Mental Health Coach WhatsApp Chatbot

A WhatsApp chatbot that serves as a mental health coach, built using Azure OpenAI and Twilio's WhatsApp API. This AI-powered chatbot provides mental health support, coping strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and mood tracking.

Features

Core Features

• Mental Health Support: Provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health guidance and support
• CBT-Based Therapy: Uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles to help identify and reframe negative thought patterns
• Mood Tracking: Tracks user mood over time and provides insights on patterns
• Daily Coping Exercises: Suggests actionable exercises for managing stress, anxiety, and other challenges
• Positive Affirmations: Delivers personalized positive affirmations to boost mental well-being

Technical Features

• Twilio WhatsApp API Integration: Reliable WhatsApp communication through Twilio's platform
• Azure OpenAI Integration: Powered by Azure OpenAI for natural, empathetic conversations
• Conversation Memory: Maintains conversation context for more helpful responses
• Command System: Useful commands for accessing features like mood history
• Premium User Support: Enhanced features for premium subscribers

Prerequisites

• Azure account with OpenAI access
• Azure subscription with at least $200 monthly credits
• Twilio account with WhatsApp API access
• Node.js environment (v14 or higher)

Monetization Options

This chatbot includes built-in support for the following monetization strategies:

1. Freemium Model:

   • Basic version: Free access to mental health conversations and basic coping exercises
   • Premium version: Extended conversation history, detailed mood tracking, and advanced features

2. Corporate Wellness Packages:

   • API for managing multiple users
   • Admin dashboard for employee wellness tracking (requires additional implementation)
   • Bulk user management for corporate clients

3. Professional Therapist Referrals:

   • Integration points available for referring users to professional therapy
   • Can be configured to connect with real therapists through a partnership program

Quick Start

1. Clone this repository
2. Install dependencies:

   npm install
   

3. Copy .env.example to .env and update with your Azure OpenAI and Twilio credentials
4. Start the application:

   npm start
   

5. Set up a Twilio webhook pointing to your application's /api/whatsapp/incoming endpoint
6. Test your bot by sending a message to your Twilio WhatsApp number

Setting Up Twilio WhatsApp

1. Sign up for a Twilio account at https://www.twilio.com
2. Activate the Twilio Sandbox for WhatsApp in your Twilio console
3. Add your Twilio account SID, auth token, and WhatsApp number to your .env file
4. Configure the webhook URL in Twilio to point to your application's /api/whatsapp/incoming endpoint
5. Follow Twilio's instructions to connect your WhatsApp number to the sandbox

User Commands

Users can interact with the chatbot using the following commands:

• /help - Show all available commands
• /mood - View mood history and trends
• /exercise - Get a random coping exercise
• /affirmation - Receive a positive affirmation
• /upgrade - Learn about premium features
• /clear - Clear conversation history

Users can also track their mood by sending messages like "My mood is 7/10" or request specific help with phrases like "I need help with anxiety" or "Give me a coping exercise for stress."

CBT Approach

The chatbot implements Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles:

1. Identifying Negative Thoughts: Helps users recognize unhelpful thinking patterns
2. Challenging Distortions: Guides users to question and reframe irrational thoughts
3. Behavioral Activation: Encourages small positive actions to improve mood
4. Coping Strategies: Provides evidence-based techniques for managing difficult emotions
5. Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledges and encourages progress

Production Deployment

For detailed deployment instructions, see DEPLOYMENT.md.

Security and Privacy

• All conversations are private and secure
• Data is stored in memory by default (production deployments should use a database)
• No personal information is shared with third parties
• Users can clear their conversation history at any time

License

MIT