MENTAL HEALTH CHAT BOT

SOFTWARE DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE

SEMESTER PROJECT

SECTION:BSSE-4A

SUBMITTED BY:

Muhammad Dawood 002

Abdul Rehman 007

Bilal Saqib 022

Maryam Rashid 025

Rukhsar Arshad 293

SUBMITTED TO: Ma’am Irum Fatima

DEPARTMENT OF SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

SUPERIOR UNIVERSITY GOLD CAMPUS, LAHORE
 Project Report: <Mental Health Chat Bot>

Executive Summary

Mental Health Chatbot System

The Mental Health Chatbot System (MHCS) is a digital solution designed to support mental
well-being through accessible, confidential, and 24/7 conversational support. This system
focuses on making mental health resources available to students and the wider public in a more
approachable and tech-friendly way.

• User-Friendly Interface: Clean and simple design with intuitive navigation to make
conversations feel natural and engaging.
• AI-Powered Conversations: Uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand user
input and provide relevant mental health advice, coping strategies, and emotional support.
• Resource Recommendations: Suggests helpful articles, videos, and exercises based on user
queries and moods, personalized for different emotional states.
• Anonymity and Privacy: Offers completely anonymous conversations with strict data privacy
protocols, ensuring users feel safe opening up.
• Emergency Support: Recognizes signs of crisis and can direct users to emergency contacts,
hotlines, or counselors in serious cases.
• Daily Mood Tracking: Allows users to log their feelings over time, helping them and
counselors identify patterns or triggers.
• Scalable and Accessible: Available across mobile and desktop platforms, the system is
designed to support individuals and institutions of all sizes, from university campuses to general
public use.

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Abstract
Mental Health Chatbot System is a project aimed at providing a tech-based platform that offers
mental health assistance through AI-powered conversations. The chatbot is available 24/7 and
can handle common mental health-related queries, provide coping strategies, and offer support
for stress, anxiety, and depression. It allows users to interact anonymously, making it easier for
people to seek help without fear of judgment. The system has both user and admin logins. Users
can access mood tracking, conversation history, and personalized recommendations, while
admins can monitor chatbot performance, update resources, and access usage reports (without
compromising user anonymity). The system also includes a feature where students can submit
feedback or request new features that could better support their mental health journey. Admins
can review this feedback and implement useful suggestions. This project is developed with the
aim of reducing the stigma around mental health, increasing accessibility to support, and
encouraging self-care and early intervention for mental wellness.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1..........................................................................................................................................2
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
1.1. Background.......................................................................................................................2
1.2. Motivations and Challenges..............................................................................................2
1.3. Goals and Objectives........................................................................................................3
1.4. Literature Review/Existing Solutions...............................................................................3
1.5. Gap Analysis.....................................................................................................................3
1.6. Proposed Solution.............................................................................................................4

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1.7. Project Plan.......................................................................................................................4

1.7.1. Work Breakdown Structure...........................................................................................4
1.7.2. Roles & Responsibility Matrix......................................................................................5
1.7.3. Gantt Chart....................................................................................................................5
1.8. Report Outline...................................................................................................................5
1.9. Empathy Map....................................................................................................................5
Chapter 2..........................................................................................................................................6
Software Requirement Specifications..............................................................................................6
2.1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................6
2.1.1. Purpose..........................................................................................................................6
2.1.2. Document Conventions.................................................................................................6
2.1.3. Intended Audience and Reading Suggestions...............................................................7
2.1.4. Product Scope................................................................................................................7
2.1.5. References.....................................................................................................................7
2.2. Overall Description...........................................................................................................7
2.2.1. Product Perspective.......................................................................................................7
2.2.2. User Classes and Characteristics...................................................................................8
2.2.3. Operating Environment.................................................................................................8
2.2.4. Design and Implementation Constraints.......................................................................8
2.2.5. Assumptions and Dependencies....................................................................................8
2.3. External Interface Requirements.......................................................................................9
2.3.1. User Interfaces...............................................................................................................9
2.3.2. Hardware Interfaces......................................................................................................9
2.3.3. Software Interfaces........................................................................................................9
2.3.4. Communications Interfaces...........................................................................................9
2.4. System Features..................................................................................................................10
2.4.1. User Interaction and Conversational Flow......................................................................10
2.4.2. User Authentication.........................................................................................................10
2.4.3. Mental Health Resource Search and Retrieval................................................................11
2.5. Nonfunctional Requirements..............................................................................................11
2.6. Domain Requirements........................................................................................................12
Chapter 3........................................................................................................................................13
Use Case Analysis.........................................................................................................................13
3.1. Use Case Model..............................................................................................................13
3.2. Use Cases Description....................................................................................................14
Chapter 4........................................................................................................................................15
System Design...............................................................................................................................15
4.1. Architecture Diagram......................................................................................................15
4.2. Domain Model................................................................................................................15
4.3. Entity Relationship Diagram with data dictionary..........................................................16
4.4. Class Diagram.................................................................................................................16
4.5. Sequence / Collaboration Diagram.................................................................................16
4.6. Operation contracts.........................................................................................................17
4.7. Activity Diagram.............................................................................................................17
4.8. State Transition Diagram................................................................................................17
4.9. Component Diagram.......................................................................................................17

