Today, we're excited to officially launch Clara - your AI mental health companion designed for emotional wellbeing. After months of development with dedicated beta users and close collaboration with clinical experts, we're thrilled to share our work with the world.
We've built Clara from the ground up to provide a new type of support. Clara will challenge you, take you on a therapeutic journey, and deliver the right guidance at the right time. You can talk to Clara through text or voice, it remembers everything, and it provides a judgment-free space for reflection. Starting today, anyone can download Clara on iOS and experience AI-powered mental health support.
Why We Built Clara
The mental health crisis isn't going anywhere. Millions of people seek therapy each year, yet there aren't enough mental health providers to meet demand. Waiting lists stretch for months. Insurance coverage is limited. Reports show that over half of people who struggle receive no support at all, and even if you find someone, there's no guarantee they'll be a good fit.
People have long believed AI could help people work through difficulties, it's just been a matter of technological maturity. General-purpose AI assistants designed to simply answer questions aren't well-suited for mental health support. They lack the nuance and skill needed for real growth.
Real therapeutic support requires thoughtful engagement. It helps you see patterns you've been avoiding, gives you new perspectives on your challenges, and guides you toward meaningful change. Clara is designed to increase – not decrease – your sense of autonomy, competence, and connection to others.
How We Built Clara
Building an AI for mental health isn't like building a general chatbot with a friendly voice. It requires understanding the nuances of therapeutic conversation — the subtle decisions that make support effective.
Our approach has three pillars:
1. Built on Expert Knowledge
Clara is trained to understand a wide range of therapeutic approaches and practices: CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, motivational techniques, and more. We combine multiple modalities into one experience so Clara can adapt to what works best for you.
2. Guided by Clinical Experts
We're not trying to replicate traditional therapy in AI form — we're creating something new. What's right for a human therapist isn't always right for AI. Our team of experts helps teach Clara the nuances specific to AI-powered support: when to speak and when to listen, how to start meaningful conversations, and how to handle difficult moments with both empathy and appropriate boundaries.
3. Continuous Improvement
We continuously improve Clara's responses based on what actually helps users make progress on their mental health journey, always with a focus on safety and effectiveness.
A Judgment-Free Space
Clara meets you exactly where you are — remembering your stories, preferences, and progress — so every conversation picks up where you left off. As you evolve, Clara's guidance evolves too, continually learning from your journey to offer deeper insights. Above all, it's a judgment-free space, designed for honest reflection and growth at your own pace.