Intelligent Psychological Formulation for Mental Health
We build advanced clinical tools that empower mental health professionals, enhance patient safety, and foster a new standard of collaborative, evidence-based care.
The Aetios Ecosystem
From Formulation to Insight: A Complete Clinical Loop
In clinical practice, creating a robust psychological formulation and truly understanding it are two distinct challenges. One is an act of synthesis and analysis; the other is an act of exploration and communication. Aetios AI addresses both through a seamlessly integrated ecosystem designed to create a complete clinical sense-making loop.
PREFORM: The Formulation Engine
PREFORM is where the heavy cognitive lifting happens. It is the engine for analysis and creation. By integrating with EHRs, applying deep theoretical knowledge, and leveraging AI assistance within a strict governance framework, PREFORM manages the complex task of **creating** a comprehensive, evidence-based, and theoretically coherent case formulation. It structures the narrative, ensures clinical rigour, and provides the foundational document for care.
Learn about Preform →AETIOS 4D: The Insight Engine
Aetios 4D takes the structured output from PREFORM and transforms it into a dynamic, navigable experience. It is the engine for exploration and insight. By visualising the formulation in a 4D space, Aetios 4D allows clinicians, patients, and teams to **understand** the complex interplay of factors over time. It makes the narrative tangible, communication intuitive, and hidden patterns discoverable.
Learn about Aetios 4D →Together, they form a powerful synergy. PREFORM ensures the formulation is **built correctly**. Aetios 4D ensures the formulation is **understood deeply**. This closed loop enhances clinical effectiveness, improves patient safety, and elevates communication across the entire care team.
PREFORM
The Clinical Intelligence Engine
PREFORM is a clinician-designed application that addresses the core challenges of complex case management in demanding settings like CMHTs, inpatient units, and specialist services. It is an end-to-end workflow and decision support system that augments clinical expertise, ensures safety, and maintains the highest standards of clinical governance.
AI-Assisted Formulation
Leverages AI to synthesise data from EHRs and patient records, applying deep theoretical knowledge from our extensive ontology library to generate coherent, multi-faceted case formulations. This reduces clinician time on documentation while ensuring clinical rigour.
Advanced Signal Detection
Actively monitors clinical text for indicators of risk, including iatrogenic effects (treatment-related harm). The system provides real-time safety alerts, creating an essential safety net for busy clinicians and helping to prevent adverse events.
Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Support
Enhances collaboration by integrating specialised ontologies for Speech & Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy. This provides all team members with discipline-specific insights, improving the comprehensiveness of care.
Clinical Theory & AI Safety
The Foundation of Trustworthy AI
A generic AI cannot practice safely in mental health. Unlike physical medicine, where data often maps to observable reality (e.g., an X-ray), mental health operates in the subjective "cognitive space" of an individual. A case formulation is not just a summary of data; it is a hypothesis, a meaningful **representation** of a person's inner world. For an AI to be safe and effective, it must be built on a deep, nuanced understanding of the psychological theories clinicians use to construct these representations.
How PREFORM Translates Theory into Safe Practice
PREFORM's safety is rooted in its architecture. It does not allow the AI to reason freely. Instead, it uses a vast, curated library of psychological theories—our ontologies—to guide and constrain the AI. This ensures every output is grounded in established clinical knowledge.
1. Unstructured Data
EHR Notes, Reports, Clinical Text
2. PREFORM AI Core
AI is guided by the Theoretical Ontology Library to analyse and structure the data.
4. Human-in-the-Loop
Clinician reviews, edits, and approves all content, ensuring final professional accountability.
3. Structured Clinical Content
Theoretically-coherent draft formulations, risk assessments, and plans are generated.
The CRITICS Framework: Clinical Reach Into The Intelligence of Cognitive Spaces
PREFORM is built upon the groundbreaking CRITICS framework—a theoretical model specifically developed for evaluating AI outputs in mental health contexts. This framework ensures that every AI-generated recommendation meets the sophisticated standards of expert clinical practice:
Deep understanding of clinical concepts beyond surface-level pattern matching.
Relational Complexity
Recognises interpersonal and intrapsychic dynamics fundamental to mental health.
Idiographic Interpretation
Tailored formulations for individual circumstances, avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches.
Transparency
Clear, explainable reasoning for every recommendation with traceable logic.
Intervention Support
Evidence-based treatment approaches aligned with theoretical frameworks.
Completeness
Systematic evaluation of all relevant domains, risks, and protective factors.
Safety & Governance
Sophisticated risk assessment with comprehensive audit trails and supervision support.
