Research project The CHAI Study

The CHAI project (Comparison of Human and AI feedback) is a research project from Stockholm University and Linköping University, offering a nine-week, evidence-based online CBT program for people with social anxiety. Participation is free of charge. The program builds on well-established internet-CBT protocols that have been tested in more than 15 clinical studies. Participants complete structured exercises online and receive regular feedback—either from a licensed therapist or from AI, with all AI feedback carefully reviewed by a psychologist. Everyone who enrolls is offered treatment, even if they are first placed on a short waiting list. The study is ethically approved and aims to advance knowledge on how both human and AI feedback can strengthen the future of digital mental-health care.

The CHAI project goes beyond simply testing whether online CBT helps with social anxiety. We aim to deepen the understanding of the psychology behind it and investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to strengthen treatment. Online CBT is already proven to be as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy, yet many people—around 40%—do not achieve full recovery. A key challenge is that therapists must spend about 15 minutes each week providing feedback to every patient, which limits access to treatment. In this study, we are testing whether AI can safely and effectively provide some of this feedback. If successful, this approach could make treatment more scalable, reaching many more people while still ensuring the necessary support.

We are also investigating whether it matters if the feedback is sent by a human therapist or by AI, and how this shapes both the therapeutic alliance and participants’ overall experiences.

Full project name: The CHAI Study: Human and AI Feedback in the Treatment of Social Anxiety