“I keep seeing ads for AI therapy apps claiming they'll 'transform my mental health' and I just... don't buy it. Has anyone actually been helped by these things, or is it all just tech bros slapping AI on another problem?”
Healthy skepticism about AI mental health tools is smart. The space is full of overclaimed benefits, undisclosed limitations, and marketing that borders on irresponsible. The honest answer is complicated: some AI tools help some people with some things, and the research is still catching up to the products. ILTY isn't going to claim it'll transform your life. Here's what we can honestly say about what works and what doesn't.
The AI mental health space has a credibility problem. Apps launch with bold claims about reducing anxiety and depression, backed by small studies that may not generalize to real-world use. Marketing materials cherry-pick outcomes. Testimonials are curated. And the tech press amplifies it all because 'AI solves mental health' makes a better headline than 'AI chatbot shows modest improvement in self-reported anxiety scores in a 6-week pilot study.'
So when you look at the landscape and feel skeptical, that's a rational response to an industry that hasn't earned blind trust. You shouldn't have to take anyone's word for it — you should be able to see the evidence, understand the limitations, and make an informed decision.
Here's what we can say honestly: AI companions aren't magic, they aren't therapists, and they won't work for everyone. But for a specific subset of people — those who want a readily available conversation partner to process their thoughts and emotions — they can provide genuine, if modest, value.
•The AI hype cycle creates pressure to overclaim — companies compete for funding and users by making bigger promises about outcomes
•Clinical research moves slowly, and most AI apps launch long before rigorous studies can validate (or invalidate) their claims
•Survivorship bias in reviews: people who found the app helpful leave reviews; people who didn't just quietly uninstall it
•The placebo effect is real — some benefit people report may come from the act of engaging with any tool, not from the specific AI features
ILTY doesn't claim to treat depression, cure anxiety, or replace therapy. It's a conversation partner that helps you process thoughts and emotions. For many people, that's genuinely useful. For some, it won't be enough. We'd rather you know that upfront.
ILTY's promise is simple: a conversation that feels real, with a companion that remembers you and has a genuine perspective. That's a modest claim, and it's one the app actually delivers on. No overpromising.
The best evidence for whether ILTY works for you is your own experience. Have a few conversations. See if they help you think more clearly or feel less alone with your problems. If yes, keep going. If not, no hard feelings.
ILTY is AI. It doesn't have feelings. It can be wrong. It's not a therapist. These aren't fine-print disclaimers — they're core to how ILTY presents itself. You deserve to make an informed choice about the tools you use for your mental health.
We want to be honest about our limitations:
There's growing research showing that AI chatbots can reduce self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in some populations. However, most studies are small, short-term, and funded by the companies themselves. The field is promising but young. ILTY follows the research closely and will share relevant findings as they emerge, including studies that show limitations.
Pay attention to whether conversations help you think more clearly, feel less isolated with your problems, or notice patterns in your thoughts and behavior. If after a couple weeks of regular use you don't feel like the conversations add value, it may not be the right tool for you — and that's a completely valid conclusion.
No. ILTY is best used alongside therapy, or as a supplement between sessions, or as support while you're on a therapy waitlist. For clinical mental health conditions, a qualified professional is the standard of care. ILTY can complement that care, but it shouldn't replace it.
An honest review of the scientific evidence for AI-assisted mental health support.
A frank comparison of what AI tools can do versus what human therapists provide.
A comprehensive guide to understanding and evaluating AI mental health tools.
When you need an AI that pushes back instead of just agreeing with everything.
ILTY is free during beta. It's not therapy. It's not a cure. It's a place to talk through what you're going through—honestly, without judgment, whenever you need it.