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4.10. Deployment Diagram..................................................................................................18

4.11. Data Flow diagram......................................................................................................18
4.12. Package Diagram.........................................................................................................18
4.13. Communication diagram.............................................................................................18
4.14. Timing diagram...........................................................................................................19
4.15. Interaction Overview diagram.....................................................................................19
4.16. Object diagram............................................................................................................19
CONCLUSION:........................................................................................................................20

Chapter 1
Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter introduces the Mental Health Chatbot System (MHCS), a software solution
developed to provide accessible, anonymous, and reliable mental health support for users. The
increasing demand for mental health services and the rise of technology-driven solutions make
this chatbot an essential tool to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and emotional well-
being. The system provides a confidential and non-judgmental space for users to engage in

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conversations that can help guide them through their mental health challenges, making support
more readily available.

1.1. Background
The background of the Mental Health Chatbot System is rooted in the growing awareness and
demand for mental health resources. With the rising stress levels among students and the
challenges of accessing mental health professionals, technology offers an innovative solution.
AI-powered chatbots have proven to be effective in offering 24/7 conversational support,
providing users with immediate guidance, emotional support, and coping strategies. The shift
from traditional therapy sessions to more accessible online resources has paved the way for
mental health chatbots to provide much-needed assistance at any time, from anywhere.

1.2. Motivations and Challenges

The motivations behind developing the Mental Health Chatbot System stem from the need for
accessible mental health support that is easy to use, confidential, and available on demand.
Mental health issues, such as anxiety, stress, and depression, are common among university
students, yet many individuals do not seek professional help due to fear of stigma or lack of
immediate access. The challenge, however, lies in ensuring that the chatbot can offer
meaningful, empathetic responses and effective coping strategies. Additionally, privacy concerns
and the need for accurate, up-to-date mental health resources must be addressed to ensure user
trust.

1.3. Goals and Objectives

The primary goal of the Mental Health Chatbot System is to provide accessible and
personalized mental health support to users, particularly university students, in an easily
understandable and supportive manner. The objectives include:

 Offering 24/7 conversational support, which helps users manage stress, anxiety, and
emotional challenges.
 Providing personalized resources and coping strategies based on users' moods and
concerns.
 Ensuring a safe and anonymous environment for users to express their feelings without
fear of judgment.
 Integrating mental health resources and emergency support options for users in crisis.

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1.4. Literature Review/Existing Solutions

Various AI-driven mental health support systems already exist, such as Woebot, Wysa, and
Replika, which have demonstrated positive results in offering basic emotional support. These
chatbots primarily use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to engage users in conversation,
identifying emotions and providing coping techniques. While these systems are useful, there is
still room for improvement in terms of providing a more personalized experience and ensuring
that the chatbot is culturally sensitive and emotionally intelligent. The Mental Health Chatbot
System aims to fill these gaps by improving conversational depth, emotional recognition, and
user engagement.

1.5. Gap Analysis

A gap analysis reveals several limitations in existing mental health chatbots, such as:

 Lack of personalized feedback: Most chatbots offer generalized coping strategies that
do not consider the user's individual circumstances.
 Limited understanding of complex emotions: Many chatbots struggle to recognize
deeper emotional states or provide nuanced responses.
 Privacy concerns: Some systems do not guarantee user anonymity, which may deter
individuals from seeking help.

