Chatbot-Based Mental Health Apps Market Size Report, 2033

Chatbot-Based Mental Health Apps Market Summary

Furthermore, these apps support overall well-being and improve productivity, especially among working professionals. For example, Wysa is a mental health app featuring an AI chatbot that offers AI-guided conversations and support, self-help tools, and human support. It uses AI to provide empathetic, anonymous, and personalized support for managing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Wysa’s AI bot is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles and can help users explore self-help tools, improve sleep, and manage various mental health concerns.

The growing shift from conventional care approaches to more personalized, patient-focused approaches drives the rise of mental health applications, including chatbot-based apps. These apps, which cater to areas such as meditation, managing depression and anxiety, and promoting overall wellness, are essential in improving individual health, promoting healthier living, and reducing stress levels. Moreover, the rise in funding to develop various chatbot-based mental health apps highlights the substantial growth opportunities within this market. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the federal agency for research on mental disorders in the U.S. Following is the funding history of NIMH.

The growing prevalence of anxiety and depression disorders and increasing awareness regarding mental health for the treatment of these conditions are some of the major factors contributing to market growth. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 3.8% of people experience depression globally, including 5% of adults (6% among women and 4% among men) and 5.7% of adults older than 60 years in 2023.

The chatbot-based mental health apps industry is experiencing a rise in clinical trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AI-driven therapy chatbots. This growing adoption is driven by the need to establish the therapeutic capabilities of these chatbots for managing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and other disorders. As the demand for accessible and affordable mental health resources increases, both researchers and developers are working to ensure that these AI tools adhere to clinical standards and provide evidence-based support.

For instance, in March 2025, researchers at Dartmouth conducted a clinical trial focusing on an AI-powered therapy chatbot. Findings from this trial revealed a significant positive effect on the symptoms reported by participants. The study involved 106 individuals from across the U.S., all diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, an eating disorder, or major depressive disorder. Participants engaged with the chatbot, such as Therabot, via a smartphone app, responding to prompts related to their feelings or initiating conversations whenever they needed assistance.

Results showed that individuals with depression experienced an average symptom reduction of 51%, leading to marked improvements in their mood and overall well-being. Furthermore, those with generalized anxiety reported an average decrease in symptoms of 31%, with many participants moving from moderate anxiety to mild levels or even falling below the clinical threshold for diagnosis.

Case Study: Vitality’s Partnership with Wysa for Enhanced Member Mental Health

Background

Vitality, a leading UK health insurer, partnered with Wysa to provide mental health support to its members. The initiative targeted 60,000 members identified as potentially needing support, offering them access to Wysa Premium for a year to improve their mental well-being.

Implementation

Upon onboarding, each member’s anxiety and depression levels were assessed using standardized clinical questionnaires: GAD-7 for generalized anxiety disorder and PHQ-9 for depression. Wysa, an AI-driven mental health platform, utilizes Natural Language Processing to understand users’ inputs and provides evidence-based mental well-being exercises. The platform sent notifications at agreed check-in times and recommended specific exercises based on individual needs.

Results

After 28 days of using Wysa, members demonstrated clinically significant improvements in mental health

• Anxiety Reduction:

  
  

• Depression Reduction:

  
  

User engagement was high, 88% of users returning for two or more sessions, and 83% found Wysa helpful.

Conclusion

The partnership between Vitality and Wysa demonstrated the effectiveness of AI-driven mental health support in reducing members’ symptoms of anxiety and depression. The success of this pilot has encouraged Vitality to consider expanding access to Wysa for a broader member population, aiming for both prevention and early intervention in mental health.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The global chatbot-based mental health apps industry is characterized by a high degree of innovation, owing to the development of technologically advanced solutions driven by factors such as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities. For instance, in July 2023, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) launched India’s first Tele-MANAS chatbot to enhance mental health support. This initiative seeks to provide quick assistance and conversations for needy individuals. With the continuous availability of professional psychologists, health counselors, and consultants, this chatbot is set to make a significant difference in addressing mental health challenges in the region.

Mental health app companies must comply with regulations prioritizing patient and data safety. Furthermore, several regulatory organizations are working on initiatives to simplify the regulations related to digital health applications. For example, in December 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) collaborated with OCR, the HHS Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to update the widely utilized Mobile Health Apps Interactive Tool. This tool is developed to assist developers of health-focused mobile apps, including those governed by HIPAA, in understanding the federal laws and regulations pertinent to their activities.

Developing patient-centric healthcare apps and wearables can be expensive, as some apps require regulatory approval from the FDA and government bodies to diagnose diseases. Furthermore, the FDA encourages the advancement of mobile medical apps (MMAs) that have the potential to enhance healthcare and provide patients and healthcare providers with valuable health-related insights. Moreover, mHealth apps must comply with HITECH, HIPAA, FDA regulations for Medical Devices, and GDPR to ensure the security, privacy, and integrity of patient information.

