Freespira

by Freespira  · Based in United States → — At-Home Medication-Free Panic Attack Treatment
Family Medicine Internal Medicine Psychiatry

Some insurances and health plans cover freespira at no extra cost for eligible members. other health plans and employers may cover freespira with a cost share. out-of-pocket cost is approximately $2000. hsa/fsa accounts can be used, or an interest-free payment plan is available.
Documentation ProvidedRegulatory Status Disclosed

Overview

Freespira is an FDA-cleared digital therapeutic designed to help individuals with panic disorder and panic-related anxiety, including symptoms of PTSD. It offers a medication-free, at-home treatment option that complements existing therapies like medication or talk therapy.

The core of Freespira’s approach is teaching users to regulate their breathing patterns. This is based on research linking breathing differences and hypersensitivity to CO2 with panic and PTSD symptoms. The program involves two 17-minute sessions per day over 28 days.

Patients are provided with a compact breathing sensor and a tablet that offers real-time feedback on their breathing. The program also includes training and weekly check-ins with a dedicated Care Specialist, ensuring guided support throughout the treatment period.

Clinical results indicate that a significant percentage of patients using Freespira become panic attack-free by the end of the 28-day treatment, with sustained relief observed 12 months later. It also shows a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms.

Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist

Key Features

  • FDA-cleared digital therapeutic
  • Medication-free treatment
  • At-home use
  • 28-day program
  • Breathing sensor and real-time feedback tablet
  • Personalized Care Specialist support
  • Reduces panic attacks and PTSD symptoms
  • Complementary to existing therapies

Use Cases

  • Treatment of panic disorder
  • Management of panic-related anxiety
  • Reduction of PTSD symptoms
  • Adjunctive therapy for mental health conditions
  • Remote patient care for behavioral health

What Physicians Need to Know

Therapeutic Modality
Freespira is an FDA-cleared digital therapeutic that utilizes Capnometry-Guided Respiratory Intervention (CGRI) to address dysfunctional breathing patterns associated with panic disorder and PTSD. It trains patients to normalize their breathing, specifically focusing on respiratory rate and exhaled CO2 levels, through biofeedback techniques.
PHQ-9/GAD-7 Integration
Freespira studies have utilized the PHQ-9 for depression and GAD-7 for generalized anxiety disorder as outcome measures to assess symptom severity in conjunction with condition-specific scales like the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5).
Between-Session Support
Patients receive training and weekly check-ins with a dedicated Care Specialist or coach via secure video during the 28-day at-home treatment program. This support helps guide patients, monitor progress, and answer questions.
Outcome Measurement
Freespira has demonstrated significant clinical outcomes, with studies showing a reduction or elimination of panic attacks and PTSD symptoms. Outcome measures include the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Real-world data indicates that 86% of panic disorder patients were panic attack-free immediately post-treatment, and 73% remained panic attack-free at 12 months. For PTSD, 89% reported a significant decrease in symptoms, and 50% were in remission at 6 months.
Provider Dashboard
While not explicitly called a 'provider dashboard,' the system saves breathing information from each session, which is then reviewed by the supervising psychologist or care coordinator during treatment appointments. Remote data upload and monitoring facilitate individualized coaching and aggregate outcomes analysis.
Cultural Sensitivity
Freespira aims to address issues such as geographical and socioeconomic barriers to care. The newest generation device (FST5) has enhanced connectivity to address underserved communities often impacted by reliable internet access.
Physician Tip

Freespira is an FDA-cleared adjunctive treatment for panic disorder and PTSD, focusing on physiological breathing retraining. It can be used alongside existing pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological interventions. Physicians should consider Freespira for patients over 18 years old who have experienced panic attacks, panic disorder, or PTSD symptoms for over a month, and who do not have contraindications such as being pregnant, younger than 13, or having COPD or emphysema. The program involves a 28-day at-home protocol with twice-daily 17-minute breathing sessions and weekly virtual coaching. Clinical studies have shown significant and lasting reductions in symptoms and associated healthcare costs.

Freespira is designed as an at-home treatment that complements existing care, including medication and talk therapy. The system itself includes a compact breathing sensor and a tablet with the Freespira app for real-time feedback. Data from patient sessions is saved by the app for review by a clinician or coach. Freespira has also demonstrated economic benefits, including reductions in medical, emergency department, and pharmacy costs, which may be relevant for health plan and employer integrations.

