AI therapy

digital therapy, online counseling, virtual therapy

AI therapy uses advanced technology to provide mental health support through interactive chatbots, structured programs and personalised interventions, making therapy more accessible and flexible.

MoreLess

What is AI therapy?

AI therapy leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver mental health support in various innovative forms. From interactive chatbots that simulate conversations to AI-assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programs, these tools provide users with accessible and flexible options for mental health care. AI therapy can offer continuous mental health monitoring, immersive virtual reality experiences for exposure therapy and even hybrid platforms that combine AI with human therapists. These digital solutions are designed to be available whenever and wherever you need them, making mental health support more personalised and accessible than ever before.

Wellbeing benefits

Why AI therapy is good for you

Early studies indicate that AI therapy steadies emotions and builds resilience while deepening self-understanding. Users often notice improved emotional awareness and greater social confidence too.

AI therapy significantly improves access to mental health services, particularly for individuals in remote areas or those facing barriers to traditional therapy. Research shows that digital platforms can reduce geographic and time constraints, ensuring support is always within reach (Torous et al., 2018).

AI-assisted Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy in managing anxiety and depression. Studies demonstrate that platforms like MoodGYM can reduce symptoms and improve mental health outcomes (Christensen et al., 2014).

AI therapy platforms tailor interventions to individual needs, increasing user engagement and satisfaction. Research indicates that personalised care leads to better adherence to therapeutic practices and more sustained improvements in mental health (Fitzpatrick et al., 2017).

AI therapy is often more affordable than traditional therapy, making it accessible to a broader audience. Studies highlight the potential of AI therapy to reduce healthcare costs while maintaining effectiveness, especially for mild to moderate mental health conditions (Kaltenthaler et al., 2006).

The anonymous nature of AI therapy allows users to explore sensitive issues without fear of judgment. Research suggests that this can lead to greater honesty and openness in therapy, which are critical components of effective mental health treatment (Lucas et al., 2014).

Common styles

AI therapy offers different approaches to suit various needs. It’s worth understanding the differences so you can choose the depth and level of support that will work best for you:

Tools like Woebot and Wysa engage you in text-based conversations to provide immediate support and coping strategies.

Find programs to guide you through structured exercises to challenge negative thoughts, available at your own pace.

Some apps use AI to track your mood and behaviour, offering insights for early intervention.

Combines AI with VR to create immersive environments for tackling anxiety and phobias, adjusting in real-time.

Ways in

Self-led, one-on-one, or in a group

Whether you go it alone, join a group, or work 1:1 with a teacher, we’ve laid out what each path can look like.

Self-ledOne-on-oneGroup

Recommendation for first-timer

1st pick

Recommendation for first-timer Self-led

Best for those comfortable with technology and self-guided learning. Ideal if you value flexibility, privacy and the ability to engage with therapy on your own schedule.

Not picked

Recommendation for first-timer One-on-one

AI is currently used more as a tool to enhance and support human-led therapy rather than as a standalone or equal partner. However, as AI technology advances, we may see more balanced roles between AI and human therapists, especially in hybrid therapy models.

Not picked

Recommendation for first-timer Group

Fully autonomous AI-led group therapy is still in development. However, as AI technology advances, we may see more balanced roles between AI and human therapists, especially in hybrid therapy models.

Availability

Widely

Availability Self-led

Self-led AI therapy is widely available through various apps and online platforms, accessible 24/7 from anywhere with an internet connection. You can start therapy at your convenience, making it highly adaptable to busy lifestyles.

Availability One-on-one

Availability Group

Average cost per session

Free or low cost

Average cost per session Self-led

Many AI therapy apps offer free basic services, with premium features available for under $50 per month. This makes AI therapy a cost-effective option compared to traditional talk therapy.

Average cost per session One-on-one

Average cost per session Group

Special equipment required

None or minimal

Special equipment required Self-led

The only equipment needed is a smartphone, tablet or computer with internet access. Most apps are designed to be user-friendly and don’t require additional hardware.

Special equipment required One-on-one

Special equipment required Group

Potential for socialisation & community

Mostly solo

Potential for socialisation & community Self-led

AI therapy is a solitary activity, focusing on personal introspection rather than social interaction. While some apps may include community forums or peer support options, the primary experience is individual.

