An AI voice-based coach named “Lumen” that was created on the Alexa platform by Amazon helps persons with mild to moderate anxiety or depression symptoms. Translational Psychiatry published the related study. According to Dr. Olusola A. Ajilore, professor of psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago and co-first author of the paper, “We’ve had an incredible explosion of need, especially in the wake of COVID,” with skyrocketing rates of anxiety and depression and not enough practitioners. “This sort of technology could act as a link. It’s not intended to replace conventional therapy, but it might serve as a crucial bridge before someone seeks out treatment, the expert continued.