Best AI therapy apps (2025): what actually works, what to watch, and how to choose

therapy has moved from futuristic concept to everyday reality. Rising costs, long waitlists and a shortage of therapists mean millions of people are turning to AI-powered mental health apps for help with stress, anxiety, depression and daily resilience. In 2025, the space is maturing quickly. There are now clinically backed CBT chatbots, innovative video AI therapy tools, enterprise screening systems, and simple self-help apps — but they differ dramatically in quality, evidence and purpose.

Choosing the right AI therapy app can feel overwhelming. Some platforms have peer-reviewed clinical trials and regulatory designations, while others are marketed as companions or mood trackers. Some are built for individuals, others for clinics or employers. This guide is designed to help you navigate that landscape and choose the right app for your needs, whether you’re an individual looking for CBT-based support, an HR manager exploring employee solutions, or an early adopter interested in lifelike video AI therapy.

We’ll break down the best AI therapy apps in 2025, explain what sets each apart, and offer practical guidance on pricing, privacy, and where they fit in your mental wellness toolkit. If you want to learn more about the underlying technology behind these tools, check out our article on How AI Therapy Works, and if you’re new to the concept, start with What is AI Therapy?.

therappai appstore

How We Evaluated the Apps

To build this guide, we used five key criteria designed to align with Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) and give you real buyer’s insight, not fluff.

1. Clinical Evidence

Does the app have peer-reviewed studies, clinical trials or real-world health system outcomes demonstrating effectiveness? For example, some CBT chatbots like Wysa have published studies and FDA designations, while others rely mainly on user engagement data.

2. Regulatory Status & Safety

Has the app received regulatory recognition such as FDA Breakthrough Device designation, UKCA certification in the UK, or CE marking in Europe? Does it clearly state its scope and provide crisis escalation pathways? Transparency here matters for both safety and trust.

3. Privacy & Data Protection

Mental health data is sensitive. We examined whether apps have transparent privacy policies, independent watchdog reviews, or a history of complaints. For a deeper dive on this topic, read our Privacy Guide.

4. Real-World Availability & Maintenance

Is the app live, actively maintained and available globally? Some well-known brands have pivoted away from consumer apps or discontinued services, so up-to-date availability matters.

5. Experience & Features

Does the app offer chat, video AI sessions, voice biomarkers, journaling tools or mood tracking? Does it support daily use and escalation to human help if needed?

Quick Comparison Table

App	Modality	Clinical / Regulatory	Privacy	Best For
Wysa	CBT Chat	Peer-reviewed studies, FDA Breakthrough Device	Strong policies	Individuals wanting structured CBT tools
Headspace (Ebb)	AI reflection + content + human pathway	Clear disclaimers, integrated coaching/therapy	Strong	Reflection with escalation to humans
Youper	CBT journaling & assessments	Long consumer track record	Good	Habit building & mood journaling
Limbic Access	Clinical intake chatbot	UKCA Class IIa device, NHS outcomes	Clinical governance	Health systems & providers
Kintsugi / Ellipsis Health	Voice biomarkers	Peer-reviewed studies, clinical pilots	Clinical	Screening & triage
Replika	Companion chat	Limited evidence	Mixed, EU privacy scrutiny	Companionship, not therapy
therappai	Video AI + chat + mood tracking	New entrant	Privacy-first roadmap	Early adopters wanting video AI therapy

Wysa – Evidence-Based CBT in Your Pocket

Wysa is one of the most credible AI mental health apps currently available to consumers. Its chatbot uses evidence-based CBT techniques to help users challenge negative thought patterns, build coping skills, and track their mood over time. Unlike generic conversational bots, Wysa is structured around mental health toolkits and thought records that mirror what many therapists use in sessions.

Wysa has a solid research foundation. It has multiple peer-reviewed studies demonstrating efficacy for anxiety and depression reduction, and it received an FDA Breakthrough Device designation for its AI conversational agent. This doesn’t mean it’s an FDA-approved treatment, but it signals clinical promise and prioritised regulatory review.

The app is available globally on iOS and Android, and it’s also used by employers as part of workforce wellness programs. Privacy is a strong point: Wysa has clear policies and has avoided the kinds of privacy scandals that have plagued some mental health apps.

Why it stands out:

• Structured CBT exercises, not just chat

• Backed by published studies and regulatory recognition

• Widely available and easy to use

Things to consider:

• Not a replacement for a human therapist

• Effectiveness depends on consistent use

Best for: Individuals who want a structured CBT coach they can use between or instead of therapy sessions.

