Apps and online care
Wysa vs NAMI
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.
NAMI
You can call 1-800-950-6264 or text "NAMI" to 62640 on weekdays to talk to a trained peer about resources and next steps, or join a free local support group or class through your NAMI affiliate.
Where they differ
- Kind of help
- Wysa: Peer support or coaching, An app I use on my own
- NAMI: Peer support or coaching
- 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
- NAMI: Family members and caregivers of someone with a serious mental illness who want education and support; People living with a mental health condition who want free peer support groups
- Probably not for
- Wysa: Anyone in crisis: call or text 988
- NAMI: Anyone in crisis: call or text 988 (the NAMI HelpLine is not a crisis line)
- Cost
- Wysa: Free version, or Free; Premium about $74.99/year
- NAMI: Free
- How you pay
- Wysa: Free, I'll pay myself
- NAMI: Free
- Where
- Wysa: iPhone, Android, Web
- NAMI: Web
The same for both: research (some research support), privacy (grade b+), sells your data (no), hipaa (not stated).
In crisis or thinking about suicide? In the US, call or text 988. This page is information from our reviews, not medical advice.