed cultural nuances specific to the Portuguese and Macanese/Chinese contexts, alongside ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in bereavement processes.
Coordinated by Prof. Vânia Sousa Lima, Visiting Academic at the Department of Psychology of the Faculty of Health Sciences at USJ, the project unfolded over a week, culminating in a joint online discussion session on 27 May. This exercise highlighted cultural awareness, dialogue and collaboration, critical components for effective professional practice in the area of mental health”.
This initiative follows a similar collaboration with UCP that took place last year.