Potential for socialisation & community One-on-one

Potential for socialisation & community Group

Safety & skill building

Consider risks

Safety & skill building Self-led

AI therapy apps typically offer structured programs that guide users through mental health exercises safely. However, without a human therapist, users must rely on the app’s guidelines and their own judgment, which can be challenging if complex emotional issues arise. Following app recommendations is crucial.

Safety & skill building One-on-one

Safety & skill building Group

Space or privacy required

Minimal

Space or privacy required Self-led

You can engage in AI therapy from any private space with an internet connection, such as your home or a private office.

Space or privacy required One-on-one

Space or privacy required Group

Ease of scheduling

Very flexible

Ease of scheduling Self-led

Sessions can be accessed anytime, fitting seamlessly into your schedule. There’s no need to book appointments, wait for availability or adhere to a therapist’s timetable.

Ease of scheduling One-on-one

Ease of scheduling Group

Setup time

Little to none

Setup time Self-led

Getting started is quick and straightforward, usually requiring just a download or login to an app or platform. With most apps you can begin your chat or exercises almost immediately.

Setup time One-on-one

Setup time Group

Active practice time

Under 20 mins

Active practice time Self-led

AI therapy sessions can be brief and flexible, fitting into short breaks or specific times you’ve set aside. Many apps offer sessions that range from 5 to 30 minutes.

Active practice time One-on-one

Active practice time Group

Unexpected advantages

Actually useful

Unexpected advantages Self-led

Your “AI therapist” wont be affected by personal biases or moods! With advice, feedback and support provided by AI consistent across sessions and users, it could help alleviate any concerns about being judged.

Unexpected advantages One-on-one

Unexpected advantages Group

Academic research we rate

Feasibility and effectiveness of artificial intelligence-driven conversational agents in healthcare interventions: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Yan Li, Surui Liang, Bingqian Zhu, Xu Liu, Jing Li, Dapeng Chen, Jing Qin, Dan BressingtonInternational Journal of Nursing Studies2023
Full citationHide citation
Li, Y., Liang, S., Zhu, B., Liu, X., Li, J., Chen, D., Qin, J., & Bressington, D. (2023). Feasibility and effectiveness of artificial intelligence-driven conversational agents in healthcare interventions: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 143, 104494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104494
Application of Synchronous Text-Based Dialogue Systems in Mental Health Interventions: Systematic Review
Simon Hoermann, Kathryn L McCabe, David N Milne, Rafael A CalvoJournal of Medical Internet Research2017
Full citationHide citation
Hoermann, S., McCabe, K. L., Milne, D. N., & Calvo, R. A. (2017). Application of Synchronous Text-Based Dialogue Systems in Mental Health Interventions: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(8), e267. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7023
Conversational Agent Interventions for Mental Health Problems: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Yuhao He, Li Yang, Chunlian Qian, Tong Li, Zhengyuan Su, Qiang Zhang, Xiangqing HouJournal of Medical Internet Research2022
Full citationHide citation
He, Y., Yang, L., Qian, C., Li, T., Su, Z., Zhang, Q., & Hou, X. (2023). Conversational Agent Interventions for Mental Health Problems: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e43862. https://doi.org/10.2196/43862
Voice-Based Conversational Agents for the Prevention and Management of Chronic and Mental Health Conditions: Systematic Literature Review
Caterina Bérubé, Theresa Schachner, Roman Keller, Elgar Fleisch, Florian v Wangenheim, Filipe Barata, Tobias KowatschJournal of Medical Internet Research2021
Full citationHide citation
Bérubé, C., Schachner, T., Keller, R., Fleisch, E., v Wangenheim, F., Barata, F., & Kowatsch, T. (2021). Voice-Based Conversational Agents for the Prevention and Management of Chronic and Mental Health Conditions: Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(3), e25933. https://doi.org/10.2196/25933
Artificial Intelligence–Based Chatbots for Promoting Health Behavioral Changes: Systematic Review
Abhishek Aggarwal, Cheuk Chi Tam, Dezhi Wu, Xiaoming Li, Shan QiaoJournal of Medical Internet Research2023
Full citationHide citation
Aggarwal, A., Tam, C. C., Wu, D., Li, X., & Qiao, S. (2023). Artificial Intelligence–Based Chatbots for Promoting Health Behavioral Changes: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 25, e40789. https://doi.org/10.2196/40789

