Julianna Olah on Diagnosing Mental Health with AI

Welcome to this episode of Trail Blazers, where we explore how technology and innovation are driving solutions to some of the world’s most significant challenges. In this episode, we turn our attention to the deeply personal and multifaceted field of mental health, examining how AI and advanced technologies are reshaping the way we diagnose and treat mental health conditions.

Joining Johnny today is Julianna Oláh, Co-Founder of Psyrin, whose aim is to transform care pathways for psychosis. 

Julianna’s journey into this space began in a surprising way. Starting with a desire to speed up statistical analysis in her job, she developed a deep interest in algorithms and artificial intelligence. This curiosity quickly evolved into a mission, to improve mental health diagnosis and care globally. Through her work, she’s addressing critical questions about the weaknesses in our current systems, from fragmented care models to the lack of effective diagnostic tools.

Mental illness is not just a healthcare crisis, it’s an economic one. The global impact of outdated methods and limited resources is staggering, both financially and in terms of human suffering. Yet, as we’ll discuss, it’s also an opportunity to give back something priceless: the ability for individuals to feel better and lead fuller lives.

Julianna’s organisation has pioneered a groundbreaking platform, which uses speech analysis and AI to predict and monitor conditions like psychosis and treatment responses. We’ll learn about her surprising discoveries, the challenges of working with clinicians to adopt new technology, and how her team is bridging the gap between innovation and implementation.

With milestones like FDA approval, clinical trials, and plans to launch in 10 clinics by January, her work is reshaping the mental health landscape. Whether you’re a clinician, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about the future of healthcare, this episode offers insights, inspiration, and a glimpse into what’s possible when empathy meets innovation. Let’s dive into the conversation!