Difficult moments don't wait for your next session. Thread is an AI-powered conversational tool that gives you a space in the Rula app to explore your thoughts and feelings, practice coping skills, and note topics to discuss with your provider — complementing the work you're already doing in therapy. You can open it whenever something comes up, day or night.
Keep in mind that Thread is AI. It is not a clinician, and it should never be used to replace therapy or for crisis support.
Currently, access to Thread is being opened up to small groups at a time as we continue to test and gather feedback. We will let you know when we have released it to a wider audience.
When, what, and how to use it
The when and what
Thread is a space to navigate a difficult moment as it's happening - whenever it’s happening - to reflect on your emotions and experiences, and to practice coping skills using a library of resources reviewed by clinicians.
Unlike a general-purpose AI tool, Thread was designed together with clinicians, and draws on some of what your therapist has shared with you — like your session summaries and recommended exercises. That helps the experience stay more consistent with the care you're already receiving.
The how
- To use Thread in the Rula mobile app, simply click Thread in the navigation bar.
- The first time you access Thread you'll learn more about it and how to use it. Once you've read through, click I understand.
- Now you can start a conversation or choose from the provided prompts. You can type anything from what your feeling, what you're struggling with at the moment, and more.
- Thread may ask some follow up questions to better help you or may suggest coping skills or articles to help you reflect.
- If you select an exercise or activity to complete, you can complete it right there in the chat!
- After completing the exercise, Thread will check in with you to see how you're doing.
It builds on your therapy — it doesn't replace it
Thread is meant to complement your sessions, not stand in for them. To be clear about what it is and isn't: Thread does not provide or replace therapy, diagnose conditions, prescribe or recommend medications, make any clinical or treatment decisions, or replace crisis or emergency services. It also isn't a way to message your therapist, and it isn't customer support. Your therapist provides your clinical care; Thread is simply a tool you can reach for between sessions.
Your privacy and safety
Your conversations are encrypted and are private from your therapist — they can't see them, and they aren't part of them. The one exception is if there's a risk to your safety.
In these circumstances, Thread will share crisis resources with you in-the-moment, and later provide your therapist with information about the specific message and context to better support your care.
Please keep in mind that Thread is not an emergency or crisis service. If you're in crisis or facing an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services, or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
FAQs
Who has access to Thread in the Rula mobile app?
Access to Thread depends on the sate you reside in, your insurance, and other factors.
If Thread is suggesting that I complete an exercise or article, will that force me to leave the chat?
Not at all! In this scenario, you can open and complete the exercise or article right there, without leaving the chat. When you’ve completed the exercise you’ll return to the chat and can continue the conversation.
What should I do if I'm having a mental health crisis?
Thread should not be used during a mental health crisis or any situation where you or someone else is in immediate danger. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. You can call the Rula Patient Crisis Hotline at 877-371-5488 or text 988 for mental health crisis support.
Am I required to use Thread?
Using Thread is optional. We recommend you discuss its use and potential benefits with your Rula therapist.
Does anything I share in Thread become part of my medical record?
No, your Thread conversations do not become part of your medical record.
Is my personal information used to train AI models?
No. Neither personal health information nor identifiable Thread conversations are used to train AI models. Our Privacy Policy contains more information.
How is Thread different from ChatGPT or other AI tools?
Thread is specifically designed to be used by you in between sessions with your therapist. It can surface information and resources that your therapist has shared with you, such as your most recent session summary and or a recommended exercise, to make conversations more personalized and relevant to what you're working on in therapy.
Thread is AI. It is not a clinician. It does not replace your therapist.
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