The PREFORM Theoretical & Ontological Library
| Primary Orientation | Sub-Orientation / Model |
|---|---|
| I. Cognitive-Behavioural Approaches | |
| Traditional CBT Models: Beck's Cognitive Model, Clark's Panic Disorder Model, Clark & Wells Social Anxiety Model, Ehlers & Clark PTSD Model, Schema Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT | |
| Third-Wave CBT Approaches: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Behavioural Activation, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy | |
| CBT for Psychosis (CBTP): Normalising rationale, Reality testing, Verbal challenging of delusions, Coping strategy enhancement | |
| II. Psychodynamic & Analytic Approaches | |
| Classical Psychoanalytic Theory: Freudian structural model (Id, Ego, Superego), Defence mechanism hierarchy, Transference & countertransference | |
| Object Relations Schools: Klein's paranoid-schizoid & depressive positions, Winnicott's holding environment, Bowlby's attachment theory, Bion's container-contained theory | |
| Contemporary Psychodynamic: Mentalisation-Based Treatment (MBT), Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) | |
| III. Systemic & Family Approaches | |
| Structural Family Therapy: Minuchin's concepts (boundaries, subsystems, hierarchy), Enactment & restructuring | |
| Strategic & Solution-Focused: MRI brief therapy model, Solution-focused brief therapy techniques | |
| Narrative & Systemic: Narrative Therapy (Externalisation, Re-authoring), Multi-Systemic Therapy | |
| IV. Humanistic & Existential Approaches | |
| Person-Centred & Gestalt: Rogers' core conditions, Gestalt contact & awareness principles | |
| Existential Analysis: Yalom's existential themes (death, freedom, isolation, meaninglessness), Logotherapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy | |
| V. Integrative & Specialised Approaches | |
| Trauma-Focused Models: EMDR (Adaptive information processing model), Somatic Approaches (Polyvagal theory applications) | |
| Behavioural & Mindfulness: Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBSR, MBCT) | |
Complete Clinical Workflow
From EHR Upload to Treatment Excellence
PREFORM provides a comprehensive, end-to-end clinical workflow that transforms unstructured clinical data into actionable, evidence-based treatment plans. Every step is governed by clinical safety principles and professional accountability.
Workflow Deep Dive
EHR Integration
Secure upload and processing of clinical notes, assessment reports, previous formulations, and MDT documentation with automatic data validation.
AI-Powered Analysis
CRITICS framework guides AI analysis using theoretical ontologies, risk signal detection, and evidence-based formulation generation.
Clinical Review
Qualified clinicians review, edit, and validate AI-generated content ensuring theoretical alignment and clinical accuracy.
Governance Framework
Multi-layered approval process including supervisor oversight, patient consent, and clinician sign-off with complete audit trails.
Treatment Planning
Automatic generation of SMART goals, evidence-based interventions, risk management protocols, and outcome measurement frameworks.
Risk & Safety Planning
Dynamic risk assessment with safety planning, crisis protocols, and protective factor identification integrated throughout care.
Continuous Evaluation
Progress monitoring, outcome tracking, plan adjustment, and feedback loops ensure treatment remains responsive and effective.
4D Visualization
Aetios 4D transforms formulations into interactive visualizations for enhanced understanding, team communication, and patient engagement.
Quality Assurance & Safety
Built-in Safety Measures
- • Comprehensive audit trails for all actions
- • Real-time risk signal detection and alerts
- • Mandatory supervisor approval for complex cases
- • Patient consent and involvement protocols
- • Multi-jurisdictional compliance checking
Quality Metrics
- • Automated quality scoring against clinical standards
- • Evidence-base assessment for all recommendations
- • Completeness checking for essential components
- • Clinical compliance evaluation
- • Continuous quality improvement suggestions
Clinical Specialisms
Expert Knowledge Across All Mental Health Domains
PREFORM's AI has been trained on specialist knowledge across all major mental health domains, ensuring that formulations and treatment plans reflect the unique considerations and evidence base of each clinical specialism.
Adult Mental Health
Sophisticated understanding of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, trauma-related conditions, and severe mental illness presentations in adult populations.
- • Complex trauma and PTSD formulations
- • Personality disorder assessment frameworks
- • Psychosis and bipolar disorder management
- • Dual diagnosis considerations
Child & Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS)
Specialized knowledge of developmental considerations, family dynamics, school-based interventions, and the unique presentation of mental health conditions in young people.
- • Developmental trauma and attachment
- • Neurodevelopmental conditions (ADHD, ASD)
- • Adolescent risk behaviours and self-harm
- • Family systems integration
Learning Disabilities
Expert understanding of the intersection between intellectual disabilities and mental health, including behavioral presentations, communication challenges, and reasonable adjustments.
