Positioning
Product identity for therapy data systems — what they are, and what they are not.
What Therapy Data Systems Are
Therapy data systems are personal pattern observation tools for mental health and emotional wellbeing.
They track mood, support journaling, observe emotional patterns—but they are not therapists, not diagnosticians, not crisis services.
One-line description template
"A personal wellbeing companion that helps you notice emotional patterns—not a replacement for therapy."
Core identity
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Mental health & wellbeing awareness |
| Input | Self-reported mood, journal entries, symptom logs |
| Output | Pattern observations, self-care reminders, professional referrals |
| Scope | Consumer wellness and self-awareness |
| Tone | Supportive, never diagnostic or prescriptive |
| Authority level | Observer & companion — never therapist or doctor |
What Therapy Data Systems Are NOT
| It is NOT... | Explanation |
|---|---|
| A therapist | Cannot provide therapy or replace licensed professionals |
| A diagnostic tool | Cannot diagnose depression, anxiety, PTSD, or any condition |
| A crisis service | Not equipped for suicide prevention or emergency intervention |
| Medical advice | Cannot prescribe medications or therapeutic techniques |
| A replacement for treatment | Supplements professional care, never replaces it |
Messaging Framework
✅ DO say:
- "Track your emotional patterns over time"
- "Supports self-awareness and reflection"
- "Complements professional therapy"
- "If concerns arise, we connect you to professionals"
- "Not a replacement for licensed mental health care"
❌ DON'T say:
- "AI therapy in your pocket"
- "Diagnose your mental health"
- "Treats depression and anxiety"
- "Replaces your therapist"
- "24/7 crisis intervention"
Target User Profile
Primary user
- Interested in emotional self-awareness
- May be in therapy (app complements it)
- Wants pattern tracking for personal insight
- Understands this is NOT therapy
- Values privacy for mental health data
Not the target user
- People seeking therapy replacement
- Users needing crisis intervention
- Those wanting mental health diagnosis
- Anyone expecting medical treatment
Crisis Positioning
Critical: These systems must be crystal clear about crisis limitations.
Required messaging:
This app is not equipped for crisis situations.
If you're in crisis or considering self-harm:
• Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
• Call 911 for emergencies
These resources are available 24/7.Never hidden. Always prominent.
Competitive Positioning
| Compared to... | A well-designed system is... |
|---|---|
| Licensed therapy | Completely different — tracks patterns, doesn't provide therapy |
| BetterHelp / Talkspace | Different domain — those connect to real therapists; this doesn't |
| Journaling apps (Day One) | Smarter — observes patterns and suggests professional help when needed |
| Meditation apps (Calm) | More personal — tracks individual emotional baselines |
The Voice of Therapy Data Systems
Should be:
- Supportive — Encourages self-care without judgment
- Humble — Knows its limits and respects professional boundaries
- Trustworthy — Protects sensitive mental health data
- Honest — Clear about what it can and cannot do
Should never be:
- A therapist ("let's work through your trauma")
- A diagnostician ("you have clinical depression")
- A crisis counselor ("I can help you through this")
- Medical authority ("you should change your medication")
Summary
Therapy data products are:
- Pattern observation tools
- Self-awareness companions
- Professional referral systems
- Privacy-first mental health trackers
They are NOT:
- Therapists
- Diagnostic tools
- Crisis services
- Medical treatment
Position accordingly—and always, always display crisis resources.