Psy is PsyBird’s AI companion. This is our published protocol for what happens when someone talking with Psy may be in danger. Last reviewed September 28, 2026.
Psy is an AI, and says so. Before their first chat, every client accepts a consent that says Psy is an AI and not a person. The chat screen says it too, and if someone asks Psy what it is, it answers plainly. Psy never claims to be a person or a licensed professional.
Nobody watches in real time. PsyBird is not an emergency or crisis service. A client’s clinician reads what Psy flags later, not as it happens.
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or harm to or from someone else. Every message a client sends Psy is checked twice before Psy answers: against a fixed list of risk phrases, and by a separate AI safety check. When either finds a risk, Psy’s reply points the person to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the US) and, for immediate danger, to 911, and PsyBird flags the conversation to the client’s clinician, who is notified and sees the flag on the client’s file.
A physical emergency. For a client of a physical therapist, messages are also checked against a list of physical red flags, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting or signs of a stroke. Psy’s reply tells the person to call 911 or go to the emergency room. PsyBird checks the reply before it is sent, and if it still leaves that out, a fixed message saying it goes out instead. The physical therapist is flagged.
Other concerns. When Psy summarizes a conversation for the clinician, safety concerns come first, including signs of an eating disorder, misuse of a substance or medication, abuse, or a sharp turn for the worse.
People looking for a therapist. On Find a therapist, if someone says they want to die, or to harm themselves or someone else, Psy stops the conversation and gives them 988, and the request is flagged for the therapists who receive it.
Young people. Clients aged 13 to 17 use PsyBird only with a mental health clinician and with a parent or guardian’s consent, and the same protocol applies to them. Physical therapy clients must be adults.
If you are in danger now, call or text 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not wait for Psy or for your clinician.
Questions. Write to support@psybird.ai.