- • Diagnostic overshadowing prevention
- • Behavioral formulation frameworks
- • Capacity and consent considerations
- • Positive Behaviour Support integration
Forensic Mental Health
Specialized knowledge of risk assessment, offending behavior, forensic settings, and the complex interplay between mental health and criminal justice involvement.
- • Violence risk assessment frameworks
- • Offending behaviour analysis
- • Secure setting considerations
- • Legal and ethical frameworks
Health Psychology
Understanding of the psychological aspects of physical health conditions, chronic illness management, and the integration of psychological and medical treatment approaches.
- • Chronic pain psychological models
- • Cancer and oncology psychology
- • Diabetes and cardiac psychology
- • Medical trauma and adjustment
Neuropsychology
Integration of neuropsychological assessment findings with psychological formulation, understanding the relationship between brain function and behavior.
- • Cognitive assessment integration
- • Acquired brain injury formulations
- • Dementia and neurodegenerative conditions
- • Rehabilitation psychology principles
Older Adults' Services
Expertise in age-related mental health presentations, dementia care, capacity assessments, and the unique challenges of mental health treatment in later life.
- • Late-life depression and anxiety
- • Dementia care and behavioral support
- • Capacity and safeguarding issues
- • End-of-life psychological support
Cross-Cutting Expertise
Multi-Provider AI Integration
PREFORM supports multiple AI providers to ensure optimal performance across different clinical tasks:
- • OpenAI GPT models for complex reasoning
- • Claude for detailed analysis and safety
- • Google Gemini for multimodal capabilities
- • Groq for high-speed processing
- • Perplexity for research integration
Evidence-Based Practice
All specialist knowledge is grounded in:
- • NICE guidelines and recommendations
- • Professional body standards (BPS, APA)
- • Current research evidence base
- • International best practice frameworks
- • Regulatory compliance requirements
Positive Behaviour Support
A New Standard in Evidence-Based PBS Planning
PREFORM’s PBS module is a core, gold-standard feature designed to bring structure, evidence, and clinical rigour to one of the most complex areas of practice, fully implementing the standards of the UK PBS Academy and NICE guidelines.
Green (Proactive)
Focuses on prevention through positive and predictable environments, daily structure, environmental modifications, and teaching replacement behaviours.
Amber (Early Intervention)
Identifies early warning signs and generates specific, evidence-based de-escalation techniques and redirection strategies to prevent escalation.
Red (Reactive)
Ensures crisis interventions are safe, planned, and as least restrictive as possible, with clear staff roles and safety measures.
Blue (Post-Incident)
Provides comprehensive post-incident support, including structured debriefing, relationship repair, and integrating learning into future prevention.
Treatment Planning
Intelligent, Evidence-Based Treatment Planning
PREFORM's treatment planning module transforms case formulations into actionable, evidence-based treatment plans. Using AI-assisted recommendations grounded in clinical best practice, it ensures interventions are theoretically coherent, measurable, and aligned with patient goals.
Core Treatment Planning Features
AI-Assisted Goal Setting
Automatically generates SMART goals based on formulation findings, patient preferences, and evidence-based outcomes. Goals are prioritised by clinical urgency and patient readiness for change.
Evidence-Based Intervention Mapping
Suggests specific interventions matched to identified maintaining factors and theoretical orientations. Each recommendation includes evidence ratings, expected outcomes, and implementation guidance.
Dynamic Risk Management
Integrates risk assessment with treatment planning, ensuring safety measures are embedded throughout the care pathway. Automatically updates risk management strategies as treatment progresses.
Progress Monitoring & Outcomes
Built-in outcome measurement tools with automated progress tracking. Suggests standardised measures based on presenting problems and provides trend analysis over time.
Collaborative Care Planning
Facilitates patient involvement in treatment planning with patient-friendly goal summaries and progress updates. Supports shared decision-making and treatment ownership.
Multi-Disciplinary Integration
Coordinates treatment plans across disciplines, ensuring consistency and avoiding therapeutic conflicts. Includes specific modules for OT, SLT, and Physiotherapy interventions.
Treatment Planning Workflow
Formulation Analysis
AI analyses the completed formulation to identify key maintaining factors and therapeutic targets.
Goal Generation
System generates prioritised treatment goals with patient input and clinician oversight.
Intervention Mapping
Evidence-based interventions are matched to goals with implementation guidance and outcome measures.
Review & Adaptation
Continuous monitoring enables real-time plan adjustments based on progress and emerging needs.
