Apps and online care
Wysa vs BetterHelp
They differ on 8 of 10 things we check. No winner here: the better one is the one that fits what you need and how you'd pay.
Wysa
You download Wysa on your phone and chat with an AI 'penguin' that suggests short CBT, DBT and mindfulness exercises when you feel stressed, anxious or low.
BetterHelp
You fill in a questionnaire, get matched with a licensed therapist, and meet by video, phone or live chat, with messaging in between.
Where they differ
- Kind of help
- Wysa: Peer support or coaching, An app I use on my own
- BetterHelp: A therapist
- Good for
- Wysa: People with everyday stress, worry or low mood who want a free self-help chat at any hour; People who want to practise CBT and DBT skills between therapy sessions
- BetterHelp: Adults with mild to moderate depression, anxiety or stress who want weekly talk therapy from home; People who want to message a therapist between live sessions
- Cost
- Wysa: Free version, or Free; Premium about $74.99/year
- BetterHelp: $70–$100/week, billed weekly or every 4 weeks
- How you pay
- Wysa: Free, I'll pay myself
- BetterHelp: I'll pay myself
- Research
- Wysa: Some research support
- BetterHelp: Limited research
- Privacy
- Wysa: Grade B+
- BetterHelp: Grade D
- Sells your data
- Wysa: No
- BetterHelp: Yes
- HIPAA
- Wysa: Not stated
- BetterHelp: Yes
The same for both: probably not for (anyone in crisis: call or text 988), where (iphone, android, web).
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.