The Mental Health Chatbot System seeks to address these gaps by providing deeper emotional
insight, more tailored support, and enhanced privacy features, ensuring that users feel safe and
supported.

1.6. Proposed Solution

The proposed solution is an AI-powered Mental Health Chatbot designed to offer personalized,
empathetic support to users. The chatbot will use NLP to understand the user's emotional state
and provide relevant responses based on individual needs. Key features include:

 Personalized Conversations: The system tailors responses based on the user’s emotional
input.
 Crisis Management: The chatbot will recognize signs of distress and offer emergency
resources or direct users to professionals.
 Daily Mood Check-ins: Users can log their moods, enabling both the chatbot and the
user to track mental health progress over time.
 Resource Recommendations: The chatbot will recommend mental health articles, self-
care exercises, and local counseling services based on user needs.

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1.7. Project Plan

The project plan outlines the steps necessary to develop the Mental Health Chatbot System,
from initial research and design to testing and deployment. The project will be divided into
several stages:

1. Research and Planning: Understanding user needs, collecting data on mental health
concerns, and reviewing existing chatbot models.
2. Design and Development: Building the AI model, integrating NLP features, and
designing the user interface.
3. Testing and Refinement: Conducting user testing, improving the chatbot's performance,
and gathering feedback.
4. Deployment and Monitoring: Launching the system and monitoring user interactions to
ensure continuous improvement.

1.7.1. Work Breakdown Structure

The proposed Mental Health Chatbot System aims to bridge gaps in accessible mental health
support by using AI-driven conversations and personalized resources. By integrating natural
language processing (NLP), it provides real-time emotional support, tailored coping strategies,
and mental health resources. The system enhances user engagement and accessibility, offering a
confidential space for individuals to manage their mental health. The work breakdown structure
includes research, design, development, testing, and deployment phases to ensure a seamless,
effective solution.

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1.7.2. Roles & Responsibility Matrix

The proposed Mental Health Chatbot System addresses gaps in mental health support by
leveraging AI and personalized resources. By utilizing natural language processing (NLP), it
offers real-time emotional support and coping strategies. The Roles and Responsibility Matrix
assigns key tasks across team members:

 Project Manager: Oversees overall development and timeline management.

 AI Specialist: Develops and fine-tunes the NLP model for accurate emotional
understanding.
 UX/UI Designer: Ensures the chatbot interface is user-friendly and empathetic.
 Testers: Conducts usability tests and collects feedback for improvements.
 Content Specialists: Curates mental health resources and coping strategies for
integration. This structure ensures that the chatbot meets user needs, providing effective
and accessible mental health support.

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1.7.3. Gantt Chart

The Gantt chart for the Mental Health Chatbot System provides a visual roadmap for project
scheduling, ensuring efficient coordination of tasks, resource allocation, and timeline
management. It outlines key milestones such as research and planning, system design and
development, user testing, and final deployment. This structured approach ensures that each
phase is completed on time, within scope, and meets all project objectives, enabling the timely
delivery of a fully functional and effective mental health chatbot.

1.8. Report Outline

The report outline for the Mental Health Chatbot System offers a structured overview of the
document's contents, guiding readers through key sections such as system design, development
phases, user testing, and evaluation. It highlights the chatbot's functionality, features, and
potential impact on mental health support. This outline ensures easy navigation and
comprehension, providing valuable insights for stakeholders, developers, and mental health
professionals, ultimately enhancing the document’s readability and helping stakeholders stay
informed throughout the project.

1.9. Empathy Map

The empathy map for the Mental Health Chatbot System serves as a valuable tool for
understanding users' emotions, behaviors, and needs. By capturing insights into what users think,
feel, say, and do, it guides the development of a compassionate, user-centered design. This map
helps tailor the chatbot’s features and responses to ensure it meets users' mental health needs
effectively, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment. Ultimately, it enhances user
experience, satisfaction, and engagement, ensuring the system is accessible and relevant to
individuals seeking mental health support.

