NAMI Appoints Dr. John Torous to Guide AI Strategy in Mental Health

Dr. Torous, who currently directs digital psychiatry at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, will collaborate with NAMI’s chief medical officer, Dr. Christine Crawford. Their objective centers on evaluating emerging technologies to provide the public with transparent, evidence-based guidance on the capabilities and risks of AI-driven mental health resources. The appointment formalizes a relationship that began last December with a joint initiative to create industry standards for how AI platforms engage with mental health queries.

NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. emphasized that while AI offers significant potential for information access, it requires rigorous oversight regarding trust and accountability. By integrating clinical research with the organization’s grassroots network, the collaboration seeks to move beyond theoretical development toward practical, person-centered applications. Dr. Torous noted that NAMI’s unique access to the priorities of those affected by mental health conditions is critical for ensuring these technologies remain safe and effective in real-world settings.