Meet Cindra: Your New AI Buddy for Pain Support

Written By Lincoln Nguyen

We live in a time where AI (artificial intelligence) is changing how we live and learn. One big change is the rise of AI companions—smart helpers that can talk to you anytime, day or night.

Now, here’s the problem: only about 5 out of every 100 people in America ever see a licensed therapist. That means most people never get help from one. So what about the other 95? How can they get support?

This is where AI can step in.

How AI Coach Companions Can Help

AI companions, like the ones we’re building at Karuna Labs, can remember past conversations and use that memory to be more helpful. Think of it like having a friend who always remembers what you told them before.

We use special technology (called an MCP server) to safely store information so our AI knows how to support each person better.

But let’s be clear: AI is not a replacement for real people. A computer can’t fully understand your feelings like a trusted therapist can. Still, it can be a helpful tool, especially for people who might not have access to therapy.

What Makes Karuna Labs Different

At Karuna Labs, we’ve been helping people with chronic pain through a 12-week program that uses something called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

This type of therapy teaches people how to:

  • Accept tough feelings instead of fighting them,

  • Focus on what really matters in their lives,

  • And take small steps toward living better.

We also use a biopsychosocial approach—which means we look at the whole person: their body, mind, and life situation.

Introducing Cindra

Our new AI companion, Cindra, is designed to bring ACT into the lives of people with chronic pain. We picked ACT because it’s structured, proven, and works really well for people facing ongoing challenges.

Best of all, Cindra is launching as a beta program—which means there’s still a real human coach involved, so patients get the best of both worlds: AI support and human care. We’re excited to see how Cindra can help people feel more supported, less alone, and more in control of their journey.

✨ At Karuna Labs, we believe technology should never replace human connection—but it can help bring care and comfort to more people than ever before.


Lincoln Nguyen