AI-Driven Cultural Adaptation: A New Frontier for Accessible Mental Health Care

For many refugees and migrants, accessing culturally relevant mental health care remains a significant challenge. The complexity of translating and adapting psychological treatments to meet the needs of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds is time-consuming and often limits the availability of evidence-based support. However, recent research from the Karolinska Institutet suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) could bridge this critical gap.

In a study published in JMIR Formative Research, researchers investigated whether AI-generated adaptations of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques could be as effective and culturally relevant as those created by human psychologists. The findings indicate that AI has the potential to expand access to high-quality mental health interventions for underserved populations.

Evaluating AI in Psychological Treatment

The study focused on Arabic-speaking refugees and migrants living in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany. Researchers provided participants with CBT materials that had been translated and culturally adapted by either an AI or a human psychologist. Participants were not informed of the source of the materials, allowing for an unbiased assessment of their experience.

The results were encouraging: the AI-adapted texts were initially perceived as even more culturally relevant than those adapted by humans. There were no significant differences in acceptability between the two groups. This suggests that AI can produce materials that resonate with the cultural values and linguistic nuances of the target population, a vital component of successful psychological outcomes.

Youstina Demetry, a psychologist and doctoral student at the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet and the Center for Psychiatry Research, noted that the technology could serve as a valuable tool to broaden access to psychological support in people’s native languages. The researchers emphasized that while these early results are promising, the integration of AI into psychiatry must remain subject to rigorous quality and safety standards.

The Impact of Culturally Adapted CBT

The research is part of a broader doctoral thesis investigating internet-delivered CBT (iCBT) for young Arabic-speaking refugees and migrants dealing with mild to moderate mental health concerns. The thesis highlights that cultural adaptation is not merely about language, but about ensuring that the treatment reflects the specific experiences and values of the individual.

Evidence from the research underscores the efficacy of these adaptations. In the study, 57.7% of participants in the treatment group achieved remission from their symptoms, compared to 14.3% in the control group. Beyond these remission rates, the treatment demonstrated positive effects on:

• Post-traumatic stress symptoms
• Sleep quality
• Resilience
• Subjective well-being

These positive outcomes were maintained at a six-month follow-up, indicating the lasting value of culturally tailored digital interventions.

Addressing the Needs of “Generation 1.5”

A central theme of the research is the experience of “Generation 1.5” migrants—individuals who moved to a new country during their identity-formation years. These individuals often navigate a complex negotiation between the cultural values of their country of origin and their new home. Understanding these unique challenges is essential for developing mental health resources that are both accessible and relevant.

By lowering barriers to help-seeking, culturally adapted digital treatments offer a scalable solution to reach those who might otherwise struggle to find appropriate support. As the field advances, the goal remains clear: to leverage technology to ensure that evidence-based care is available to everyone, regardless of their cultural or linguistic background.

Key Takeaways

• AI Effectiveness: AI-adapted CBT materials were perceived as equally acceptable and, in some cases, more culturally relevant than those adapted by human psychologists.
• Improved Outcomes: Culturally adapted iCBT led to significant improvements in anxiety, depression, and overall well-being for participants.
• Clinical Safety: Researchers stress that AI in mental health must be developed within strict quality and safety frameworks to protect patients.
• Future Accessibility: AI offers a promising path to reducing the disparity between psychological treatments available in English and those available in other languages.

Youstina Demetry is scheduled to defend her thesis, “Culturally Adapted iCBT for Young Arabic-Speaking Refugees and Migrants with Mild to Moderate Mental Health Problems,” at Karolinska Institutet on June 12, 2026.