How the Pilot Works

Under Utah’s regulatory mitigation agreement, ElizaChat is authorized to conduct a phased rollout of its app in participating school districts. The pilot evaluates how the AI interacts with users, how effectively it identifies potential mental health risks, and how reliably it escalates situations that require licensed professional involvement.

The AI does not provide therapy or replace clinicians. Instead, it operates within clearly defined boundaries and serves as a supportive tool alongside existing mental health services.

Why This Matters

Demand for mental health support continues to grow, while access to timely care remains limited—especially for young people. This pilot allows policymakers, educators, and clinicians to learn in real-world settings whether AI tools can help engage users earlier, surface concerns sooner, and support pathways to care—without compromising safety or trust.

By testing these tools under oversight, Utah is helping shape how emerging technologies may responsibly complement mental health services.

Safety, Oversight, and Guardrails

The ElizaChat pilot includes strong protections:

• Built-in risk assessments to identify distress
• Immediate escalation to trusted adults for high-risk situations
  
• Clear disclosures to users about AI use and limitations
  
• Robust data privacy, anonymization, and security standards
  
• Parental consent and topical guardrails

OAIP and the Division of Professional Licensing provide ongoing oversight, and ElizaChat must submit regular reports on performance, safety, and outcomes.