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Chapter 2
Software Requirement
Specifications

Chapter 2: Software Requirement Specifications

The Software Requirement Specifications (SRS) chapter provides a detailed description of the
functional and non-functional requirements for the system, along with constraints and
dependencies. This document serves as the foundation for the development and testing of the
software. It is intended to define what the system must do and how it must perform, ensuring
clarity between stakeholders, developers, and users.

1.10. Introduction
The Software Requirement Specifications (SRS) document outlines the necessary specifications
for the development of the Mental Health Chatbot system. The goal of this chatbot is to
provide users with immediate, helpful support regarding mental health issues such as stress,
anxiety, and depression. It serves as an interactive tool designed to facilitate users' access to
mental health resources, offer coping strategies, and guide them towards professional help if
needed. This SRS ensures that the system meets the needs of the users, is secure, efficient, and
easy to use, and adheres to regulatory requirements.

1.10.1. Purpose

The Mental Health Chatbot SRS outlines the software requirements for a chatbot designed to
provide mental health support through real-time conversation, coping strategies, and resources. It
covers the system’s scope, features, and constraints to guide development. The goal is to create a
responsive, user-friendly chatbot that meets the needs of individuals seeking mental health
assistance.

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1.10.2. Document Conventions

The Mental Health Chatbot SRS will use clear, readable fonts such as Arial or Times New
Roman and bold section headers to ensure easy navigation. Each requirement is prioritized based
on its importance in the system's functionality. The document will follow a consistent format and
terminology to enhance understanding, facilitate communication, and ensure successful
development of the chatbot.

1.10.3. Intended Audience and Reading Suggestions

This document is intended for developers, project managers, testers, end-users, and mental health
professionals. Developers and project managers should focus on functional and non-functional
requirements, while testers will focus on testing criteria. End-users should pay attention to user
interface design and usability. Mental health professionals will find valuable insights into the
chatbot’s design and content.
1.10.4. Product Scope

The Mental Health Chatbot System is designed to provide accessible mental health support,
offering personalized conversations and coping strategies. It aims to improve mental well-being
by offering a responsive, confidential platform for individuals to manage their emotional health.

1.10.5. References

"Mental Health and Technology: Past, Present, and Future," Journal of Psychological
Studies.

"Natural Language Processing for Mental Health," Journal of AI and Health.

OpenAI Documentation: Chatbot Framework.

"AI in Mental Health: A Review of Current Developments" - International Journal of AI in

Healthcare

"Mental Health Chatbots: The Future of Emotional Support?" - Mental Health Technology
Review, 2023

GDPR Compliance Guidelines for Healthcare Apps

American Psychological Association: Digital Mental Health Tools

Open AI Chatbot Framework and Documentation

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1.11. Overall Description

1.11.1. Product Perspective

The Mental Health Chatbot is an innovative, standalone solution designed to provide mental
health support. It operates independently but may integrate with other wellness apps or platforms
for data sharing and better user experience. The chatbot will focus on user engagement,
empathetic interactions, and delivering mental health resources.

1.11.2. User Classes and Characteristics

The Mental Health Chatbot serves various users, including:

 General Users: Individuals seeking emotional support and mental health resources.
 Therapists: Professionals who may use the chatbot as a supplementary tool for their
patients.
 Administrators: Monitor user feedback and chatbot performance for continuous
improvement.

Each group requires different levels of access, with general users needing easy interaction,
therapists needing diagnostic capabilities, and administrators needing monitoring tools.

1.11.3. Operating Environment

The chatbot will be accessible through web browsers and mobile apps on Android and iOS. It
will use AI models hosted on cloud servers, ensuring scalability and availability. The system will
run on modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

1.11.4. Design and Implementation Constraints

The chatbot must comply with data privacy regulations such as GDPR, ensuring that user data is
securely handled. Additionally, the AI model must be optimized to provide real-time responses
with minimal latency.

1.11.5. Assumptions and Dependencies

 Data Privacy and Security: Strict compliance with data privacy regulations like GDPR
and HIPAA is required. Robust encryption and authentication ensure user data protection
and confidentiality.
 Performance Limitations: The chatbot must work efficiently across various devices
with limited memory and processing power, ensuring fast and seamless responses.

