Table of Contents
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence technology enables a complete transformation of mental health service delivery to people. Two digital companions named Woebot and Wysa have proven effective in treating depression and anxiety through their chat-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and empathetic conversation systems.
Wysa and Woebot Ultra Review assesses their scientific evidence and user experience through studies that analyze their new 2025 features. The platforms have evolved to their “Ultra” versions which now provide improved emotional intelligence and immediate mood monitoring capabilities.
If you’re new to AI wellness tools, check out our detailed guide on AI Mental Health Coach — it explores how AI companions like Wysa and Woebot Ultra Review are redefining mindfulness, therapy access, and stress management in the digital age.
1.Study Overviews
Woebot (Fitzpatrick et al., 2017, Stanford University)
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 70 college students aged 18–28 assessed Woebot’s ability to deliver CBT for depression and anxiety. Participants used Woebot for two weeks (up to 20 sessions) compared with a control group that read an NIMH eBook.
Results showed significant reductions in depressive symptoms and high satisfaction.
Duration: 2 weeks
Sample: 70 university students (67% female)
Intervention: Daily CBT-based chat via Woebot
Measure: PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety)
Effect size: Moderate (Cohen’s d = 0.44)
Key finding: Significant drop in depression; strong engagement (avg. 12 sessions).
Source: Fitzpatrick KK, Darcy A, Vierhile M. Delivering Cognitive Behavior Therapy via Conversational Agent (Woebot): RCT. JMIR Ment Health 2017;4(2):e19. DOI: 10.2196/mental.7785
Wysa (Inkster et al., 2018, University of Cambridge + Wysa Labs)
The researchers conducted a real-world mixed-methods study to evaluate Wysa app usage among 129 users who had depressive symptoms from different parts of the world. The researchers used self-reported PHQ-9 scores to create two groups of participants for studying their impact and engagement based on their usage patterns.
Results indicated that greater engagement correlated with stronger mood improvement.
Duration: Natural use (2+ weeks average)
Sample: 129 global users
Intervention: Empathy-driven AI chatbot with CBT + mindfulness + positive psychology
Measure: PHQ-9 (pre-post)
Effect size: Moderate (Cohen’s d ≈ 0.47)
Key finding: Greater improvement among high-use users; 68% rated the app as helpful or encouraging.
2.Comparative Table: Wysa and Woebot Ultra Review (2025)
Feature Woebot Wysa
| Metric | Randomized Controlled Trial (Stanford) | Real-world mixed-methods (Cambridge) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Study | Randomized Controlled Trial (Stanford) | Real-world mixed-methods (Cambridge) |
| Sample Size | 70 (college students, U.S.) | 129 (global users, anonymous) |
| Primary Goal | Deliver CBT via automated text bot | Provide empathetic, AI-driven self-help support |
| Tech Foundation | Structured CBT modules (decision tree) | Adaptive AI + CBT, DBT, and mindfulness |
| Duration | 2 weeks (daily chats) | Variable, ≥ 2 weeks (natural usage) |
| Depression Measure | PHQ-9 (p = 0.017) | PHQ-9 (p = 0.03) |
| Effect Size | 0.44 (moderate) | 0.47 (moderate) |
| Anxiety Impact | GAD-7 ↓ (p = 0.004) | Improved mood reported |
| User Engagement | Avg 12 sessions, 83% retention | 74% feedback, 67.7% positive |
| Empathy & Acceptability | “Fun little friend” | “Helpful and encouraging” |
| Limitations | Short duration, small RCT sample | Self-selected, uncontrolled environment |
| Updated (2025) | Woebot Ultra integrates voice & sentiment analysis | Wysa Ultra includes AI emotion classifier & crisis triage |
Fitzpatrick et al., JMIR Ment Health 2017; Inkster et al., JMIR MHealth & UHealth 2018.
3.Effectiveness and Outcomes
Both studies demonstrated moderate but statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms within just two weeks.
Woebot’s structured CBT modules enhanced user accountability and awareness.
Wysa’s empathetic tone and integration of mindfulness improved user engagement and coping mechanisms.
By 2025, both have evolved into “Ultra” versions:
Woebot Ultra integrates adaptive emotional tracking and voice-based empathy powered by generative AI.