Market players are expanding their business by entering new geographical regions and launching new tools to strengthen their market position and expand their product portfolio. For instance, in April 2024, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)launched an AI chatbot to offer mental health support to the city’s youth amid growing demand for services and the increasing complexity of cases.

Application Insights

The depression and anxiety management segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 30.26% in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. The rising incidence of anxiety and depression disorders, along with a growing awareness of chatbot-based mental health apps developed to address these issues, are key factors contributing to the growth of this segment. For instance, according to Priory, a rehabilitation and mental health hospital in the UK, one in six adults in the UK suffers from a common mental health issue, such as anxiety or depression. In Great Britain, women are more expected to report experiencing depression (19%) compared to men (14%).

The stress management segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The rising prevalence of stress and related disorders and the increasing adoption of mental health apps, which are beneficial for stress reduction and management, are significant factors propelling the segment’s growth during the forecast period. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 20% of Australians aged 16 to 34 indicated they experience high or very high levels of stress or emotional strain. However, only 9% of those aged 65 to 85 report similar levels of psychological distress, which is more than twice the rate in the younger group.

Technology Insights

The machine learning and deep learning segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 45.92% in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. These advanced technologies allow chatbots to more effectively understand user inputs, adapt their responses, and provide personalized, context-sensitive assistance. By analyzing comprehensive datasets, machine learning and deep learning algorithms detect patterns in user behavior, language, and emotional cues, enabling chatbots to give timely and relevant mental health support. This level of personalization greatly improves user engagement and the perceived efficacy of the application, driving demand among diverse user demographics. For instance, AI-driven tools such as Woebot and Wysa deliver readily accessible, evidence-backed mental health assistance directly to users through their smartphones.

The natural language processing segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. The increased penetration of smartphones and the Internet has led to a rise in the adoption of digital mental health tools. Automating routine assessments and interactions, these systems help mental health providers scale their services without significantly increasing operational costs. This efficiency attracts employers and healthcare providers to incorporate mental health tools into broader wellness programs. Such factors are anticipated to boost the market growth over the forecast period.

Platform Insights

The iOS segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 51.78% in 2024. This is attributed to consumers’ increasing adoption of iOS-based Apple devices. For instance, according to data published by BankMyCell.com, the market share of iOS in the U.S. increased from 61.45% in 2024 to 58.10% in 2023. These figures highlight the growth potential of this segment throughout the forecast period. iOS, developed by Apple Inc. for its devices, is widely regarded as the world’s most advanced mobile operating system. Its strong adoption rate is a key factor fueling the segment’s growth. For example, Wysa and Woebot chatbot-based mental health apps are available on the iOS platform.

The android segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Major factors driving growth in this segment include the increasing adoption of Android-based smartphones and their affordability. The rising number of Android users is projected to accelerate market expansion further, indicating significant growth. For instance, according to BankMyCell.com, by 2024, the global population will reach 8.1 billion, with 48.2%, or approximately 3.9 billion people, using Android smartphones. In addition, over 1 billion Android devices were sold in 2021. Thus, owing to such a high penetration rate, the segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period.

Device Insights

The smartphones segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 67.72% in 2024. The GSM Association (GSMA) report published by the Mobile Economy 2023 highlights that approximately 5.4 billion individuals worldwide subscribed to mobile services in 2022. This number is projected to rise to 6.3 billion by 2030, representing about 73% of the global population. In addition, the rising penetration of smartphones is anticipated to contribute significantly to market growth. According to the same report, smartphone penetration stood at about 76% in 2022 and is expected to increase to 92% by 2030. Consequently, the continued adoption of smartphones is expected to propel market growth throughout the forecast period.

The tablets segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The major driver for market growth is the integration of tablets into clinical workflows. Tablets are being increasingly adopted in institutional settings such as hospitals, mental health clinics, and care facilities. Tablets offer an ideal combination of portability and functionality, which makes them well-suited for therapeutic engagements and cognitive behavioral therapy exercises via chatbot platforms. Their design enables users to engage with chatbots in a more immersive manner, thus improving the effectiveness of mental health treatments.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the chatbot-based mental health apps market with the largest revenue share of 38.20% in 2024. Numerous factors, such as growth in coverage networks, rapid smartphone usage, changes in lifestyle, and growing health consciousness among people, are expected to drive the adoption of chatbot-based mental health apps in North America. One of the major factors contributing to market growth is the high adoption of mHealth apps in North America.

U.S. Chatbot-Based Mental Health Apps Market Trends

The chatbot-based mental health apps market in the U.S. accounted for the largest market revenue share in North America in 2024 , due to innovative software development, and advanced healthcare management. For instance, in November 2024, Troomi, a company focused on child-safe technology and wellness, launched Troodi, an AI-driven mental health coach to enhance children’s emotional health. Troodi is a supportive, child-friendly companion that encourages kids to share their feelings while giving parents real-time insights, all within a secure and safe digital environment on the Troomi Phone and Troomi Phone Pro.