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 External Integrations: The system needs to integrate smoothly with external platforms,
such as mental health resources or emergency services, using compatible APIs for
seamless data exchange.
 Mandated Technologies: The choice of technologies like Python, TensorFlow, or
Dialogflow will guide development, ensuring scalability and reliability.
 Ethical Standards: The chatbot must adhere to ethical guidelines, providing safe,
empathetic support and avoiding harmful interactions.

1.12. External Interface Requirements

1.12.1. User Interfaces

The Mental Health Chatbot will have a web-based interface accessible through browsers like
Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge, designed for compatibility across
devices. It will feature a real-time chat interface, user profile management, and a search
function for mental health resources. The chatbot will adapt its responses based on user
emotions, ensuring a personalized experience. Additional features like help options and settings
will also be included to enhance usability. Detailed UI specifications will be provided separately.

1.12.2. Hardware Interfaces

The Mental Health Chatbot is designed to work independently of specific hardware but may
require standard components such as servers and storage devices for data processing and storage.
The system will interact with hardware to store, retrieve, and process user data, ensuring smooth
operation across various devices.

1.12.3. Software Interfaces

The Mental Health Chatbot will interface with various software components, including
databases for storing user data, web servers for hosting, and programming languages like
[Link] or Python for development. It will utilize databases such as MongoDB or MySQL to
store chat logs and user information. Data sharing will involve handling user interactions, mental
health assessments, and resource recommendations, with API protocols for secure data exchange
documented separately.

1.12.4. Communications Interfaces

The Mental Health Chatbot will include communication functions like email notifications for
user updates, mental health tips, and session reminders. Web interactions will use standard
HTTP/HTTPS protocols for data transfer, ensuring secure communication with SSL/TLS

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encryption. These features will support user authentication, updates, and notifications, with
detailed specifications for message formatting and security provided separately.

2.4. System Features

2.4.1. User Interaction and Conversational Flow

[Link]. Description and Priority

This feature enables users to interact with the mental health chatbot by inputting queries or
choosing from pre-defined options. It is of high priority as it forms the core functionality of the
chatbot, providing real-time support and guidance for users seeking mental health assistance.

[Link]. Stimulus/Response Sequences

 User initiates a conversation with the chatbot.

 The system prompts the user to describe their concern or select from options like stress,
anxiety, depression, etc.
 User inputs query or selects an option.
 System provides a relevant response, offering support, resources, or suggestions based on
the user's input.

[Link]. Functional Requirements

 REQ-SF1-1: The system shall allow users to start a conversation by either typing a query
or selecting from available options.
 REQ-SF1-2: The system shall analyze user input to provide personalized responses
based on the emotional tone of the text or selected options.
 REQ-SF1-3: The system shall offer users resources, including coping strategies,
mindfulness exercises, or links to professional help if needed.
 REQ-SF1-4: The system shall allow users to report urgent mental health crises and
escalate the issue for immediate attention.

2.4.2. User Authentication

[Link]. Description and Priority

This feature ensures secure access by requiring user authentication. It is of high priority to
protect user data and maintain privacy, especially when dealing with sensitive mental health
information.

[Link]. Stimulus/Response Sequences

 User navigates to the login screen.

 The system prompts the user to enter username and password.

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 User submits credentials.

 System verifies the credentials and grants access to the chatbot.

[Link]. Functional Requirements

 REQ-SF2-1: The system shall provide a login screen with fields for username and
password.
 REQ-SF2-2: The system shall authenticate user credentials against stored data in the
database.
 REQ-SF2-3: The system shall implement strong password security, requiring a
combination of uppercase, lowercase, numeric, and special characters.
 REQ-SF2-4: The system shall maintain user sessions securely throughout the interaction.

2.4.3. Mental Health Resource Search and Retrieval

[Link]. Description and Priority

This feature allows users to search for resources like articles, videos, self-help tools, and
therapist directories based on mental health topics. This is crucial for providing the user with
relevant, timely assistance.

[Link]. Stimulus/Response Sequences

 User enters a mental health concern in the search bar (e.g., "depression").
 The system processes the input and retrieves related resources.
 System displays the search results with resource links and brief descriptions.
 User selects a specific resource, and the system displays full details or directs the user to
the resource page.

