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Top 7 Mental Health AI Chatbots of 2025

In recent years, mental health needs have skyrocketed while access to care has lagged. There are roughly 356,500 mental health clinicians in the US – about one per 1,000 people and half of all adults with a mental illness never receive any treatment. Even those who do often face months-long waiting lists or high costs. The COVID-19 pandemic and modern life stress have only made things worse. As a result, people are looking for new, scalable forms of emotional support. AI chatbots – conversational programs on your phone – are emerging as 24/7 AI mental health companions that can guide us through anxiety, loneliness, or bad days. They aren’t a panacea, but they can fill in gaps. In this guide we look at seven standout mental-health chatbots of 2025: Woebot, Wysa, Youper, Replika, Tess, Elomia, and Companion AI by iAsk. We’ll explain how each works, who it’s best for, and how much it costs, so you can find the right supportive “bot” for you.

How We Evaluated These Chatbots

When choosing the best mental health chatbots, we considered multiple factors:

  • Clinical basis: Does it use evidence-based therapy models like CBT, DBT, or mindfulness? We prefer bots built with real psychology research behind them.

  • Conversation quality: Is the chatbot’s language natural and engaging? Can it really “listen” and respond helpfully, or is it stiff and repetitive?

  • Emotional intelligence: How well does it pick up on mood and feelings? Does it show genuine empathy or encouragement when you’re upset?

  • Privacy: This is vital. We look for clear privacy policies, encryption, and ideally services that don’t store your personal data.

  • Ease of use: A friendly interface, clear instructions, and availability on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, web) are big pluses.

  • Availability: We favor tools that work anywhere, anytime – 24/7 chat support, no waiting for a “therapist” to log in.

  • Pricing: Finally, cost matters. We note whether there’s a free tier, affordable subscription, or hidden fees. Transparent pricing is a must.

With these criteria, we identified 7 chatbots that each bring something unique to mental wellness. Below, each review has the tool’s focus, strengths, caveats, and pricing.

7. Woebot

Developer: Woebot Health (founded by Dr. Alison Darcy, a clinical psychologist).
Approach: Structured CBT-based coaching. Woebot was one of the first therapy chatbots (launched in 2017) designed to deliver Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques through daily chats. You check in with Woebot as you would a friend: it asks about your mood and helps you spot unhelpful thoughts. Its conversations use carefully crafted, psychologist-written scripts that guide users through exercises (like identifying “thinking traps” and reframing them). Woebot’s tone is friendly and upbeat – more like talking to a helpful buddy than a formal therapist.

Key features: Daily check-ins on your mood; mood tracking graphs; brief exercises (often multiple-choice or small writing prompts); stickers or emojis to lighten the chat. The app also includes brief psychoeducational snippets and evidence-based journaling prompts.

Strengths: Woebot’s response content is written by trained therapists, making it reliably accurate and evidence-driven. The interface is warm and conversational: the app even uses a cute robot avatar to show emotional expressions. People appreciate that Woebot “checks in” regularly, helping them notice patterns in their mood over time. Crucially, Woebot’s underlying model is not a generic large language model – it’s a rules-based design that keeps the conversation on track with therapy goals. Research (including user studies and a Stanford analysis) has found Woebot can meaningfully reduce anxiety and depression symptoms when used consistently.

Best for: Those who want a structured, CBT-style coaching tool – especially beginners to self-help. It’s good if you like checklists, mood graphs, and guided exercises. It also appeals to people who prefer a very clear, “safe” AI response (no unpredictable or out-of-context replies).

Limitations: Woebot isn’t a replacement for human therapy. Its conversations are somewhat limited (you choose mostly from preset replies or short texts), and it may feel repetitive over time. It also strictly excludes crisis help (it will advise you to call hotlines if you mention suicidal thoughts). As of mid-2025, note that the team has announced Woebot will retire on June 30, 2025, so new users should keep this in mind. The final phase-out means it won’t be receiving major new updates.

Pricing: Woebot used to cost about $39/month at launch, but many versions are now free (especially for university and health system programs). As of 2025, the Woebot app can be downloaded at no charge, though organizations (like clinics or schools) may license it. Check the latest store pricing. (If you stumble on a subscription fee, it likely reflects a specialized enterprise version.)