Details

Category Mental & Behavioral Health AI, Patient Engagement & Education
Pricing Some insurances and health plans cover freespira at no extra cost for eligible members. other health plans and employers may cover freespira with a cost share. out-of-pocket cost is approximately $2000. hsa/fsa accounts can be used, or an interest-free payment plan is available.
  • Freespira offers outcomes-based pricing and a performance guarantee of 1:1 ROI in Year 1 for health plans
  • For individuals, some insurance and health plans cover Freespira, and it is covered for eligible veterans through the VA
  • If not covered, the out-of-pocket cost is around $2,000
  • HSA/FSA accounts can be used, or an interest-free payment plan is available
DeploymentAt-home, via a compact breathing sensor and a tablet with a pre-loaded app.
Mobile App1
API Available No
Data ExportUnknown
LanguagesEnglish
TrainingUnknown
Compliance
BAA AvailableUnknown
HIPAA CompliantUnknown AI-estimated
FDA Status 1 AI-estimated

Freespira is an FDA-cleared Class II Medical Device. It is indicated as an adjunctive treatment for symptoms associated with panic disorder (PD) and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for adults 18 years of age or older, to be used under the direction of a healthcare professional. In May 2025, Freespira received FDA clearance for adolescents aged 13-17 experiencing stress and anxiety.

Integrations
EHR Not specified
Specialties Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry

Social Proof

Customersunknown
Notable
Veterans Affairs (VA)

Support & Reliability

Training ProvidedUnknown

What the Web Says

Freespira is an FDA-cleared, at-home breathing treatment for panic disorder and PTSD that aims to retrain breathing patterns and reduce sensitivity to carbon dioxide. The program involves twice-daily 17-minute sessions over four weeks, utilizing a sensor and tablet for real-time feedback, along with weekly coaching. Many users and physicians report significant reductions or elimination of panic attacks and PTSD symptoms, with benefits often lasting up to a year post-treatment.

Overall: Positive

Strengths

  • FDA-cleared and clinically proven for panic disorder and PTSD.
  • Drug-free and at-home treatment.
  • Significant reduction or elimination of panic attacks and PTSD symptoms reported by many users.
  • Benefits can be long-lasting, with some studies showing sustained improvement for up to a year.
  • Convenient with equipment mailed to your home and online coaching support.
  • Empowering for patients to learn self-management skills for panic response.

Limitations

  • Some users find it expensive if not covered by insurance.
  • Initial anxiety or discomfort during breathing sessions can occur.
  • Potential for technical issues with equipment connectivity.
  • One Reddit user found it no more effective than a free breathing app for PTSD.
  • Limited independent tech reviews available outside of medical contexts.
  • Some users experienced poor customer service and rescheduling difficulties.

Based on reviews from: Reddit, Freespira.com, BioSpace, Highmark Health Blog, Digital Therapeutics Alliance, PubMed, Trustpilot, Christopher Fisher, PhD, TelepsychHealth, Medical Device Innovation Consortium

Last updated: 2026-09-20

Ratings & Reviews

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Ease of Use
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Value for Money

