MentalRAG: Developing an Agentic Framework for Therapeutic Support Systems

Francisco R. E. Silva, Francisco R. E. Silva, Pedro A. Santos, Pedro A. Santos, João Dias, João Dias, João Dias

2025

Abstract

This paper introduces MentalRAG, a multi-agent system built upon an agentic framework designed to support mental health professionals through the automation of patient data collection and analysis. The system effectively gathers and processes high-sensitivity mental health data from users. It employs locally run open-source models for most tasks, while leveraging advanced state-of-the-art models for more complex analyses, ensuring the maintenance of data anonymity. The system’s models have showed improvements in delivering empathetic and contextually adaptive responses, particularly in sensitive contexts such as emotional distress and crisis management. Notably, an integrated agent for detecting levels of suicidal ideation allows the system to assess and respond sensitively to diverse levels of risk, promptly alerting mental health professionals as needed. This innovation represents a stride towards creating a more reliable, efficient, and ethically responsible mental health support tool, capable of addressing both patient and doctor needs effectively while minimizing associated risks.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Silva F., Santos P. and Dias J. (2025). MentalRAG: Developing an Agentic Framework for Therapeutic Support Systems. In Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: ICT4AWE; ISBN 978-989-758-743-6, SciTePress, pages 46-57. DOI: 10.5220/0013267400003938

in Bibtex Style

@conference{ict4awe25,
author={Francisco Silva and Pedro Santos and João Dias},
title={MentalRAG: Developing an Agentic Framework for Therapeutic Support Systems},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: ICT4AWE},
year={2025},
pages={46-57},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0013267400003938},
isbn={978-989-758-743-6},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies for Ageing Well and e-Health - Volume 1: ICT4AWE
TI - MentalRAG: Developing an Agentic Framework for Therapeutic Support Systems
SN - 978-989-758-743-6
AU - Silva F.
AU - Santos P.
AU - Dias J.
PY - 2025
SP - 46
EP - 57
DO - 10.5220/0013267400003938
PB - SciTePress