Wysa is an AI chatbot designed for mental health support. It uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help users manage anxiety, depression, and stress. Many people find it helpful for everyday emotional support.
But if you have Complex PTSD, you might have tried Wysa and found:
- CBT techniques feel too cognitive when you are dissociating
- "Challenge your thoughts" does not work during a flashback
- You need grounding tools, not just emotional validation
- The chatbot approach feels impersonal during a crisis
This is not a failure. AI chatbots can be helpful, but C-PTSD often needs trauma-specific tools beyond CBT. This guide explains why and recommends alternatives to Wysa for trauma survivors.
This is information and support only. It is not medical or psychiatric advice. If you think you might hurt yourself or someone else, contact emergency services or a crisis line in your area right away.
Why Wysa can be difficult for C-PTSD survivors
Wysa is designed for general mental health support. Its features include:
- AI chatbot using CBT and DBT techniques
- Mood tracking and journaling prompts
- Guided exercises for anxiety, depression, and sleep
- Anonymous use with no account required
- Option to connect with human therapists (premium)
These work well for everyday stress and mild to moderate anxiety or depression. But C-PTSD involves:
1. CBT assumes thoughts are the problem
Wysa uses CBT, which focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts. But during a flashback, the problem is not your thoughts—it is your nervous system reacting as if the trauma is happening now. You need grounding to bring you back to the present, not cognitive reframing.
2. AI chatbots may not recognize dissociation
Wysa can recognize anxiety or sadness in text. But dissociation (feeling numb, disconnected, or "not real") is harder for AI to detect. You might type "I feel nothing" and get a response about depression, not grounding tools for dissociation.
3. No immediate grounding tools
Wysa offers exercises, but you have to chat with the bot to get there. During a flashback, you need instant access to grounding tools (box breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 technique) without navigating a conversation.
4. Validation without action
Wysa is good at validating emotions ("That sounds really hard"). For some people, this is enough. But trauma survivors often need action-oriented tools: "Do this breathing exercise now, name 5 things you see, hold ice."
5. Limited crisis support
Wysa will suggest crisis hotlines if you mention self-harm or suicidal thoughts. But it does not integrate crisis support the way trauma-specific apps do. You have to leave the app to call a hotline.
Wysa is not trauma-informed. It is designed for general mental health, not flashbacks, dissociation, or hypervigilance. AI can be helpful for emotional support, but trauma survivors often need grounding tools first.
What to look for in a Wysa alternative for C-PTSD
If Wysa does not work for you, look for apps with these features:
1. Grounding tools, not just CBT
Apps that offer immediate access to grounding exercises (box breathing, 5-4-3-2-1, body-based regulation) without requiring a chatbot conversation.
2. Trauma-informed AI (if using AI at all)
AI chatbots trained on trauma-informed language that recognize dissociation, flashbacks, and hypervigilance—not just anxiety and depression.
3. Action-oriented, not just validation
Tools that give you specific things to do, not just emotional support. During a crisis, you need "breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4" more than "I hear you."
4. Crisis support integration
Fast access to hotlines and safety planning without leaving the app.
5. Privacy and control
Anonymous use, local encryption, and the ability to use tools without chatting with AI if you do not want to.
Best Wysa alternatives for C-PTSD
1. Unpanic
Best for: Grounding and nervous system regulation with trauma-informed AI
What it does:
- Box breathing designed for flashbacks and hyperarousal (free)
- 5-4-3-2-1 grounding for dissociation (free)
- Trauma-informed AI chatbot that recognizes flashbacks and dissociation (premium)
- Sound therapy for nervous system regulation (premium)
- Trigger logging and pattern analytics (premium)
- Crisis support links built in (free)
- Anonymous sign-in, local encryption
Why trauma survivors prefer it over Wysa:
- Grounding tools are immediate—no chatbot conversation required
- AI chatbot is trained on trauma-informed language and C-PTSD patterns
- Focuses on nervous system regulation, not just cognitive reframing
- Free core features (breathing, grounding, crisis support)
- Built for trauma, not general mental health
Limitations:
- Premium features require subscription
- AI chatbot is premium (but grounding tools are free)
2. PTSD Coach
Best for: Evidence-based trauma tools without AI
What it does:
- Grounding tools for flashbacks and dissociation
- Symptom tracking for PTSD
- Education about trauma and nervous system responses
- Crisis management and safety planning
