# Computer Program Therapy The SimSensei Microsoft Kinect Sensor Program Monitors Feelings By Jordy E | Published 2013-04-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simsensei-microsoft-kinect References: [gizmodo](http://gizmodo.com/5992936/a-new-kinect%20based-digital-therapist-can-diagnose-depression-using-body-language) & [newscientist](http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg21729105.600-digital-shrinks-find-depressed-faces-and-body-language.html) The SimSensei [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/never-fight-alone) Kinect sensors provide an alternative to [standard therapy sessions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personal-therapy-os). Developed by researchers at the [University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superhero-therapy), the program aims to help patients suffering from depression. Those who use the SimSensei tool will be monitored based on body language and facial expressions. Depression will in turn be monitored based on the acquired data, adding a corporeal quality to the therapy niche. This concept breaks with standard depression diagnoses which often make use of questionnaires. While the questions do gather essential information, that which is not expressed in a verbal fashion is disregarded. The Kinect sensors instead take into account all that has been left unsaid, expressed only in a physical manner. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.6/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Virtual Therapy Sessions:** Developing virtual therapy sessions using SimSensei sensors can provide an alternative to traditional therapy sessions. - **Body Language Analysis:** Using SimSensei sensors to monitor body language and facial expressions can create a new avenue for diagnosing and treating depression. - **Innovative Depression Diagnosis Tools:** Integrating Kinect sensors to diagnose depression offers an innovative way of utilizing technology to improve mental health treatments. ### Where This Applies - **Mental Health:** The use of SimSensei sensors can benefit the mental health industry by providing an alternative approach to traditional therapy sessions. - **Technology:** Integrating technology in mental health diagnosis and treatment can disrupt the traditional methods of therapy and open up new opportunities for innovation. - **Artificial Intelligence:** The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning with the SimSensei sensors can enhance the accuracy of depression diagnosis and improve personalized therapy sessions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Emotion-Sensing Eyewear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emteq-labs-sense.md) - [Self-Therapy Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mindling.md) - [AI-Enhanced Virtual Reality Therapies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-therapy.md) - [Emotion-Regulating Mobile Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/feeling-great.md) - [Gamified VR Therapy Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/behavr.md) - [AI-Powered Mental Health Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/therapist-app.md) - [Immersive Recovery Therapies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neuroanimation.md) - [AI-Powered Therapy Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-therapy.md) - [AI Mental Health Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-therapist.md)