Europe Chatbot-Based Mental Health Apps Market Trends

The chatbot-based mental health apps market in Europe is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. The UK, Germany, Norway, and Spain have contributed significantly to market growth and are some of the prominent markets in the region. Favorable government initiatives boost the market growth. For instance, in June 2023, the European Commission invested nearly USD 1.40 billion in mental health initiatives across the 27-member European Union, reinforcing the importance of mental health as a fundamental component of health policy.

The UK chatbot-based mental health apps market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, as there is a significant expenditure on health. The increasing demand for mobile healthcare applications among customers in the UK is expected to supplement market growth. Various technology companies are actively working with academic institutes, clinicians, and policymakers to develop solutions that meet the needs of patients and clinicians.

Asia Pacific Chatbot-Based Mental Health Apps Market Trends

The chatbot-based mental health apps market in Asia Pacific is expected to register at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Several countries in the region are adopting digital and mobile health technologies to ensure better outcomes and manage healthcare delivery. Thus, such initiatives are projected to boost the adoption of mental health apps over the forecast period. In addition, the widespread adoption of smartphones and improved Internet connectivity have made medical photos apps more accessible to a broader audience. According to The Mobile Economy 2023 by GSMA, unique mobile subscriptions in Asia Pacific reached 1.73 billion by the end of 2022, estimated to reach 2.11 billion by 2023.

The China chatbot-based mental health apps market is anticipated to register at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. The market growth is attributed to the growing burden of mental health issues. For instance, according to the WHO, around 54 million individuals in China suffer from depression, and nearly 41 million suffer from anxiety disorders. Moreover, the WHO estimated that 80% of individuals with depression are expected to seek treatment by 2030.

Latin America Chatbot-Based Mental Health Apps Market Trends

The chatbot-based mental health apps market in Latin America is anticipated to witness at a considerable CAGR over the forecast period. Latin America is considered to have a large pool of healthcare human resources and tech entrepreneurs. This is one of the key factors driving the market in Latin America. In addition, increasing expenditure on electronic & mobile devices by buyers is contributing to market growth.

The Argentina chatbot-based mental health apps market is anticipated to register at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing smartphone penetration and internet connectivity have made chatbot-based mental health apps more accessible to a broader population. For instance, GSMA Intelligence’s data published in January 2023 revealed that the number of mobile connections in Argentina reached 133.7% of the total population.

Middle East & Africa Chatbot-Based Mental Health Apps Market Trends

The chatbot-based mental health apps market in the Middle East and Africa is anticipated to witness at a considerable CAGR over the forecast period. With the increasing penetration of smartphones and government initiatives, entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals are inclined toward smartphones for better and healthier lifestyles. In addition, the rising awareness regarding digital health among people has increased the potential for market growth.

The UAE chatbot-based mental health apps market is anticipated to register at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. In February 2023, Emirates Health Services (EHS) introduced its IT Innovation Strategy for 2023-2026, with the primary objective of modernizing healthcare delivery and fostering a culture of innovation within the organization. This strategic plan helps respond to the ever-changing healthcare landscape, aiming to enhance sustainability and bolster internal capabilities over the next few years.

Key Chatbot-Based Mental Health Apps Company Insights

Key participants in the chatbot-based mental health apps industry are focusing on devising innovative business growth strategies, such as expanding their product portfolios, partnerships and collaborations, mergers and acquisitions, and expanding their business footprints. Woebot Health & Wysa Ltd are prominent players in the global industry.

Recent Developments

• In August 2024, NHS Coventry, Warwickshire, and Solihull Talking Therapies for depression and anxiety introduced a new chatbot alongside the “Everyday Mental Health” app. This combined initiative is designed to enhance the experience of individuals utilizing NHS Talking Therapies and to offer prompt support for those dealing with mild to severe anxiety and low mood symptoms.

• In August 2023, MLC Life Insurance announced that it would be the first life insurer in Australia to provide its customers with AI-assisted mental health support. This initiative is part of a new pilot program in collaboration with Swiss Re Reinsurance Solutions and mental health technology developer Wysa.

Chatbot-Based Mental Health Apps Market Report Scope

Global Chatbot-Based Mental Health Apps Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth and provides at global, regional, and country levels an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this report, Grand View Research has segmented the global chatbot-based mental health apps market report based on application, technology, platform, device, and region:

• Application Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2021 – 2033)

  
  

• Technology Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2021 – 2033)

  
  

• Platform Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2021 – 2033)

  
  

• Device Outlook (Revenue USD Million, 2021 – 2033)

  
  

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 – 2033)

  • North America

    
    

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    
    

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait