Exclusive: Headspace’s new AI chatbot will offer mental health support to subscribers

Headspace, a mental health app, has launched a generative AI-powered chatbot called Ebb to provide users with instant, personalized support. Ebb was trained by clinical psychologists and data scientists in motivational interviewing to help users make positive behavioral changes. The chatbot has two paths: reflecting on events and suggesting content within the app, or reflecting on things users are grateful for. Ebb is included in consumer subscribers' plans at no additional cost and is meant to be an empathetic companion to users on their Headspace journey. The chatbot doesn't give mental health advice, guidance, or diagnoses, and if a user seems to be at risk of immediate harm, it will quickly respond and share the national crisis hotline number. Headspace has taken rigorous development and testing measures to ensure Ebb keeps users within boundaries of desired conversations. Currently, Ebb can only remember the last conversation it had with users, but the company hopes to increase its memory span and integrate it with its mental health providers. Headspace has been using AI technology for several years, including matching coaches with users and creating smart replies, and recent advancements in generative AI have enabled the company to release features like Ebb faster. The company doesn't plan to directly monetize Ebb, but believes it will drive business value by increasing member engagement and content consumption.