CBT without a Therapist: Helpy vs Mentis

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.

Mentis is an AI-powered mental wellness app for people in India, available on iOS and Android. It combines CBT activities, mood tracking, guided journaling, and personalized plans to help users manage anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health challenges. Its CBT chatbot is described as available around the clock and guides users through recognizing negative thought patterns, examining cognitive distortions, and practising coping skills. Mood check-ins cover mood, energy, and the previous night’s sleep, with trends shown over time. Journal prompts reflect users’ goals, recent mood data, and CBT practice. Google Gemini AI uses answers and progress measures to create wellness plans with daily activities, measurable metrics, and a timeline; plans are reviewed weekly. Guided audio lessons cover breathing, mindfulness, grounding, and sleep. The free tier includes basic features, but the full personalized AI plan and unlimited chatbot access require premium. The maker says chatbot conversations are encrypted, history is not shared with third parties, employers, or insurers, and users can delete it. Mentis is a wellness tool, not a substitute for crisis intervention or professional psychiatric care.