[Link]. Functional Requirements

 REQ-SF3-1: The system shall allow users to search resources by entering keywords
related to their mental health concerns.
 REQ-SF3-2: The system shall display search results with relevant resource details,
including descriptions, categories, and links.
 REQ-SF3-3: The system shall allow users to filter results by resource type (e.g., articles,
videos, professional help).
 REQ-SF3-4: The system shall ensure that the resources provided are from credible
mental health sources.

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2.5. Nonfunctional Requirements

2.5.1. Performance Requirements

The system should respond to user queries within 2 seconds to ensure a seamless and engaging
interaction.

2.5.2. Safety Requirements

The system must implement robust data backup and recovery mechanisms to prevent data loss
and ensure user data integrity, particularly in case of system failure.

2.5.3. Security Requirements

User authentication must be enforced for all system access, with encryption applied to sensitive
user data, including chat logs and personal information.

2.5.4. Usability Requirements

The chatbot interface should be user-friendly, with clear and simple instructions, offering a
seamless experience for users of varying technical backgrounds.

2.5.5. Reliability Requirements

The system should maintain a 99.9% uptime to ensure it is consistently available for users who
may need immediate support.

2.5.6. Maintainability/Supportability Requirements

The system should be designed with modular components for easy updates and maintenance.
Clear documentation for system administrators should be provided.

2.5.7. Portability Requirements

The system must be compatible with major web browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla
Firefox, Microsoft Edge) and operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).

2.5.8. Efficiency Requirements

The chatbot should be optimized for efficient use of memory and processing, ensuring minimal
response times and smooth operation during user interactions.

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2.6. Domain Requirements

Additional requirements related to compliance with mental health regulations, privacy laws (e.g.,
HIPAA), and ethical considerations must be addressed separately to ensure the system operates
within legal and professional standards.

Chapter 3
Use Case Analysis

Chapter 3: Use Case Analysis

This chapter presents a comprehensive use case analysis for the Mental Health Chatbot
(MHC). It outlines various interactions between users (individuals seeking mental health
support) and the system, detailing the functionalities, tasks, and user goals. The use case model
and descriptions are essential for understanding system behavior, which helps guide the
development of functional requirements. These use cases provide a structured approach to map
out user-system interactions, ensuring that the system meets the needs of its users and provides a
positive, supportive experience.

3.1. Use Case Model

The Use Case Model visually represents the interactions between users (actors) and the Mental
Health Chatbot (MHC). It offers a high-level overview of the system’s functionalities, actors,
and key interactions, outlining various processes that users can perform within the system. This

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model is critical in identifying essential features of the chatbot and provides a guide for the
further analysis and refinement of individual use cases.

In the use case model, the actors include:

 User: A person seeking mental health support, who interacts with the chatbot for advice,
emotional support, or resources.
 Admin: A system administrator responsible for monitoring and maintaining the chatbot,
ensuring its functionality, and updating its knowledge base.
 Therapist: A licensed mental health professional who can be contacted if the user
requires in-depth support, or the chatbot flags a potential mental health emergency.

3.2. Use Cases Description

The Use Case Descriptions provide a more detailed breakdown of each interaction between the
user and the Mental Health Chatbot (MHC). These descriptions outline the actors involved, the
preconditions (what must be true before the interaction starts), the main flow of events (what

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happens during the interaction), and the postconditions (what happens after the interaction is
completed).

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Chapter 4
System Design

Chapter 4: System Design

This chapter focuses on the design and architecture of the Mental Health Chatbot (MHC)
system. It outlines the structure, components, interactions, and data flow within the system to
ensure it fulfills the user's needs for mental health support. Various design models, including
architecture diagrams, class diagrams, sequence diagrams, and data flow diagrams, are discussed
to give stakeholders a comprehensive understanding of how the system will function and
interact.

4.1. Architecture Diagram

The Mental Health Chatbot (MHC) system architecture consists of three main layers:

1. Presentation Layer: This layer involves the user interface, through which users interact
with the chatbot. It includes web and mobile interfaces that allow users to communicate
with the chatbot for support, resource recommendations, and emotional validation.
2. Application Layer: The core of the system, it contains the business logic. This layer
processes user inputs, determines the best responses, manages user sessions, and ensures
that emotional support or resources are appropriately provided. It also manages escalation
to a therapist if required.
3. Data Layer: This layer is responsible for managing and storing all relevant data,
including user profiles, chat histories, mental health resources, therapist contact details,
and other system configurations. It ensures that data is accessible and secure.

