Woebot used AI conversation to teach CBT concepts. Strua gives you step-by-step techniques drawn from CBT, DBT and mindfulness. Two different approaches -- here is how to choose.
Woebot was an AI chatbot that taught CBT concepts through conversation until its app shut down in June 2025. Strua offers clinician-designed guided techniques -- specific tools with step-by-step instructions for breathing, grounding, cognitive restructuring, and emotional regulation. Woebot suited people who wanted conversational CBT learning. Choose Strua for direct, self-guided, clinician-designed coping techniques you can use during panic attacks, anxiety, and insomnia.
| Feature | Strua | Woebot |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | Clinician-designed coping techniques | AI chatbot conversations |
| Built by | Licensed Clinical Psychologist | Stanford researchers / AI team |
| Interaction | Step-by-step guided tools | Conversational chat |
| Session length | 2-5 minutes | 5-15 minutes |
| Research | 100+ research references | Several clinical RCTs |
| Modalities | CBT, DBT, mindfulness, ACT, polyvagal | Primarily CBT |
| Built for overwhelming moments | Yes — brief, structured tools | Conversational check-ins |
| Privacy | On-device data | Cloud-based |
| AI involvement | None | Core product |
| Gamification | None (intentionally) | Mood tracking, check-ins |
| Free tier | 23 practices, no limit | Varies |
| Annual price | $79.99/yr | Varies |
Strua isn't for emergencies. In a crisis, call or text 988 (US), or see our crisis resources.
Woebot's core innovation was using AI conversation to teach CBT. You chat with the bot, it identifies patterns, and walks you through cognitive reframing through dialogue. This can be effective for learning CBT concepts and building self-awareness. Strua skips the conversation entirely. Each tool is a specific technique with clear steps: "Breathe in for 4 counts. Hold for 4. Exhale for 4. Hold for 4." During a panic attack, the direct approach is faster and requires less cognitive effort.
Both Woebot and Strua take evidence-based approaches seriously. Woebot has published randomized controlled trials demonstrating effectiveness for depression and anxiety, and received FDA Breakthrough Device designation for one investigational program, though it never received FDA marketing authorization. Strua cites 100+ research references for individual techniques and was built by a licensed clinical psychologist. Both are credible -- the question is which approach fits your needs.
Woebot focused primarily on CBT -- cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and mood monitoring. Strua covers CBT, DBT, mindfulness, ACT, polyvagal theory, and somatic techniques. If you specifically want CBT delivered through conversation, Woebot was more focused. If you want a broader toolkit spanning multiple therapeutic modalities, Strua offers more variety.
Woebot conversations are processed through cloud servers (necessary for AI). Strua keeps all usage data on your device. Only your email and subscription status are stored remotely. For people who are sensitive about having their mental health conversations stored on servers, this is a meaningful difference.
They use fundamentally different approaches. Woebot used AI chatbot conversations to guide you through CBT concepts. Strua provides direct, self-guided, clinician-designed coping techniques. People who preferred conversational interaction often found Woebot more natural. Strua offers tools with step-by-step instructions.
No. Strua does not use AI chatbots or conversation-based interaction. Every tool is a clinician-designed guided technique with specific steps, timing, and instructions. The tools use step-by-step instructions.
Woebot's consumer app shut down in June 2025. Strua offers a permanent free tier with 15 evidence-informed tools and no time limits. Strua Pro is $9.99/month or $79.99/year, with a $149 lifetime option.
Yes. Woebot's conversational CBT can help you understand thought patterns and build awareness. Strua's guided techniques give you specific tools to use in acute moments. Woebot teaches concepts; Strua delivers techniques. They address different parts of the mental health journey.
23 clinician-designed tools. No credit card. No AI chatbot. Just guided techniques.
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