Mental Health Support Chatbot (Web-based) - BSc IT Project Guide
1. Introduction
The Mental Health Support Chatbot is a web-based application designed to provide anonymous and immediate mental health assistance through automated conversation. This chatbot uses natural language processing (NLP) to understand user inputs and offer supportive, non-judgmental responses, mental health resources, and coping strategies. It serves as a first step for users in distress, guiding them toward professional help when needed.
2. Project Objectives
- To offer a safe and anonymous space for users to express
mental health concerns.
- To simulate a chatbot that understands and responds empathetically to common
mental health issues.
- To provide users with helpful resources and coping techniques.
- To support 24/7 access without the need for human intervention.
- To create a scalable and responsive web interface for users.
3. System Modules
Key modules include:
a. User Interface (Chat Window)
b. NLP Engine (Pre-trained models or rule-based system)
c. Mental Health Knowledge Base (FAQs, resources, coping strategies)
d. Sentiment Detection Module
e. Emergency Alert/Helpline Suggestions
f. Admin Dashboard (Optional) for content updates and analytics
g. Feedback Collection and Analysis
4. Technologies Used
- Frontend: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (React / Vue)
- Backend: Node.js / Flask / Django
- NLP: Python (NLTK, spaCy, or Dialogflow / Rasa)
- Database: MongoDB / Firebase / PostgreSQL
- Tools: GitHub, Postman, Figma, Heroku or Render for deployment
5. Development Methodology
The chatbot is developed using an Agile methodology, focusing on continuous testing and iteration. Each sprint includes user testing to ensure that chatbot responses remain sensitive, accurate, and appropriate.
6. System Design Overview
The application follows a modular architecture where the chatbot interface communicates with an NLP processing engine via an API. Based on the input, the NLP engine identifies intent and selects appropriate responses or resources from a predefined database.
7. Testing
Testing includes:
- Functional testing of conversation flows
- NLP accuracy and sentiment detection testing
- Accessibility testing across devices
- Security and anonymity testing
8. Conclusion
The Mental Health Support Chatbot is a meaningful BSc IT project that combines web development with NLP and AI to create a supportive tool for mental well-being. It showcases innovation in digital health and reflects real-world problem-solving using technology.