AI therapy uses advanced technology to provide mental health support through interactive chatbots, structured programs and personalised interventions, making therapy more accessible and flexible.
A beginner's guide to: AI therapy
digital therapy, online counseling, virtual therapy
In a hurry and don't have any questions?
Check out our safety recommendations.
Take some time to think through, clarify and write down your needs and goals.
Look into different AI therapy platforms to find one that is reputable and aligns with your needs.
Find a space where you can give your full attention to the session.
When you are ready, head to our Practice Guides and get started.
Need a hand getting started? Our app is packed with beginner-friendly Practice Instructions for every activity—and way more where that came from. Hit the button up top and get moving.
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.
What AI therapy looks like
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.
Significantly improves emotion awareness
Focus area: Emotional awareness (Impact rating: High)
Higher self-esteem
Focus area: Identity & worth (Impact rating: High)
Stronger coping skills
Focus area: Resilience (Impact rating: High)
Encourages self-management
Focus area: Agency (Impact rating: Medium)
Small but reliable boosts in mood
Focus area: Lightheartedness (Impact rating: Medium)
People who love AI therapy
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Starting AI therapy? Read this first
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.
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:
AI chatbots
AI-assisted CBT
AI-driven monitoring
VR and AI exposure therapy
Safety
⚠️
Consult a healthcare provider before starting AI therapy if you have mental health conditions.
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Ensure the AI therapy platform you use is reputable and has privacy safeguards to protect your personal data.
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Ensure you have a support system in place, such as friends, family or a therapist, to discuss any difficult emotions that may arise.
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If you experience adverse feelings or worsening symptoms, discontinue use and seek immediate help from a licensed mental health professional.
What you might experience
🤔
"Is AI therapy really going to help?"
😊
"Ha, that response was actually helpful!"
😬
"What if it doesn’t get what I mean?"
😌
"This is easier than I thought."
💡
"I could really use this regularly."
What you need to know about Ai therapy
Wondering how you can get started with AI therapy? Explore the table below and discover everything you need to know to get your practice started, right now.
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Recommendation for first-timer
Availability
Average cost per session
Special equipment required
Potential for socialisation & community
Safety & skill building
Space or privacy required
Ease of scheduling
Setup time
Active practice time
Unexpected advantages
Ancestry, history, facts and other trivia
AI-based therapy apps are popular because they offer privacy and anonymity.
Some AI chatbots use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to understand emotions.
AI therapy has roots in a 1966 chatbot called ELIZA.
GPT-based models are now being used to simulate real-life conversations in therapy.
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4 facts
Popular memes
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Academic research we rate
Conversational Agent Interventions for Mental Health Problems: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
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
Feasibility and effectiveness of artificial intelligence-driven conversational agents in healthcare interventions: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
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
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
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