Show all 10 studiesShow fewer studies

Digital Mental Health Interventions for Depression, Anxiety, and Enhancement of Psychological Well-Being Among College Students: Systematic Review
Emily G Lattie, Elizabeth C Adkins, Nathan Winquist, Colleen Stiles-Shields, Q Eileen Wafford, Andrea K GrahamJournal of Medical Internet Research2018
Full citationHide citation
Lattie, E. G., Adkins, E. C., Winquist, N., Stiles-Shields, C., Wafford, Q. E., & Graham, A. K. (2019). Digital Mental Health Interventions for Depression, Anxiety, and Enhancement of Psychological Well-Being Among College Students: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(7), e12869. https://doi.org/10.2196/12869
Artificial Intelligence-Based Conversational Agents for Chronic Conditions: Systematic Literature Review
Theresa Schachner, Roman Keller, Florian v WangenheimJournal of Medical Internet Research2020
Full citationHide citation
Schachner, T., Keller, R., & v Wangenheim, F. (2020). Artificial Intelligence-Based Conversational Agents for Chronic Conditions: Systematic Literature Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(9), e20701. https://doi.org/10.2196/20701
Promoting Physical Activity Through Conversational Agents: Mixed Methods Systematic Review
Tiffany Christina Luo, Adrian Aguilera, Courtney Rees Lyles, Caroline Astrid FigueroaJournal of Medical Internet Research2020
Full citationHide citation
Luo, T. C., Aguilera, A., Lyles, C. R., & Figueroa, C. A. (2021). Promoting Physical Activity Through Conversational Agents: Mixed Methods Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(9), e25486. https://doi.org/10.2196/25486
The Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence Conversational Agents in Health Care: Systematic Review
Madison Milne-Ives, Caroline de Cock, Ernest Lim, Melissa Harper Shehadeh, Nick de Pennington, Guy Mole, Eduardo Normando, Edward MeinertJournal of Medical Internet Research2020
Full citationHide citation
Milne-Ives, M., de Cock, C., Lim, E., Shehadeh, M. H., de Pennington, N., Mole, G., Normando, E., & Meinert, E. (2020). The Effectiveness of Artificial Intelligence Conversational Agents in Health Care: Systematic Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(10), e20346. https://doi.org/10.2196/20346
Embodied Conversational Agents in Clinical Psychology: A Scoping Review
Simon Provoost, Ho Ming Lau, Jeroen Ruwaard, Heleen RiperJournal of Medical Internet Research2017
Full citationHide citation
Provoost, S., Lau, H. M., Ruwaard, J., & Riper, H. (2017). Embodied Conversational Agents in Clinical Psychology: A Scoping Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 19(5), e151. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6553

Safety

You are probably ready to launch into your first AI therapy session. But before you do, there are some important things to keep in mind. These helpful tips will make sure that your first AI therapy session gets off to a great start.

Consult a healthcare provider before starting AI therapy if you have mental health conditions.
Ensure the AI therapy platform you use is reputable and has privacy safeguards to protect your personal data.
Ensure you have a support system in place, such as friends, family or a therapist, to discuss any difficult emotions that may arise.
If you experience adverse feelings or worsening symptoms, discontinue use and seek immediate help from a licensed mental health professional.

What you might experience

You’re about to try AI therapy for the first time, and there’s a nagging sense of doubt. Can an app or chatbot really understand what you’re going through? It’s totally normal to feel skeptical. After all, this isn’t a human therapist. But AI therapy is designed to listen, guide and offer support. Just being open to give it a chance and see what it might have to offer is a great place to start.

You start interacting, and the AI responds with surprisingly thoughtful questions or advice. It’s not quite like talking to a person, but it might be surprising to find it far more engaging than you expected. The app walks you through steps to manage your stress or emotions, and before you know it, you may feel like you’re actually making real progress – one small step at a time.

You begin typing out a deeper thought process, but there's a moment of hesitation. Can AI really understand the workings of your emotional mind? Sometimes, it might misinterpret a sentence or miss the nuance. But most of the time, the responses feel spot-on. When the AI stumbles, rephrasing your thoughts gets the conversation back on track. The effort can definitely feel worth it.

What might surprise you most is how simple AI therapy is. There’s no need to wait for an appointment, no worry about someone judging you. You can just open the app whenever you need it. Even though it’s only a chatbot, you can feel a sense of relief, knowing that you’re processing your thoughts in a supportive way.

As the session wraps up, you may feel lighter and more in control, relieved that you took the chance. You didn’t expect an app to offer this much help, but now you’re starting to appreciate how easy it is to access this support. The idea of using AI therapy regularly feels like a possibility.