5 Privacy Questions to Ask Any AI Mental Health App
August 18, 2026 · 5 min read
The short answer
Before using an AI mental health app, check five things: whether your entries train AI models, how data is encrypted, how long it's retained, who can access it, and whether you can delete everything on demand.
Key takeaways
- "We don't sell data" is a much weaker promise than "we don't train on it".
- Retention and deletion policies matter as much as encryption.
- A device lock is a meaningful, underrated protection.
The five questions
Privacy policies are long, but the answers you need are usually short. Search the document for these:
- Are my entries used to train AI models — the app's own, or a third party's?
- Is my data encrypted both in transit and at rest?
- How long is it retained, and can I delete everything permanently?
- Who inside the company can read entries, and under what circumstances?
- Is any of it shared with advertisers, data brokers, or analytics partners?
Why training is the question that matters most
An app can honestly say it doesn't sell your data while still using it to improve a model. For a journal of your hardest thoughts, that distinction is the whole point. Look for an explicit zero-training commitment covering both the provider and any AI vendor behind it.
Where Reframer stands
Reframer encrypts reflections in transit and at rest, never shares personal information with an AI model, and doesn't sell data, show ads, or use entries to train foundational AI models. The app can be locked behind Face ID, and crisis resources work offline.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to use an AI app for mental health journaling?
It depends entirely on the app's data practices. Look for encryption in transit and at rest, an explicit no-training commitment, clear retention limits, and an easy way to delete everything.
Can an AI journaling app replace therapy?
No. These tools support self-reflection and self-regulation between sessions. Persistent or severe distress needs a qualified mental health professional.
This article is for general information and self-reflection. It is not medical advice or a substitute for therapy. If you're in crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis helpline.