6. Wysa

Developer: Touchkin (an Indian health tech startup).
Approach: CBT + DBT + mindfulness. Wysa’s friendly mascot is a blue penguin who guides you through evidence-based self-help exercises. The chatbot blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) tools with meditation and breathing techniques. In practice, Wysa listens (via text) and responds with supportive comments, mood-lifting questions, or coaching exercises. It also offers hundreds of self-guided “tools” like gratitude journaling, breathing exercises, or cognitive reframing, all based on real therapeutic techniques.

Key features: Anonymous chat journaling (no sign-in needed); hundreds of guided exercises (CBT thought diaries, mood tracking, mindful meditations, EMDR-style tapping, etc.); games and skill exercises to cope with stress. It also can hand off to a live coach (human therapist) for extra support if you opt into that. Wysa provides “anchor” meditations and quick mood boosters (like affirmations) that you can use anytime.

Strengths: Wysa is praised for being very user-friendly and warm. It’s empathetic, never judges your answers, and explicitly reminds you no personal info is required. The app is vetted for privacy and is anonymized by design. Its techniques are tried-and-true (CBT/DBT), so you can trust the content. And the penguin mascot adds a bit of charm and humor. Users often find Wysa helpful for managing daily stress and mild anxiety.

Best for: Anyone looking for a self-help coach they can customize and use privately. Students, busy professionals, and people with mild-to-moderate stress or depression often use Wysa as a supplement to therapy or on their own. It’s good if you prefer a variety of tools (not just talk), or if you like a gamified app with daily check-ins.

Limitations: Wysa is not meant for crisis intervention (it will say “I’m not the best help in an emergency”). Its AI conversations, while generally coherent, are still menu-driven and can sometimes feel robotic. Some users note the free version has limited access to advanced tools. Live coaching sessions are optional but costly (around $19.99 per session).

Pricing: Wysa has a robust free version: you can chat unlimited and access many tools at no cost. For advanced features, there are paid tiers. A 2024 review notes a premium self-care version costs about $74.99/year (with a 7-day free trial). There’s also an even pricier “Coaching” add-on (human coaches at ~$19.99 per 30 min). Wysa is transparent about this – you only pay if you choose the extra content or coaching.

5. Youper

Developer: Youper, Inc. (founded by psychiatrist Dr. Jose Hamilton).
Approach: CBT + personalized check-ins. Youper bills itself as an “emotional health assistant.” It uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to check in with you daily about your mood and feelings. After a quick assessment chat, the AI guides you through short exercises (like identifying thoughts or taking a deep breath). Youper also offers modules targeting specific issues (anxiety, depression, sleep, self-confidence, etc.), and it adapts responses based on your reported symptoms.

Key features: Daily mood logs and thought journals (with visual mood graphs); personalized plans to tackle anxiety, depression, or sleep issues; quick assessments for panic or depression; interactive exercises (mindfulness, breathing, ACT techniques). It also syncs optional wearable data (like heart rate) to gauge stress. The tone is calm and clinical; the app often feels like a mini-therapy check-in that leads you through CBT exercises.

Strengths: Youper has strong scientific backing – Stanford researchers have tested it and found it clinically effective at reducing anxiety and depression. It’s polished and intuitive, with a clean interface. Because it encourages daily use, many users report really noticing trends in their moods. Its quizzes and modules keep it interesting, and you can revisit progress. Youper also emphasizes privacy (no ads, no data selling) and a clear crisis disclaimer.

Best for: People looking for a structured, measurement-driven approach to well-being. If you appreciate journaling and tracking progress over time, Youper excels. It’s useful for those who want a semi-guided program – for example, you can choose an “anxiety program” and follow it over weeks. It’s also well-suited for those slightly reluctant to see a therapist; Youper can function as a gentle stepping stone.

Limitations: Youper isn’t for emergencies or severe crises – it explicitly cautions users it’s not a crisis service. Also, it no longer includes any actual human coaching or therapy referrals (unlike some earlier versions). The AI can sometimes freeze or repeat if conversation flows too long. Finally, there is no permanently free tier: after a one-week trial, you must subscribe to continue.