4.2. Domain Model

The Domain Model for the MHC visualizes key entities and their relationships, which help
define the system's functionality. Key entities in the domain model include:

 User: The person seeking mental health support.

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 Chatbot: The system that interacts with users, providing emotional support, resource
suggestions, and guidance.
 Therapist: A licensed professional who can be contacted in case of emergencies or when
deeper mental health support is needed.
 Resource: Educational content, articles, self-help tips, and apps provided by the chatbot.
 Session: A conversation or interaction between the user and the chatbot.

4.3. Entity Relationship Diagram with data dictionary

The Entity-Relationship Diagram (ERD) for the Mental Health Chatbot highlights key entities
such as User, Session, Resource, Therapist, and Message. It visually demonstrates how data
flows between these entities:

 User to Session: A user starts a session with the chatbot.

 Session to Message: Each session involves multiple messages exchanged between the
user and the chatbot.
 Session to Therapist: If necessary, a session is escalated to a therapist.

The Data Dictionary provides detailed attributes for each entity, such as:

 User: Username, password, contact details, mental health status.

 Session: Start time, end time, session type (emotional support, resource sharing, etc.).
 Message: Message content, timestamp, emotional sentiment.

4.4. Class Diagram

The Class Diagram visualizes the system’s main classes and their relationships, providing an
object-oriented view of the system. Key classes include:

 User: Attributes like username, password, preferences, and emotional state.

 Chatbot: The core functionality of the chatbot for processing input and generating
responses.
 Session: Information about each user-chatbot interaction.
 Therapist: Class representing a licensed therapist, with methods to interact with users
and provide mental health support.
 Message: Class that represents a single message in a session.

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4.5. Sequence / Collaboration Diagram

A Sequence Diagram outlines the interactions between components in a specific scenario, such
as a user seeking emotional support. It shows the following sequence of events:

1. User sends a message to the Chatbot.

2. The Chatbot processes the message and responds with emotional validation or coping
strategies.
3. If the user is in need of deeper support, the Chatbot escalates the interaction to a
Therapist.

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4.6. Operation contracts

Operation contracts define the expected behaviour of key system functions, including:

 User Authentication: Ensures users must provide valid credentials (e.g., username,
password) to interact with the chatbot.
 Message Processing: Defines how the chatbot processes and generates responses based
on user input (including handling sentiment analysis).
 Escalation to Therapist: Specifies the conditions under which the chatbot will escalate a
session to a therapist and the method of contact.

4.7. Activity Diagram

The Activity Diagram visually represents user actions within the chatbot system, such as:

 Starting a session: User accesses the chatbot and initiates a conversation.

 Providing emotional support: Chatbot responds to user emotions.
 Escalating to therapist: If the chatbot detects a mental health emergency, it escalates the
user to a therapist.

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4.8. State Transition Diagram

The State Transition Diagram illustrates the possible states a user's session can undergo:

 Idle: The chatbot is waiting for user input.

 Active: The user is interacting with the chatbot.
 Escalated: The session is handed over to a therapist.
 Completed: The session is finished, and the user has received adequate support.

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4.9. Component Diagram

The Component Diagram shows how different system components interact:

 User Interface: Web or mobile app interface that allows users to communicate with the
chatbot.
 Chatbot Service: Core business logic for processing user input and providing responses.
 Database: Stores user profiles, session data, therapist contact details, and resources.
 Therapist Interaction Module: Manages the communication and escalation of users to
licensed professionals.

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4.10. Deployment Diagram

The Deployment Diagram illustrates how the Mental Health Chatbot system will be deployed
across hardware:

 Web Server: Hosts the user interface and chatbot service.

 Database Server: Stores user data, messages, and session histories.
 Client Devices: Web or mobile devices used by users to interact with the chatbot.