Outcome Measurement Integration
Standardised Measures Library
- • PHQ-9, GAD-7, CORE-10 for routine outcome monitoring
- • Condition-specific measures (PTSD, OCD, psychosis)
- • Functional assessment tools (WHODAS, GAF)
- • Quality of life and recovery measures
- • Custom measure creation and validation
Intelligent Analytics
- • Automated progress trend analysis
- • Early warning systems for deterioration
- • Predictive modelling for treatment response
- • Comparative effectiveness analysis
- • Population-level outcome reporting
Framework
Governance, Safety & Supervision
PREFORM is built on a foundation of clinical safety, professional accountability, and robust governance. Our systems are designed to support clinicians, protect patients, and ensure the highest standards of care are maintained globally.
A Framework for Clinical Safety
Human-in-the-Loop
Every AI-assisted output is subject to review, editing, and final approval by a qualified clinician, ensuring professional judgement remains central to care.
Comprehensive Audit Trails
Every clinical decision, modification, and approval is logged, creating a complete, unalterable audit trail for transparency and accountability.
Patient-Centred Consent
Formulations are finalised only after patient review and approval of a non-technical summary, ensuring care aligns with lived experience.
Dynamic Supervision for All Experience Levels
Support for Developing Clinicians
The platform provides a safe and structured learning environment. For junior or less experienced clinicians, PREFORM's system requires that complex formulations or high-risk assessments are reviewed and co-signed by a designated supervisor. This mandatory oversight ensures quality and safety while fostering professional development.
Tools for Supervisors
A dedicated supervisor dashboard provides a complete overview of supervisees' caseloads. Supervisors can view pending review queues, receive automated alerts for high-risk cases, monitor quality metrics, and access decision histories, making supervision more efficient, targeted, and effective.
Multi-Jurisdictional Practice: A Global Standard
In an increasingly connected world, PREFORM is built to support clinical practice without borders. The platform is engineered to manage the complexities of international and cross-regional healthcare delivery.
- Regulatory Compliance: The system tracks and adapts to varying professional requirements, legal frameworks, and practice guidelines across different jurisdictions.
- Cross-Border Supervision: Facilitates effective remote supervision by providing tools to manage supervisory relationships and verify qualifications across different legal and professional standards.
- Qualification Verification: Maintains a database of clinician qualifications and automatically flags when specific jurisdictional requirements for practice or supervision are not met.
AETIOS 4D
The Future of Clinical Understanding
Aetios represents a paradigm shift. Our 4D visualisation platform transforms the structured formulations from PREFORM into dynamic, interactive experiences that reveal hidden patterns and bring patient journeys to life.
Core Revolutionary Features
Intelligent NLP Engine
Automatically identifies symptoms, diagnoses, interventions, and life events from any clinical text, mapping their relationships.
Dynamic 4D Visualisation
Navigate journeys chronologically. Watch factors emerge, interact, and evolve in an interactive 3D node network where time is the fourth dimension.
Advanced Filtering & Analysis
Drill down into what matters. Filter by category, severity, or time period, and click any factor to highlight all connected elements.
Comprehensive Sharing
Export professional reports with embedded visualisations or share live, interactive formulations with colleagues and patients.
Who Benefits from Aetios?
For Clinicians
Achieve rapid case comprehension, enhance clinical reasoning by seeing interactions visually, and improve time efficiency in case reviews and supervision.
For Patients
Gain personal understanding of your story, track progress visually, and participate more actively in your care planning. Visualise hope and protective factors.
For Organisations
Drive quality improvement, enhance clinical training with anonymised visual cases, and standardise the quality of documentation across teams.
A Team of Clinicians, Researchers, and Technologists
We are the multi-disciplinary team behind the Aetios AI platform, united by a mission to improve mental healthcare through the safe and ethical application of artificial intelligence.
Lead Applicant & Clinical Architect
A practicing consultant clinical and forensic psychologist with 25 years of experience, bringing deep expertise in clinical governance, service leadership, and the practical application of AI in mental health.
Commercial & Regulatory Strategist
An expert in the development, regulatory validation, and commercialisation of AI and medical device solutions, leading the development of our commercial and evidence roadmap.
Clinical Researcher & AI Expert
A Clinical Psychologist and researcher with technical skills in machine learning and NLP. Brings direct experience in assessing complex mental health difficulties and evaluating digital interventions.
Clinical Governance & Implementation Lead
A Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Adult Psychology within an NHS University Health Board, providing high-level expertise on clinical governance, safeguarding, and implementation.
Ready to see your practice in a new light?
Request a personalised demo of Preform and Aetios 4D to see how our solutions can transform your clinical practice.
Contact Us for a Demo