The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare systems is transforming the identification, monitoring, and management of mental health concerns. AI presents both significant opportunities and complex challenges for occupational therapy (OT) practitioners who use a client-centred, holistic approach. The use of AI-driven tools in mental health risk assessment is examined in this narrative review, focusing on early signs of suicide risk, cognitive decline, emotional dysregulation, and functional impairment. Drawing on current literature, this narrative review examines how AI technologies, such as wearable data monitoring, natural language processing, and predictive analytics, can assist occupational therapists in making more timely and informed clinical decisions. It does this by drawing on new findings from digital mental health and rehabilitation research. By spotting small behavioural patterns and changes in day-to-day functioning that could otherwise go unreported, these technologies have the potential to improve risk detection beyond conventional assessment techniques. A narrative review approach was employed to synthesis current evidence from healthcare, mental health, rehabilitation, and occupational therapy literature relating to AI-supported risk assessment and clinical decision-making. However, algorithmic bias, data privacy, and excessive dependence on automated systems are some of the serious clinical risk management issues raised by the incorporation of AI into OT practice. The study addresses how these risks may disproportionately impact disadvantaged groups that occupational therapists frequently work with, including older people, those with severe mental illness, and people with neurodevelopmental disorders. It also emphasizes how crucial it is to preserve professional judgment, therapeutic thinking, and client autonomy in AI-supported practice. Furthermore, this article analyses the consequences for healthcare systems, emphasizing the need for clear governance frameworks, ethical principles, and targeted training to equip occupational therapists for AI-integrated environments. This article argues for a balanced strategy that uses technological innovation while protecting patient safety and dignity by placing AI within the fundamental principles of occupational therapy—meaningful occupation, engagement, and person-centred care. Ultimately, this study contributes to ongoing conversations on AI in medical security and clinical risk management by suggesting practical considerations for properly incorporating AI into mental health-focused occupational therapy practice.