4.11. Data Flow diagram

The Data Flow Diagram depicts how data moves between various components, such as:

 User sends message to Chatbot: Data is processed, and the chatbot generates an
appropriate response.
 Chatbot escalates session to Therapist: Data flows from the chatbot to the therapist
module if professional intervention is needed.
 User data is stored in the Database: User preferences, emotional state, and session
history are recorded for future interactions.

4.12. Package Diagram

The Package Diagram for the Mental Health Chatbot (MHC) system illustrates the modular
structure of the software components. It organizes the system's functionalities into distinct
packages, each representing a specific aspect of the system's operations. These packages
encapsulate related classes and interfaces, which promotes modularity, scalability, and ease of
maintenance. The diagram provides a high-level overview of how different system components
are organized and interact, facilitating better understanding and communication among
stakeholders, including developers, designers, and mental health professionals.

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4.13. Communication diagram

A communication diagram for the Mental Health Chatbot (MHC) illustrates the flow of
information and interactions between various system components, such as the user, the chatbot
engine, the resource management system, and the therapist escalation service. It visually depicts
how users interact with the system to engage in conversations, receive emotional support, access
resources, or get connected with professional therapists when necessary. The diagram showcases
the seamless flow of messages between different components, ensuring efficient management of
user queries, mental health support, and timely escalation when required. This diagram serves as
a valuable tool for understanding the system's architecture and helps facilitate clear
communication among stakeholders involved in its development, deployment, and ongoing
maintenance.

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4.14. Timing diagram

In a Mental Health Chatbot system, the timing diagram illustrates the lifecycle of user
interactions and responses, as well as the processing of mental health support activities. It
showcases stages such as user authentication, initiating a conversation, providing support
through chatbot interaction, and escalating the case to a therapist if necessary. The diagram also
depicts various deadlines like session timeouts, periodic check-ins, and follow-ups. It further
illustrates how the system tracks the user’s activity over time, including when the chatbot
provides resources, the user receives feedback, and when the chatbot suggests further
engagement. This visual representation ensures efficient management of user activities,
highlights critical time-sensitive interactions, and guarantees that necessary follow-up actions are
taken in a timely manner to support user well-being.

4.15. Interaction Overview diagram

The interaction overview diagram for the Mental Health Chatbot (MHC) system outlines the
sequence of key interactions between users and the chatbot, illustrating how the system engages
with the user at each stage. It begins with user authentication, verifying user credentials,
followed by various actions such as initiating a conversation, receiving emotional support, asking
for resources, and providing feedback. Additionally, the diagram includes scenarios where the
chatbot escalates the conversation to a mental health professional if needed. It also incorporates
user feedback collection and how the system improves based on this input. The diagram serves
as an essential guide for developers and stakeholders, providing a comprehensive overview of
how user-system interactions flow to ensure optimal mental health support.

4.16. Object diagram

The object diagram for the Mental Health Chatbot (MHC) presents essential objects in the
system, such as User, ChatbotSession, Therapist, Resource, Message, Feedback, and EscalationRequest. Each
object is represented with specific instances, such as User1, ChatbotSession1, Therapist1,
etc., to illustrate the system's structure and behavior. This diagram simplifies the understanding
of how objects relate to one another within the system and showcases key interactions, such as
the exchange of messages, the escalation of serious cases, the provision of resources, and the
collection of user feedback. By visualizing these relationships, the object diagram helps clarify
the system’s workflow, making it easier for stakeholders to understand how each component
works together to provide support and manage mental health-related tasks efficiently.

CONCLUSION:

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In conclusion, the Mental Health Chatbot addresses significant challenges in providing

accessible mental health support by offering an efficient, user-friendly, and automated platform
for users to engage with. The proposed system reduces the burden on human counselors by
automating conversations, providing immediate emotional support, and directing users to the
appropriate resources. Moreover, it enhances the chatbot's capability to escalate cases to
professional therapists when necessary. The integration of features such as real-time
conversations, resource sharing, emotional analysis, and secure data handling ensures that the
system supports users effectively and responsibly. The detailed system design, including
communication, timing, interaction overview, and object diagrams, provides a comprehensive
blueprint for the chatbot’s operation, making it more efficient, responsive, and scalable for future
enhancements. Ultimately, the system aims to promote mental well-being by offering consistent,
on-demand support to individuals in need, ensuring they have the right tools and guidance for
their mental health journey.

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