Apps and online care
Wysa vs Brightside Health
They differ on 6 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.
Brightside Health
You complete an online assessment, then see a prescriber by video once a month, a therapist weekly, or both, and message your care team in between.
Where they differ
- Kind of help
- Wysa: Peer support or coaching, An app I use on my own
- Brightside Health: A therapist, Medication
- 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
- Brightside Health: Adults with depression or anxiety who want medication management by video; People who want therapy and psychiatry from the same service
- Cost
- Wysa: Free version, or Free; Premium about $74.99/year
- Brightside Health: Copay with insurance; $95/month psychiatry or $299/month therapy self-pay
- How you pay
- Wysa: Free, I'll pay myself
- Brightside Health: Insurance
- Privacy
- Wysa: Grade B+
- Brightside Health: Grade C
- HIPAA
- Wysa: Not stated
- Brightside Health: Yes
The same for both: probably not for (anyone in crisis: call or text 988), where (iphone, android, web), research (some research support), sells your data (no).
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.