Headspace (Ebb) – AI Reflection Meets Human Coaching

Headspace launched Ebb, its AI mental health companion, to complement its world-famous meditation content. Ebb offers daily reflective conversations, journaling prompts, and recommended exercises based on how you’re feeling. Importantly, it’s not marketed as therapy. Instead, it’s a bridge between self-help and professional support.

Ebb integrates seamlessly with Headspace Care, the company’s human coaching and therapy service available in the US and through many employer plans. This makes it ideal for people who want a low-barrier entry point but the option to escalate to real human professionals.

Headspace has a strong privacy track record, especially on the enterprise side. While it’s not a regulated therapeutic tool, it’s a trusted brand with a clear scope.

Why it stands out:

• Combines AI reflection with easy access to coaching and therapy

• Backed by one of the most recognised brands in mental health

• Excellent for daily check-ins and habit building

Things to consider:

• Some features are behind subscription plans

• It’s not designed to deliver CBT or therapy by itself

Best for: Users who want a friendly, daily AI check-in with a clear pathway to human support when needed.

Youper – Journaling and CBT Micro-Prompts for Daily Use

Youper is a long-running CBT journaling app that uses conversational prompts to guide users through structured self-reflection. Think of it as a digital journaling partner that helps you identify patterns, track your mood and work through challenges without the blank-page problem.

Youper focuses more on engagement and habit-building than on formal clinical outcomes. It doesn’t have FDA or UKCA certifications, but it’s widely loved by users for its simplicity and consistency. If you’re trying to build a daily mental health routine without the intensity of therapy sessions, this is an excellent lightweight option.

Why it stands out:

• Extremely approachable for journaling beginners

• Helps build consistent habits with micro-prompts

• Tracks emotional patterns over time

Things to consider:

• Less formal clinical validation compared to Wysa

• Some features are premium-only

Best for: People who want daily mood tracking and guided journaling to build awareness and resilience. If you’re interested in mood tracking more generally, read our feature on Mood Tracking and how it integrates with AI therapy tools.

Limbic Access – Regulated Intake AI for Health Systems

Limbic Access isn’t a consumer therapy chatbot. It’s a UKCA Class IIa certified medical device used by NHS Talking Therapies in the UK to handle intake and triage. Patients fill out structured, AI-assisted forms that help route them to the appropriate level of care faster than traditional administrative processes.

This is one of the few AI mental health tools with both regulatory certification and real-world health system deployment. Studies suggest it improves intake efficiency and can contribute to better recovery metrics, though it’s not delivering therapy itself.

Why it stands out:

• Certified medical device used in national health systems

• Proven to streamline intake and triage

• Serious clinical credibility

Things to consider:

• Not a consumer app

• Success depends on integration with human services

Best for: Clinics and health systems that need safe, scalable triage — not individual users looking for therapy.

Kintsugi & Ellipsis – Voice Biomarkers for Screening

Kintsugi and Ellipsis Health both use voice biomarkers to detect signals of depression and anxiety from short speech samples. Rather than delivering therapy, these tools augment clinicians by flagging risk in telehealth calls, apps or customer service interactions.

They have growing bodies of clinical research showing that voice analysis can correlate with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, helping identify people who might otherwise fly under the radar. This is particularly useful in healthcare settings where time is limited and questionnaires aren’t always filled out accurately.

Why they stand out:

• Passive and objective screening, no forms required

• Clinically validated algorithms in progress

• Integrate easily into existing clinical workflows

Things to consider:

• Not designed for consumer use

• Voice privacy is critical and must be governed properly

Best for: Health systems, telehealth providers and insurers wanting scalable, privacy-aware screening solutions.

Replika – Companionship, Not Therapy

Replika is one of the most widely downloaded AI companion apps in the world. It’s designed to provide emotional support and reduce loneliness through open-ended chat. Some users report meaningful improvements in their mood and sense of connection after using Replika regularly, especially during periods of isolation.

However, it’s important to be clear: Replika is not a clinical therapy app. It has not been validated in peer-reviewed therapeutic studies, and it has faced privacy scrutiny in the EU, including fines in Italy for handling user data without sufficient protections. That doesn’t mean it can’t be helpful, but users should understand its purpose and limitations.

Why it stands out:

• Huge global user base and approachable design

• Can help reduce loneliness for some users

• Always available, always responsive

Things to consider:

• Not a medical device or therapy tool

• Past privacy issues require careful review of settings

• May not handle crisis situations effectively

Best for: People looking for companionship and casual emotional support, not structured therapeutic interventions.

therappai – Emerging Video AI Therapy Platform

therappai is an upcoming entrant redefining what an AI therapy experience can feel like. Instead of relying purely on text chat, therappai uses lifelike video AI therapists to simulate real conversations. This video-first approach can make sessions feel more human, improving engagement and emotional resonance.

