CBT without a Therapist: Helpy vs Elomia

CBT without a Therapist: Helpy is a self-help platform centered on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with materials drawing on DBT and ACT. Its thought journal helps users distinguish facts from assumptions, identify cognitive distortions, and assess how well thoughts fit reality. Helpy’s AI assistant asks clarifying questions and may suggest a thought record, grounding, or breathing practice. The service offers audio and written exercises, along with screening questionnaires for anxiety, mood, sleep, and burnout; results are not diagnoses. An anxiety program is available, with its first module free, while other programs are described as forthcoming. Helpy runs on Android, iOS, and the web. The free plan includes unlimited journal use, limited AI chat replies, the full exercise library with audio, and the first module of every course. Full Access costs $29.00 USD as a one-time payment and includes unlimited conversations and journal entry analysis. Optional end-to-end encryption is off by default. When users request an entry review, its text is decrypted on their side and sent to the AI. Helpy is not medical care, therapy, or a substitute for professional care.

Elomia provides AI emotional-support chat and wellbeing tools for individuals, organizations, and partner products. Individual features include mindfulness practices, mood tracking, CBT techniques, sleep-improvement strategies, and tracking for emotional patterns, triggers, coping strategies, and progress. Support is described as available 24/7 without appointments or waiting rooms. Employers can use it alongside an existing EAP with a customizable conversation engine. Private-practice features include between-session support, crisis alerts, client progress tracking, and AI-generated session insights. University offerings include native iOS and Android apps, a web application, SMS support, and portal embedding with SSO. The API supports REST, WebSocket connections, secure authentication, white-label branding, and customizable prompts and responses. A safety system flags high-risk messages and directs users to urgent help. Elomia may process sensitive health data, but says it does not sell personal data or share it for third-party advertising. The chatbot does not diagnose conditions or prescribe treatment. A free plan and 3-day trial are listed.