PP1: Mobile Apps

Mental Health Apps: How Wysa and TRIPP are Changing Digital Therapy

In this current digital era, therapy is being redefined through advancements in technology, namely in mobile apps. Artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) have emerged as useful tools within these platforms to help users manage their well-being. Two notable apps leading this development in mental health services are Wysa, an AI-powered chatbot, and TRIPP, a VR meditation app. These two apps are aiming to make mental health care more accessible and simple by having 24/7 availability and by providing immersive, personalized experiences. As technology continues to evolve in the realm of mental wellness, Wysa and TRIPP are showing how innovative digital therapy can become. 

Wysa utilizes AI chatbots to provide users with emotional support. Built on principles of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and meditation, Wysa engages users in conversation to help cope with mental health issues. The app employs both an AI coach, as well as a health professional to find the right emotional regulation methods for each user. 

A video showcasing Wysa. 

Wysa offers plenty of clinical evidence to showcase its benefits. Some of its most notable research partners include Columbia University, Harvard Medical School, and U.K. National Health Services. Through these partnerships, among others, Wysa has accumulated over 36 peer-reviewed publications, 8 clinical trials, 6 service evaluations, and 13 real-world studies. It has also received a few accolades, with one of the most notable being the FDA Breakthrough Device Designation. (Wysa)

Dr. Becky Inkster, a neuroscientist, discusses the data that she found about Wysa. 

Along with its evidence-based backing, Wysa stands out to be an effective app in other areas. The app is extremely accessible, being free, available 24/7, and private. There are a few limitations to the app, though. It cannot provide help with serious issues, nor can it diagnose users. It also requires a subscription fee for access to all features, though the app is completely usable without paying. The premium version of Wysa costs $74.99 a year, while coaching sessions cost $79.99 a month, which includes a weekly live chat session with a human professional and unlimited access to all features. 

Graphic from Choosing Therapy.  

TRIPP is another mental health app that utilizes VR to create a relaxing experience for users. This creates an immersive environment for individuals to enhance their overall well-being. TRIPP can be used on various VR devices, including mobile phones, Apple Vision Pro, Meta Quest, Pico, Playstation VR, and VIVE Flow. It is available 24/7, and also features an AI wellness coach to help users understand their feelings. 

A video showcasing TRIPP. 

TRIPP, like Wysa, is also backed by several reputable sources, such as National Institutes of Health, American Psychological Association, and Florida International University, to name a few. It has also earned various accolades, with the latest being the Aurea 2025 Innovation Award.  

Studies have shown that VR meditation can be more effective than more traditional mindfulness techniques (ACM). Many users have claimed that TRIPP helps them improve their focus and stay calm throughout the day (TRIPP). The app also has a few issues, though. Like Wysa, TRIPP is not suitable for more serious mental health issues, but rather meant for supplemental use. Users must also have access to VR headwear, which can get pretty pricey depending on the brand. In addition, the app requires a subscription to access all of the features, which costs $9.99 a month and $39.99 a year. There is a demo version available for free, but accessibility is very limited. 

Graphic from Dan Sandberg. 

The increasing integration of AI and VR into mental health digital landscapes is representing a shift towards more accessible solutions. Both Wysa and TRIPP show the potential of digital mental wellness tools to give individuals immediate support. As technology advances, these apps will become more sophisticated and helpful for people, and there is a lot of room for expansion. Still, though, it is important to understand that these apps are meant to be supplemental to mental wellness, rather than replacements for traditional therapy. 

Wysa and TRIPP are revolutionizing mental health by offering accessible, innovative resources and experiences for people of various demographics. Wysa's AI chatbot helps users manage their emotions through various mindfulness techniques, while TRIPP's VR creates immersive meditation experiences to promote mental wellness. Though both platforms have their limitations, they are both at the forefront of the digital mental health world.