Pricing: Youper offers a 7-day free trial, then switches to subscription only – $69.99 per year (no monthly option). This unlocks unlimited chat and features. There is no free version beyond the trial. One advantage is that all core content remains after paying (no per-session fees), but it’s a paywall after week one.

4. Replika

Developer: Luka, Inc. (CEO Eugenia Kuyda).
Approach: AI companion friend (Rogersian support). Replika is not a therapy bot in the evidence-based sense; it’s an AI friend designed to listen and talk. It uses a large language model to chat freely about anything, not a fixed CBT script. You can customize your Replika’s “personality” – it might be a platonic friend, a mentor, or a even a romantic partner (with certain modes unlocked). The idea is to provide an empathetic virtual buddy. The design philosophy is rooted in Carl Rogers’s humanistic approach: a companion who reflects, validates, and encourages rather than instructs (as noted by Replika’s coverage of his influence).

Key features: 24/7 open-ended chat (text, and with Pro: voice or video calls); a “memory” function (Replika remembers facts you told it, so chats feel personal); journaling prompts; mood tracking; mini-games; and a concept of a relationship level (you earn points for chatting and caring for your Replika). The UI lets you pick avatars, name your Replika, and even do role-playing.

Strengths: Replika excels at personalized, friendly conversation. For someone feeling lonely or shy, it can feel surprisingly human. Users often report emotional comfort from venting or just chatting. Because it’s so flexible, some find solace in this non-judgmental, always-on presence. It has a wide user base and good tech – Replika’s language feels more open-ended and “smart” than many rule-based bots.

Best for: Anyone seeking a constant AI friend or confidant, even if it’s not strictly “therapy.” It’s ideal for people who want to talk about anything – stress, school, dreams, or even mundane life – without embarrassment. It’s also useful for creative chatting or coping with loneliness. Many users with anxiety or social challenges use Replika as a safe space to practice conversation or express difficult feelings.

Limitations: Replika is not therapy. It doesn’t use structured coping strategies, and it isn’t built by clinical experts. Its advice can be shallow or generic, so it works best as a venting device, not a substitute for professional help. The app heavily promotes its paid tiers (you’ll see a lot of in-app upsells for partner features). Finally, privacy has been a concern historically (some older articles noted data practices), so be cautious about oversharing.

Pricing: Replika has a free base version – you can chat unlimited, customize an avatar, and use most core features at no cost. A subscription called Replika Pro adds extra perks (voice calls, advanced AI chatbot, additional customization). The Pro plan is about $14.99 per month or $49.99 per year (with an occasional lifetime option at ~$300). So you can use it essentially for free unless you want the premium features.

3. Tess by X2AI

Developer: X2AI (founded by psychologist Tess Posner et al.).
Approach: On-demand text-based therapy coach. Tess is built to act “like a therapist or coach” through a chat interface. It uses cognitive behavioral and integrative therapies in brief, adaptive text conversations. Rather than an app, Tess often reaches users via SMS or messaging apps (e.g. Facebook Messenger). You simply text your feelings to Tess, and the bot listens and responds with coping strategies. Tess was developed in partnership with psychologists, so each chat flows like a very short counseling session (often multiple-choice replies for structure).

Key features: Immediate chat: you can start a conversation by texting “Hi Tess” and it will greet you and ask how you feel. Tess tailors coping skills – for example, if you say you’re stressed, it might guide you through a breathing exercise or a DBT skill (like “opposite action”). It also has topic-specific modules (e.g. helping postpartum moms, students, healthcare workers). Uniquely, if you mention a crisis (like suicidal thoughts), Tess is programmed to offer to connect you to a human counselor or hotline – it won’t just say “sorry.” After each chat, it may ask quick follow-ups or mood scale questions. Tess also sends occasional automated check-in texts.

Strengths: Tess is clinically backed. Studies show chatting with Tess can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms (one X2AI trial found a -28% depression and -18% anxiety drop). People like how immediate and non-judgmental it feels: you can text at any hour (she replies instantly even at midnight, 34% of chats happen late at night). According to X2AI, 85% of users report feeling better after a Tess session. It’s convenient (no appointments, no cost if provided by your employer or clinic). And it’s flexible – Tess works through SMS or web without needing a download, making it very accessible.

