Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Ebb?

  Ebb is an empathetic conversational AI companion that helps members process their thoughts and emotions. Research has found that there are various benefits to processing emotions and self-reflection, including improvements on well-being, working memory, stress, and resilience. With the guidance of Ebb, members will have a space within the Headspace app to pause, reflect, and sort out their thoughts. Members can also receive recommendations for relevant content, helpful exercises and activities based on what they share with Ebb. Ebb draws from thousands of pieces of Headspace content to make personalized, tailored recommendations to Headspace members.

• Who can use Ebb?

  At this time, Ebb is available to all US-based Headspace members in English only. If you have access to Headspace through your employer or healthcare provider, you don’t yet have access to Ebb. In the future, we are working to mindfully explore how we might bring Ebb to our members that access Headspace through their employers, health plan, and navigation partners.

• I don’t see Ebb in my Headspace app, why is that?

  Ebb is only available to those that are based in the United States and use the English version of Headspace. Make sure you’ve updated to the latest version of the Headspace app.

  If you have access to Headspace through your employer or healthcare provider, you don’t yet have access to Ebb. In the future, we are working to mindfully explore how we might bring Ebb to our members that access Headspace through their employers, health plan, and navigation partners.

• Can Ebb replace my therapist or mental health coach?

  Ebb does not replace human care. Ebb is an AI-powered tool that’s designed to help you better understand yourself. Ebb can be used alongside your mental health care. While therapy and coaching provide deeper emotional support, Ebb can help you maintain mental wellness between therapy or coaching sessions by encouraging regular reflection and mindfulness.

  Ebb is not a substitute for medical or mental health treatment. If you need support for a mental health condition, please talk with a licensed provider. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you are in immediate danger, please contact 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

• Who can see the conversations I have with Ebb?

  Your conversations with Ebb are private. All conversations are fully encrypted and all personal data is handled using privacy-related regulations We also minimize employee access to data on a need-to-know basis.

• Is your new AI feature Ebb able to mitigate bias?

  Ebb has been rigorously tested through exercises specifically designed to identify and mitigate potential biases, as well as to promote health equity. We evaluate and improve Ebb's cultural responsiveness through a multifaceted approach that includes routine testing, monitoring, and ongoing collaboration with experts.