A University of Waterloo student has developed an artificial intelligence-based app to help people with early signs of a mental health condition.

Described as “your daily mental health coach”, the app, Doro, offers 30-minute chat sessions where users can express their concerns and feelings about anything. From feeling overwhelmed by a task to self-esteem issues, the chatbot can suggest various cognitive and behavioral techniques commonly used by therapists, such as journaling, exposure or mindfulness.

“Doro can address any mental health risk factors such as stress, relationship challenges or loneliness to prevent any escalation,” says the co-creator Rastin Rassoli. “For example, if someone’s schedule is stressful, Doro could help with planning.”

The app is at the cutting edge of computer science and psychology research. Rassoli’s team built Doro by creating large language models (LLMs) that were trained on publicly available therapy sessions. They also researched therapy techniques to address common conditions such as insomnia or anxiety.

“During the session, Doro will switch between these models. If Doro wants to verify the user, there is an LLM for that. Doro has different LLMs for providing solutions like thought recording or reassignment,” says Rassoli.

With these interdisciplinary features, Doro can provide precise and efficient care, right at your fingertips.

During the first session, Doro will ask the user about their experience with mental health and other identity-based questions, such as age or gender identity. This helps the app to accurately understand the user’s needs.

For example, if someone is experiencing a panic attack, Doro can ask them to try some breathing exercises. It may also suggest an exercise used in dialectical behavior therapy called grounding, in which one explains the environment based on the five senses, such as touch or smell. These techniques could help the user regulate their emotions and connect with the present, reducing the intensity of the attack. Meanwhile, Doro will ask if they want to discuss their feelings or if they prefer different methods.

Student using Doro on laptop. During the session, Doro can offer some cognitive and behavioral techniques commonly used by therapists to help the user overcome their challenges.

Rassoli was inspired to create Doro after working at a mental health startup in 2022, where he helped create Joyia mobile game that helps high school and high school students manage their anxiety. During his co-op stints, he interviewed various students about their mental health challenges and was surprised to learn that there wasn’t much support for people at the subclinical stage.

The subclinical stage refers to individuals experiencing problems that affect their mental well-being. However, it is not severe enough for a diagnosis, preventing them from accessing important resources such as medication.

“These individuals show early symptoms such as daily anxiety, sleep disturbances or social withdrawal,” says Rassoli. “All these symptoms appear very early, such as weeks or months before the mental health disorder manifests itself. Unfortunately, there isn’t much support for this stage and if you don’t get it as soon as possible, your mental health will deteriorate.”

Over the past year, Rassoli and his brother and co-creator Ramtin Rassoli have conducted clinical trials with students across Canada to critical acclaim. However, Rassoli emphasizes that Doro is meant to supplement, not replace, therapy.

“Talking to someone for two hours doesn’t magically solve all your problems – you need ongoing support. So we turned to Doro as a tool for pre- and post-therapy, because after therapy people may have some residual symptoms,” says Rassoli. “Many therapists use Doro as an adjunctive tool because its techniques can help clients manage their symptoms. If Doro senses that the user’s symptom is serious, it will immediately end the chat and tell the user to seek help. We also have a built-in database that can refer them to a therapist available in their area or a helpline.”

Recently, Doro was sent to Waterloo Campus Wellness and 30 mental health clinics in Ontario and Alberta. This breakthrough in student care was championed by Dr. Goldi Gill, Executive Director of Campus Wellness.

From left to right: Melissa Strachan, Associate Director, Counseling Services, Rastin Rassoli, Co-Founder, Doro, and Dr. Goldi Gill, Executive Director, Campus Wellness.

“When Rastin approached me about Doro, I agreed with his vision. Some students are not sure what kind of support they need. Sometimes they don’t need counseling, they just need help balancing their lifestyle. We have seen that some students may need only one counseling session, while others may need several,” says Goldi. “Having an extra support system for students to go to is such a brilliant idea. We’re really excited that Waterloo students have a product that’s at home and can have a positive impact on their lives.”

“Doro is now part of our student resource list, free for a limited time.”

Rastin pitched Doro for the Velocity Pitch Competition, which encourages students to pitch their innovative business ideas for grant funding.

Waterloo is known for helping students approach challenges differently to unlock barriers and develop creative solutions. In particular, Rassoli received support with Doro via Waterloo Enterprise Co-op (E Co-op) Program.which allows students to start a business while earning co-op credits. He has also been supported by and participated in Velocity, Waterloo’s flagship incubator pitch contest.

“Velocity has been training us since the beginning. Each week our advisor connects us with different people or programs and makes sure we’re on track. They helped us understand our customers and the market,” says Rassoli.

The latest version of Doro was released in September 2024. It is currently available for use through their websitewith plans to launch it in app stores soon.