With the cost of a single therapy session in the U.S. ranging between $100 and $200, there’s a clear problem emerging – therapy isn’t affordable. At least, it’s not if you want a therapist who’s always going to be on call for a session. Artificial intelligence (AI) may offer a solution by providing free AI therapy via an app you can install on your device. Here are four respectable options, each giving you access to an AI counselor.
Free AI Therapist App 1 – Abby AI
Though it’s advertised as “therapy in your pocket,” Abby AI is browser-based, meaning you don’t need an app. Instead, you log in to the website to get access to free AI therapy whenever you need it. All communication is encrypted and anonymized at the point of storage, too, so others can’t discover the topics you cover.
Abby AI delivers several types of therapy—ranging from psychodynamic to Gestalt and Adlerian therapy—allowing you to tailor your experience to your needs. This wide range of therapy types gives Abby AI a distinct advantage over other apps, which typically only cater to one approach. The app can also speak in 26 languages, with Abby even checking in with you daily to see how you’re progressing toward your goals.
Free AI Therapist App 2 – FreeAITherapist
Head to freeaitherapist.com and you’re immediately confronted with a simple chat screen, not unlike what you see when using ChatGPT. Every conversation starts with the same question – “Hello! How are you feeling recently?” From there, you enter your response and engage with a free AI psychologist.
The AI’s responses are delivered quickly, usually containing follow-up questions based on what you say. It often feels like you’re taking part in a doctor’s consultation, showcasing with the tool often focusing on practical advice. Chat logs are stored in the account you create—they’re organized by date and time—and you can enable voice dictation to speak to the app directly through your phone.
Free AI Therapist App 3 – Lotus Therapist
Lotus specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is designed to help you change how you behave and think. You’re presented with a screen and a question, with everything following on from there. Enter your first response, and you move into a chat screen that looks like a text string on your phone.
You can clear the chat at any time—ideal for quick chats that you don’t want anybody to see—and your chats are encrypted. Lotus also stands out because it was designed by a team of mental health professionals, meaning its responses combine what AI would generate with input from real humans.
Free AI Therapist App 4 – Therapy With AI
Though Therapy With AI has a couple of paid tiers, you’re not obligated to use them. The “Free” tier is still available at all hours of the day, with the restriction that you can only send 10 messages daily. Upgrading to “Expert Unlimited” comes at $19.99 per month—still substantially lower than a single in-person session—and the app personalizes its responses over time at this tier.
Typing and voice dictation are available, with the app relying on you to start the conversation rather than asking an opening question. That may be off-putting to some, though it will start asking questions as part of its later responses. The only real issue is that the app’s responses slow down significantly as you start answering these questions. The “call and response” you’d expect from a free AI therapy app can disappear here, creating frustration.
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