- Tools for anger, sleep, and avoidance
- No AI chatbot—just direct tools
Why people like it:
- Completely free, no ads, no data collection
- Built by the VA, evidence-based
- No AI—just clear, directive tools
- Trauma-specific, not general mental health
Limitations:
- Interface feels clinical, not as modern as Wysa
- No chatbot for emotional support
- More educational than interactive
3. Woebot
Best for: CBT-based AI chat with a more structured approach
What it does:
- AI chatbot using CBT techniques
- Daily check-ins and mood tracking
- Psychoeducation about thoughts and feelings
- Structured lessons on CBT skills
Why people like it:
- More structured than Wysa (feels like a course, not just a chatbot)
- Good for learning CBT skills
- Research-backed AI design
Limitations:
- Still CBT-focused, not trauma-specific
- No grounding tools for flashbacks
- Premium features require subscription
4. Sanvello
Best for: Mood tracking with some CBT tools
What it does:
- Mood and symptom tracking
- Guided journeys using CBT and mindfulness
- Peer support community
- Meditation and breathing exercises
Why people like it:
- Good mood tracking features
- Peer support for people who want community
- Combines multiple approaches (CBT, mindfulness, journaling)
Limitations:
- Free version very limited
- Not trauma-specific
- No AI chatbot (if that is what you want)
Comparison table: Wysa vs trauma-informed alternatives
| App | AI Chatbot | Trauma-Informed | Grounding Tools | Free Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wysa | ✓ CBT-based | ✗ No | ⚠ Limited | ✓ Chatbot free |
| Unpanic | ✓ Trauma-informed (premium) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Immediate access | ✓ Grounding free |
| PTSD Coach | ✗ No AI | ✓ Yes | ✓ Extensive | ✓ Completely free |
| Woebot | ✓ CBT-based | ✗ No | ✗ None | ⚠ Some free |
| Sanvello | ✗ No AI | ✗ No | ⚠ Some breathing | ✗ Very limited |
When Wysa might still help with C-PTSD
Wysa is not automatically wrong for trauma survivors. Some people find it helpful when:
- You are not in crisis and want emotional validation
- You like journaling prompts and guided exercises
- CBT techniques work for you (after you are grounded)
- You want anonymous support without talking to a human
You can also use Wysa alongside a trauma-specific app. Many people use Wysa for daily emotional check-ins and Unpanic for flashbacks and grounding.
How to choose the right app for you
1. Do you want AI chat or direct tools?
If you like chatting with AI for emotional support, try Unpanic (trauma-informed) or Woebot (CBT-focused). If you prefer direct tools without conversation, try PTSD Coach.
2. Do you need grounding or CBT?
Grounding brings you back to the present when you are dissociating or in a flashback. CBT helps you reframe thoughts when you are already regulated. Trauma survivors usually need grounding first.
3. Are you in crisis or managing symptoms?
If you are actively having flashbacks, start with Unpanic or PTSD Coach. If you are stable and want daily support, Wysa may work.
4. How important is privacy?
Wysa is anonymous. Unpanic uses anonymous sign-in and local encryption. PTSD Coach collects no data. Woebot and Sanvello require accounts.
5. What can you afford?
Wysa's chatbot is free. Unpanic's core features (breathing, grounding) are free. PTSD Coach is completely free. Woebot and Sanvello have limited free versions.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Wysa's CBT approach not work for my C-PTSD?
CBT focuses on thoughts and beliefs. But during a flashback, the problem is not what you are thinking—it is that your nervous system is reacting as if the trauma is happening now. You need grounding to regulate your nervous system before CBT can help.
Can AI chatbots replace therapy for C-PTSD?
No. AI chatbots can provide support and tools, but they cannot do trauma therapy. C-PTSD often requires specialized trauma therapy like EMDR, somatic therapy, or Internal Family Systems. Apps are tools, not replacements for therapy.
Is Unpanic's AI chatbot better than Wysa for trauma?
Unpanic's AI is trained on trauma-informed language and C-PTSD patterns. It recognizes flashbacks, dissociation, and hypervigilance—not just anxiety and depression. But it is a premium feature. Unpanic's free grounding tools are often more helpful than chatbot support during a crisis.
What if I like AI support but Wysa feels too generic?
Try Unpanic (trauma-informed AI, premium) or Woebot (structured CBT approach). Both offer more specific guidance than Wysa's general emotional validation.
Are there free alternatives to Wysa for C-PTSD?
Yes. PTSD Coach is completely free with no ads or data collection. Unpanic's core features (box breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 grounding, crisis support) are free. Both are trauma-specific.
Try grounding with trauma-informed AI support
Unpanic is a free app designed for C-PTSD with immediate grounding tools and optional trauma-informed AI chatbot support. No conversation required to access breathing and grounding exercises.