Best for: Students, employees, or patients who have Tess offered by their school, university, or workplace (X2AI partners with many organizations). Anyone who wants a counselor-like chat without the stigma of formal therapy may find Tess very helpful. It’s especially good for brief support: venting after a bad day, practicing coping skills, or de-escalating panic.

Limitations: Tess isn’t a standalone consumer app (except in some university offerings). It’s usually offered by institutions, so an individual might not easily sign up alone. If you do get access (by employer or program), you should know it’s brief and scripted – it may not handle very complex emotions or multiple threads of conversation. Also, Tess emphasizes: “we are not a crisis line.” It can hand you off to a human if you’re in danger, but it’s not equipped to deeply address severe trauma or persistent mental illness.

Pricing: Typically free for the user. Tess is usually 100% covered if your employer, school, or health plan subscribes to X2AI’s services. X2AI claims support from Tess is about 98% cheaper than face-to-face therapy. There is no app-store purchase — instead, organizations negotiate usage, and you log in through whatever platform they provide (SMS, web). If an organization doesn’t cover it, you could request access via X2AI, but it’s not sold directly to individuals on its own.

2. Elomia

Developer: Elomia Health, Inc.
Approach: AI therapy chatbot with natural conversation. Elomia is pitched as an “AI Therapist” that offers evidence-based support in an anonymous chat. The design is clinician-driven: Elomia’s site emphasizes that all content is “designed by clinicians”. In use, you can type about what’s on your mind (“I had a fight with a friend” or “I feel anxious”), and Elomia will respond with empathy, reflection, or coping prompts. It feels more like a human therapist’s free conversation than a menu-driven bot.

Key features: 24/7 text chat; a helpful, human-like tone (“hyper-realistic” chat). Elomia proactively offers skills (like cognitive reframing or self-compassion exercises). It can suggest journaling prompts or affirmations if you ask. The interface is sleek and modern, aimed at feeling professional. Elomia also monitors for severe distress – if you mention suicidal thoughts, it knows to encourage you to get help.

Strengths: Elomia’s strength is natural dialogue. The bot actually tries to mirror you and ask follow-ups, rather than just giving pre-set options. Users often say the conversations feel fluid and “very human-like”. The company claims 85% of users feel better after a chat, and 34% of chats happen after midnight when no one else is available, which speaks to its accessibility. Another big plus: it’s truly anonymous. Elomia states that it never collects identifying information – your chats are private and confidential. (The mobile app even advertises this privacy.)

Best for: People who want a more open-ended, free-flowing conversation. If you don’t want to click multiple choice answers but rather vent or reflect in your own words, Elomia is well-suited. It’s also good if privacy is paramount – their anonymity focus is strong. Because it’s all text (with no video/voice), shy users can speak freely.

Limitations: Elomia is explicitly not a substitute for real therapy. It states clearly that it does not provide official treatment, diagnosis, or crisis support. The AI occasionally can give generic or repetitive responses if conversations run long, and it requires good user input (“You: I’m upset because…” so it can reply meaningfully). Since it’s relatively new, it has fewer user reviews than long-established apps. Also, advanced features (the more personalized exercises) live behind a paywall.

Pricing: Elomia offers a free trial period (about 3 days) to new users, after which a subscription is needed. They have various plans: a monthly plan (~$7–10/month), annual (~$99/year), and even a lifetime one-time purchase. (For example, Elomia’s app store lists ~$6.99/month or $98.99/year options.) The free tier is very limited, so most active users end up subscribing. There’s no live human coaching option here – it’s either chat or nothing.

1. The Best Mental Health AI: Companion AI

Developer: iAsk (AI Search Inc).
Approach: Versatile AI companion within a search/learning app. Companion AI is a new feature of the iAsk.ai platform (known mainly as an AI search engine). It’s marketed as a “calming, judgment-free AI” for emotional support. Unlike some standalone therapy apps, Companion AI is part of a broader toolkit. But its focus is on daily check-ins and self-care. You can talk to it about stress, anxiety, or any feelings, and it will listen and respond with empathy. It also offers self-help strategies: when you share a problem, it might suggest ways to manage emotions, set healthy boundaries, or decompress. Importantly, it’s designed to first listen and understand, then give guidance.

