Slingshot AI Launches Ash: A Revolutionary AI Therapy Chatbot
Slingshot AI, co-founded by Neil Parikh (formerly of Casper) and AI engineer Daniel Cahn, has launched Ash, an AI-powered chatbot designed to make mental health support more accessible.
Announced on July 25, 2025, alongside a $93 million Series A funding round led by Radical Ventures and Forerunner Ventures, with support from Andreessen Horowitz, Felicis, and Menlo Ventures, Ash aims to address the global mental health crisis.
With 59.2 million Americans seeking therapy in 2023 and 54% of those struggling unable to access care, Ash offers a 24/7, cost-effective solution, now available for free on iOS and Android.
Unlike general-purpose AI models like ChatGPT, Ash is built on a specialized psychology model trained on real therapeutic conversations and clinical data, incorporating techniques like CBT, DBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy.
Developed over 18 months with input from 50,000 beta users and a Clinical Advisory Board featuring experts like Dr. Thomas Insel, Ash ensures safe and empathetic interactions.
It guides users through self-exploration, remembers past conversations, and redirects those in crisis to human professionals, addressing safety and privacy concerns.
The significance of Ash lies in its potential to bridge the therapy gap, particularly for underserved populations. Early research, such as a Dartmouth study showing a 51% reduction in depression symptoms with a similar tool, supports the promise of AI therapy.
By offering personalized, evidence-based support, Ash could complement traditional therapy, easing the burden on overworked clinicians and reducing waitlists. Its free access and potential future subscription model, priced like a streaming service, make it a scalable option for individuals, employers, and insurers.
However, Ash enters a competitive market with platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp, and faces skepticism about AI’s role in mental health.
Public trust remains low, with only 29% trusting AI chatbots for health information, per a 2024 KFF study. Slingshot’s focus on clinical rigor and proprietary technology may set it apart, potentially reshaping how mental health care is delivered and making support more inclusive.
FAQ
What is Slingshot AI’s Ash chatbot?
Ash is an AI-powered therapy chatbot designed to provide 24/7 mental health support, trained on clinical data and therapeutic techniques like CBT and DBT. It’s available for free on iOS and Android.
How does Ash ensure user safety?
Ash is developed with clinical oversight, redirects users in crisis to human professionals, and uses reinforcement learning to maintain safe, empathetic interactions.
