AI Mental Health Tools That Support Therapists: Cole Smith of Opal
The Healthy Project Podcast · Healthy Project Media
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Show Notes
Corey Dion Lewis talks with Cole Smith, founder of Opal, about how AI is changing mental health care without replacing the human relationship that makes therapy work.
You will hear:
- How AI can strengthen the therapeutic alliance
- Where bias and privacy risks show up in AI mental health tools
- What therapists should look for when evaluating platforms
- How AI may improve access in rural communities
- What it takes to build trust in digital mental health
This episode is for clinicians, public health leaders, founders, and anyone tracking the future of mental health equity and ethical AI.
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Code: PODCAST
Show Notes
0:01 – Welcome to The Healthy Project Podcast
0:46 – Meet Cole Smith and the mission behind Opal
1:43 – Why the therapeutic alliance still leads the work
2:09 – Privacy, bias, and trust in AI-powered therapy
3:21 – Why resistance to AI is growing and what’s driving it
4:35 – Balancing automation with real human connection
6:52 – How AI can help therapists understand patterns and needs
8:30 – Rural access and where AI can close gaps
9:54 – Cost barriers and the fragmented mental health tech landscape
11:29 – The therapist search problem and communication gaps
14:29 – How clinicians can use AI without fear-led decision making
17:43 – How to evaluate platforms for privacy and compliance
19:08 – What Opal is building next
21:11 – Where to find Cole Smith and Opal resources
Guest
Cole Smith
Founder of Opal AI
Resources & Links
Follow Cole Smith on LinkedIn Opal for therapists: heyopal.com Opal free chat: chat.heyopal.comCall to action
Follow The Healthy Project Podcast on Apple Podcasts.
Share this episode with one therapist or leader exploring ethical AI in mental health.