The platform combines video sessions with chat-based support, daily mood tracking and a built-in crisis buddy feature to help users identify support contacts and resources. It’s designed to be private, affordable, and accessible 24/7, with a launch scheduled for late 2025 and an early access waitlist already open.

While therappai is still early-stage, its privacy-first architecture, integrated features, and focus on user safety set it apart from many generic AI chatbots. It’s ideal for early adopters who want a more immersive therapy experience and are comfortable testing innovative products.

Why it stands out:

• Lifelike video AI therapy sessions for a more human feel

• Integrated mood tracking and crisis support tools

• Privacy-first design with clear scope and boundaries

Things to consider:

• Evidence and public reviews will evolve after launch

• Still in early access mode

Best for: Early adopters seeking a next-generation AI therapy experience that goes beyond text.

How to Choose the Right AI Therapy App for You

With so many options, choosing the right tool depends on your goals, comfort level, and context.

Here’s a quick decision framework:

If you want structured CBT skills with clinical evidence: Start with Wysa. It’s well-studied, affordable, and works best if you’re willing to engage with CBT exercises consistently.

If you want daily reflection with an easy path to human care: Headspace (Ebb) is ideal if you value journaling and coaching but want therapy as an option when needed.

If journaling and habit tracking appeal to you: Youper is a great lightweight option for building daily mental health routines without formal therapy.

If you’re in a clinical or enterprise setting: Limbic Access handles intake, while Kintsugi and Ellipsis Health enable voice-based screening at scale.

If you want companionship, not therapy: Replika can help some users feel less isolated, but set expectations appropriately.

If you want the most human-like, immersive AI therapy experience: therappai is pioneering video AI therapy, combining lifelike interaction with mood tracking and crisis support. Learn more about the technology behind it in How AI Therapy Works.

Privacy and Safety Considerations

Mental health data is uniquely sensitive. Before choosing an app, it’s essential to understand how your data will be collected, used, and stored. Some mental health apps have shared sensitive data with advertisers in the past — for example, BetterHelp’s $7.8M FTC settlement in 2023 was a wake-up call for the industry.

Here are some quick privacy and safety steps to follow:

• Read the privacy policy carefully. Look for plain language about data sharing and storage.

• Check for crisis protocols. Reputable apps provide clear escalation pathways.

• Review update frequency. Outdated apps can be a security risk.

• Use strong device privacy settings. Disable ad tracking and use secure authentication.

• Prefer platforms with clear boundaries. Tools like therappai make it clear what they are and are not.

• Consult independent watchdogs. Mozilla’s Privacy Not Included is a great resource for mental health app privacy reviews.

For a detailed breakdown of privacy considerations and practical steps, read our Privacy Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best AI therapy apps

Are any AI therapy apps FDA-approved?	No consumer AI therapy apps are FDA-approved for treating depression or anxiety. Some, like Wysa, have received FDA Breakthrough Device designation, which accelerates regulatory review but is not the same as clearance or approval.
Can AI therapy apps replace human therapists?	No. These tools can provide structured CBT exercises, journaling, and reflection, but complex mental health conditions still require human professionals.
Do these apps actually work?	Research shows CBT-style chatbots can reduce symptoms over 2–4 weeks with regular use. Intake and screening tools improve efficiency in clinical settings. Companion bots can reduce loneliness but don’t deliver therapy.
What is video AI therapy?	Video AI therapy uses lifelike avatars and natural language models to create conversations that feel more human than text chat. This can improve engagement and retention. Learn more in our feature on AI Video Therapy.
Which app is best for me?	It depends on your goals. Use the decision guide above to find the best fit for your situation.

Related Resources

• What is AI Therapy?

• How AI Therapy Works

• AI Video Therapy

• Mood Tracking

• Pricing

• Is AI Therapy Safe?

Author

James Colley Founder, therappai

James Colley is a serial SaaS founder from New Zealand who built and scaled Whip Around to significant ARR before turning his focus to mental health. After personally experiencing the barriers of traditional therapy — cost, waitlists, stigma — he founded therappai to make mental wellness private, affordable and available 24/7 through lifelike video AI therapy, chat support, and daily progress insights.

This article is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re in crisis, contact your local emergency services or the 988 Lifeline in the U.S.