- Sonia’s AI chatbot offers mental health support for $20/month.
- Founders claim it fills a gap in accessible therapy.
- Experts question AI’s capabilities and emphasize the importance of human connection.
Sonia’s got your back (for a fee)
Sonia, a startup founded by three computer science graduates from ETH Zürich and MIT, has launched an AI chatbot that aims to provide accessible mental health support.
The iOS app offers users the ability to talk or text with an “AI therapist” for just $20 per month or $200 per year.
Despite some studies suggesting that chatbots can be effective in reducing certain symptoms related to depression and anxiety, experts emphasize the importance of the human connection between therapist and client.
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Sonia’s founders, who lack backgrounds in psychology, claim their app fills the gap for those who can’t access or afford traditional therapy.
The startup has raised $3.35 million from investors, including Y Combinator, and boasts 8,000 users.
However, questions remain about the quality of advice AI can provide, its potential biases, and the handling of sensitive user data.
As Sonia and similar apps gain traction, transparency about their capabilities and limitations will be crucial to ensure users receive appropriate care.