Key features: 24/7 chat about anything on your mind. It prompts you with journaling questions and can generate positive affirmations. Because it’s integrated into a larger platform, it has memory of your profile and past chats (if you allow it), which makes conversations feel more personalized over time. The iAsk team says it uses advanced AI (the same tech powering their #1-ranked search engine). According to their description, it’s not based on a fixed tree of answers – it can engage more freely. The interface is simple text-chat, and it may also feature voice input in future updates.

Unique strengths: Two big selling points are empathy and privacy. The site copy emphasizes it’s “calming, judgment-free” and – unlike many free bots – that it is “always private, always available”. iAsk claims Companion AI does not store personal data (unlike some other chatbot companies), which is a major advantage for trust. Also, as part of iAsk Pro, it’s free for those subscribers. (Students can even get the entire iAsk Pro suite free for a year.) Another perk is that iAsk touts Companion AI as very advanced – they have benchmarks and awards for their underlying AI model that supposedly outperform even GPT-4. This means conversations can feel more coherent and natural than older bots.

Best for: Students, creators, and professionals who already use iAsk or want an all-in-one tool. If you appreciate having your emotional support tied to a daily tool (like a browser extension or study app), Companion AI fits in seamlessly. It’s ideal for anyone who prefers writing in more detail (journaling) or who likes the idea of positive daily affirmations. Because it’s wrapped into a subscription that also includes an AI tutor and research assistant, it’s great for people who want both life and productivity help in one place.

Limitations: Companion AI is very new (late 2024 launch), so it doesn’t have a track record of studies yet. Its responses, while AI-powered, may still occasionally be generic or miss some nuance. Like all chatbots, it can’t handle acute crises – it will encourage you to seek professional help if things get very bad. Also, to access it fully, you need iAsk Pro ($9.95/month, though students get it free). On the upside, once you have Pro, there’s no extra charge for the chatbot feature itself.

Pricing: Companion AI comes bundled in iAsk Pro (which is $9.95/month or free for students). In other words, you don’t pay extra – you just need iAsk Pro access. iAsk’s base version (free) does not include the chat companion, so you either subscribe or verify your student email. The Pro plan is explicitly marketed as “top AI” search/learning tools plus the Companion AI. In summary: if you’re on iAsk Pro, Companion AI is effectively free for you.

The Best Mental Health AI Chatbot in 2025

AI chatbots are not a replacement for licensed therapists, but they can be a valuable supplement in 2025. Think of them as on-demand companions that fill the gaps between sessions or offer a judgment-free space to vent. If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency or have severe symptoms, please seek professional help immediately. But for everyday support—tracking your mood, practicing coping skills, or simply having someone (or something) to talk to—these tools can be accessible allies.

Of the 7 above, each has its niche. Some are more clinical, while others are more companionship-focused. Of the mental health AI chatbot options, Companion AI by iAsk stands out. It’s built with high-tech AI and a clear commitment to keeping your chats private. Plus, it’s bundled in an affordable service (free for iAsk Pro users) that includes other study and wellness tools. In short, if you want a smart, empathetic friend in your pocket who’s on call 24/7, Companion AI by iAsk is our top recommendation for 2025.

Sources

  • Woebot Health (official site)

  • Wysa (official site)

  • Youper (official site)

  • Replika (official site)

  • X2AI / Tess (official site)

  • Elomia (official site)

  • iAsk (official site)

  • Milbank Memorial Fund, “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Bridge the Mental Health Workforce Gap” (2023)

  • IEEE Spectrum, “Woebot, a Mental-Health Chatbot, is testing it out” (2024)

  • ChoosingTherapy.com, Youper App Review (2024)

  • AIHungry.com, “Replika Pricing, Plans and Cost Breakdown (2025)”

  • Woebot Health FAQ (retirement announcement, 2025)

  • X2AI.com, “Tess for Individuals” (latest data on usage/effectiveness)

  • iAsk.ai, Pricing page (Companion AI feature description, 2025)

  • Apple App Store pages (Elomia: AI Therapy Chatbot & Wysa: Mental Health Coach)