Comprehensive guide for using Budd safely and effectively
Latest revision: January 2026
Budd is a web and mobile application designed for adults aged 18 and older experiencing mild to moderate mental health symptoms including anxiety, depression, and stress. The app uses advanced AI technology to deliver evidence-based therapeutic guidance through interactive conversations, structured exercises, and progress tracking. Budd employs Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approaches to help users develop healthier thinking patterns, manage difficult emotions, and improve overall mental wellbeing.
Budd is intended for use by adults (18 years and older) experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, or related mental health concerns. The software is designed to:
Provide CBT, DBT, and ACT-based therapeutic coaching and guidance
Offer structured self-management exercises and mental health education
Support users independently or as a supplement to professional therapy and/or medication
Help users track their mental health progress over time
Deliver personalized coping strategies and therapeutic interventions
Important: Budd is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure mental health disorders. It does not replace professional clinical judgement, therapy with a licensed mental health professional, or prescribed medication. Budd is a complementary tool designed to support your overall mental health care plan.
Are under 18 years of age
Are experiencing an acute mental health crisis (e.g., active suicidal thoughts, severe panic attacks, psychotic symptoms)
Have been diagnosed with a severe mental health disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression requiring intensive clinical management
Have complex co-existing medical or psychiatric conditions that require individualized specialist care
Are unable to provide informed consent to use the application
Have been advised by your healthcare provider not to use digital mental health tools
Please read this section carefully before using Budd:
Continue Existing Treatment
Budd is a self-help tool designed to complement—not replace—any medication, talking therapy, or other care prescribed by your clinician. Continue all existing treatments exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
No Direct Communication with Healthcare Providers
Budd cannot send alerts, messages, or reports to your healthcare provider. You are responsible for sharing relevant information from Budd with your treatment team if you wish to do so.
When to Seek Immediate Help
If your mental health symptoms worsen significantly, or if you feel at risk of harming yourself or others, stop using Budd immediately and seek professional help. Contact your GP, call 111 (NHS), dial 999 for emergencies, or visit your nearest emergency department.
Not a Crisis Service
Budd is not designed for crisis intervention. In a mental health emergency, the app cannot take action on your behalf. You must contact emergency services or crisis helplines directly.
AI Limitations
While Budd uses advanced AI technology, responses may occasionally be imperfect or inappropriate. The AI does not replace human clinical expertise. If you receive guidance that seems incorrect or unhelpful, please disregard it and consult a healthcare professional.
Data Privacy
Your conversations and personal data are encrypted and stored securely in compliance with UK GDPR. We never share your mental health information with third parties for marketing purposes. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Budd provides a comprehensive suite of evidence-based mental health tools accessible 24/7 through web and mobile platforms:
AI Therapy Sessions
Unlimited conversational therapy sessions with your AI therapist. Each session adapts to your needs, employing CBT, DBT, and ACT techniques. Sessions can be as short or as long as needed, typically ranging from 10-30 minutes.
Wellness Assessments
Standardised self-report wellness questionnaires including PHQ-9, GAD-7, and 18+ additional tools for personal tracking purposes only. These are not clinical diagnostic instruments and results are not shared with or reviewed by any clinician.
Therapeutic Exercises
Access to 150+ guided exercises covering breathing techniques, grounding, mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, and more. Exercise durations range from 3-20 minutes.
Journaling & Thought Records
Structured journaling with CBT-based prompts to process thoughts, identify patterns, and develop healthier perspectives. Includes AI-powered suggestions for reframing negative thoughts.
Mood Tracking
Daily mood and anxiety monitoring with visual trend analysis to identify patterns and triggers over time.
Goal Setting & Progress Tracking
Create personal mental health goals, break them into milestones, and track your progress with detailed analytics and AI insights.
Homework Assignments
Receive personalized therapeutic assignments from your AI therapist to practice skills between sessions.
| Feature | Typical Duration | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| AI Therapy Sessions | 10-30 minutes | As needed (unlimited) |
| Wellness Assessments | 5-15 minutes | Weekly or monthly |
| Therapeutic Exercises | 3-20 minutes | 2-3 times per week |
| Journaling | 10-20 minutes | Daily or as needed |
| Mood Tracking | 1-2 minutes | Daily |
| Goal Review | 5-10 minutes | Weekly |
Access the App
Visit Budd via web browser at getbudd.ai or download the mobile app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Create Your Account
When opening Budd for the first time, create an account using your email address. You'll receive a verification email to confirm your account.
Complete Profile Setup
Answer a few questions about your mental health concerns, demographics, and goals. This information helps Budd personalize your experience. You can choose to skip optional questions or select 'prefer not to say' for privacy.
Take Your First Wellness Check-In
We recommend completing the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 self-report questionnaires to establish a personal baseline for tracking your wellbeing over time. These are for your own reference only and take approximately 5 minutes each.
Start Your First Therapy Session
Navigate to 'Therapy Sessions' and begin your first conversation with your AI therapist. Share what's on your mind, and Budd will guide you through evidence-based therapeutic techniques.
Explore the Toolkit
Between therapy sessions, explore the exercises, journaling prompts, mood tracking, and goal-setting features. Regular engagement yields the best outcomes.
By creating an account and using Budd, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. These documents outline your rights, our responsibilities, and how we protect your personal data in compliance with UK GDPR regulations.
During account setup, you can opt in to receive:
Email reminders for mood tracking and therapeutic practice
Push notifications for homework assignments and session suggestions (mobile app only)
Weekly progress summaries and insights
New feature announcements and educational content
Flexibility: All notifications are optional and can be disabled at any time in Settings. Budd is designed for flexible use—engage at your own pace based on your schedule and needs. While consistent daily or weekly practice is recommended for best results, you can access the app whenever you need support.
Best Results: For optimal outcomes, we recommend: Having 1-2 therapy sessions per week, tracking your mood daily, completing 2-3 therapeutic exercises per week, and taking progress assessments monthly.
Free Plan: Ongoing access with 50 AI therapy messages per month. Access to all exercises, assessments, and features remains available indefinitely.
Premium Plan: Ongoing unlimited access to all features for as long as your subscription remains active. Cancel anytime with continued access until the end of your billing period.
If you have questions about using Budd, encounter technical issues, or need assistance:
The International Psychology Clinic Limited (trading as Budd)
Company Registration Number: 10877544
Registered Office: Unit 29, Highcroft Industrial Estate, Horndean, Waterlooville, Hants. PO8 0BT, United Kingdom
Contact: legal@getbudd.ai
Latest revision: January 2026
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