Wysa Ultra offers real-time mood sensing, guided journaling, and optional human coach escalation.
These upgrades make both apps stronger adjuncts to traditional therapy, offering continuous, low-cost emotional support.
4.User Experience Insights
Woebot Users (2017):
Participants reported that daily check-ins created a sense of accountability and companionship. The participants chose empathy and humor as their top preferences from the program although they found certain sections to be repetitive.
Wysa Users (2018):
The majority of participants who spoke with someone found relief mostly during relationship conflicts and when their resilience levels were at their lowest point according to 67.7% of participants. The system generated random answers which duplicated themselves while showing no ability to grasp the complete meaning of the input.
The research indicates that using empathy together with CBT structure leads to improved patient participation and emotional improvement.
5.5. Ethical and Clinical Considerations
Wysa and Woebot share common ground in their commitment to protect user data and follow ethical design principles and they do not aim to replace professional clinical services. The system uses self-harm indicators to automatically redirect users to helplines according to APA and WHO digital ethics framework standards.
However, experts caution that while AI empathy is valuable, it must remain supervised by licensed professionals — particularly for users facing severe or crisis-level mental health challenges.
FAQs about Wysa and Woebot Ultra Review
1.Why is Woebot shutting down?
Woebot is not positioned as “shut down.”The availability of products for consumers has evolved through time while enterprise and partner programs now provide access to certain products. Check the official website for the most recent information regarding availability and terms. The main evidence base for this review comes from Fitzpatrick KK et al. 2017; product status note based on platform positioning.
2.Is Woebot still available?
Availability of the medication depends on the specific region and distribution channel between direct consumer access and employer or health system distribution. Visit woebothealth.com for the latest. Study context: Fitzpatrick KK et al. 2017.
3.Is Wysa trustworthy?
The evidence from Wysa shows that it helps reduce depressive symptoms (moderate effect) and users find it acceptable. Review privacy policies of health apps before using them and seek advice from a clinician whenever you have questions about their use.
Source: Inkster B et al. 2018 (JMIR mHealth & uHealth).
4.Who owns Wysa?
Wysa is developed by Wysa Ltd. (company information is publicly listed by the vendor). Check the official wysa.com site for corporate details and updates.
Study context: Inkster B et al.,2018.
5.How does Woebot work?
Woebot delivers CBT-style dialogues which assist users to identify their mental patterns and name their emotions before attempting different coping methods. Short daily chats function as accountability tools which enable people to track their personal development.
Source: Fitzpatrick KK et al. 2017.
6.Is Woebot free? Does Woebot cost money?
The pricing system contains multiple levels which can transform as different versions receive financial support from business partners. Check woebothealth.com for current plans. Study context: Fitzpatrick KK et al. 2017 (effectiveness evidence).
7.Wysa vs Replika / Youper / Tess — how do they differ?
Wysa provides evidence-based CBT/DBT/mindfulness tools through an empathetic interface which now includes Wysa Ultra mood sensing and human coach escalation as an optional feature. (Inkster 2018)
Replika: positioned more as a companion chatbot (general emotional support).
Youper: blends CBT techniques with symptom tracking and coaching features.
Tess: an enterprise-focused mental-health chatbot used in institutional settings.
8.“Wysa reviews” — what do users tend to say?
In research, ~68% of Wysa users called it “helpful or encouraging.” Common positives: empathy, gentle prompts, and journaling. Common negatives: occasional reply repetition.
9.Can these chatbots replace a therapist?
No. The best-supported role is adjunctive: daily nudges, CBT micro-exercises, and mood check-ins between human sessions.
Conclusion: The 2025 Verdict
The two mental health companions Wysa Ultra and Woebot Ultra have received validation through peer-reviewed research and provide users with simple access to their services.
Woebot Ultra provides the most effective experience for users who want to learn CBT methods and track their moods and maintain daily progress.
Wysa Ultra provides users with empathetic support as well as mindfulness tools and guided journaling features.
AI chatbots operate as emergency support tools which do not seek to substitute human therapists for their work.
In 2025, both platforms prove that when compassion meets computation, emotional well-being becomes more reachable than ever.
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