Press & Coverage

Business Wire
Freespira Receives FDA Clearance for Adolescents Ages 13u201317; Clinically Validated, At-Home Treatment Reduces Panic Disorder Symptom Severity by 54% and PTSD Symptom Severity by 44%
Freespira announced FDA 510(k) clearance to extend its at-home treatment for anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and PTSD, to adolescents aged 13u201317. This makes Freespira the only prescription, medication-free treatment targeting physiological root causes of these symptoms through respiratory guidance and coaching.
2025-05
PR Newswire
FREESPIRA ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF ITS 5TH GENERATION DEVICE, MARKING THE MOST ADVANCED MEDICAL DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF STRESS AND ANXIETY DISORDERS
Freespira launched its fifth-generation device, Freespira Sensor Technology v5 (FST5), which integrates the sensor and display into a single, user-friendly device. This advanced medical device is designed for the at-home treatment of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and PTSD.
2026-02
PR Newswire
Freespira Introduces the Zero Risk Program for Health Plans, a First for Mental Health Devices
Freespira announced the launch of its Zero Risk program for health plans, a performance guarantee program designed to reduce the risks of covering the medical device and improve access to care for individuals with anxiety disorders. This program is the first of its kind from a behavioral health medical device maker.
2025-10
GeekWire
Seattle-area company lands FDA clearance for drug-free treatment to address teen anxiety and trauma
Freespira received FDA clearance to treat adolescents aged 13-17 with its drug-free technology that provides breathing training and video-based coaching for anxiety, panic attacks, and trauma. This addresses a critical need in youth mental health, offering an alternative to medication.
2025-05
Medtech Insight
Breathing Easy: Freespira Works To Expand Access To Panic And PTSD Treatment
Freespira's FDA-approved device treats panic disorders, PTSD, and anxiety in teens, distinguishing itself with three FDA clearances and a focus on working with insurers to reach patients. The company's strategy includes patient coaching and lobbying for broader insurance coverage for digital therapeutics.
2025-08
Medical Device Innovation Consortium (MDIC)
Freespira's Strategic Approach to Market Access
Freespira's strategic approach to market access highlights its efforts to broaden adoption of its digital therapeutic for panic disorder, panic attacks, and PTSD. The company focuses on demonstrating clinical efficacy and economic value to payers, including a 35% reduction in total medical costs and a 65% reduction in emergency room costs.
2024-08
Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback
Real-world Evaluation of a Novel Technology-enabled Capnometry-assisted Breathing Therapy for Panic Disorder
This real-world evaluation found that 82% of participants using Freespira experienced significant improvements in panic disorder severity and increased end-tidal pCO2 levels. The study also noted that engagement with the intervention was high, with participants completing an average of 83% of recommended sessions.
2020-11
PubMed (Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback)
Evaluating the Impact of Freespira on Panic Disorder Patients' Health Outcomes and Healthcare Costs within the Allegheny Health Network
This study investigated Freespira's impact on panic disorder patients, reporting a 35% reduction in overall medical costs, a 65% reduction in emergency department costs, and a 68% reduction in pharmacy costs one year post-treatment. It also showed that 91% of patients had a significant decrease in Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) scores.
2020-09

Videos

Product demos, reviews, and walkthroughs for Freespira.

View all on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

Freespira is a drug-free medical device that helps patients learn to regulate their breathing to reduce panic attack and PTSD symptoms. It uses a sensor that connects to a smartphone app to provide real-time feedback on breathing patterns. The AI primarily drives the biofeedback mechanism, guiding patients through paced breathing exercises. Physicians should be aware of data privacy, algorithm bias in personalized feedback, and the AI's limitations in interpreting complex patient presentations beyond physiological data.
Freespira involves 28-days of twice daily 17-minute sessions. The program's design, with its relatively short daily sessions and a defined treatment period, aims to improve compliance. The app provides real-time feedback and tracks progress, which can motivate patients. However, as with any home-based therapy, individual patient motivation and support systems will play a significant role in actual adherence.
Evidence-based alternatives for panic disorder and PTSD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and pharmacotherapy (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs). Freespira may be considered for patients who prefer a drug-free option, have not responded well to or cannot tolerate medication, or as an adjunct to other therapies. Alternatives might be prioritized for patients with severe comorbidity, complex trauma, or those who require more intensive psychotherapeutic intervention.
Freespira is an FDA-cleared digital therapeutic. It is often covered by insurance, and patients can check their eligibility and potential out-of-pocket costs through the Freespira website or by contacting their insurance provider. The pricing structure can vary depending on insurance coverage and individual plans.
Freespira is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder and PTSD. While clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing symptoms of panic disorder and PTSD, its effectiveness in highly diverse patient populations or those with significant psychiatric comorbidities (e.g., severe depression, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders) may require further investigation. It is not a substitute for comprehensive psychiatric care and may not address all aspects of complex mental health conditions.
Freespira is designed to be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. It can complement existing treatment plans by providing a non-pharmacological intervention for physiological symptom management. During and after a patient's use, regular clinical follow-up is recommended to monitor symptom improvement, assess overall mental health status, and make adjustments to the broader treatment plan as needed. This includes evaluating the patient's adherence to the Freespira program and addressing any emerging concerns.
Freespira collects physiological data related to breathing patterns during its sessions. This data is used to provide real-time feedback and track progress. As a medical device, Freespira is subject to HIPAA regulations regarding patient data privacy and security. Data is typically encrypted and stored securely. Physicians should be aware of the company's privacy policy and discuss with patients how their data is used, stored, and any potential for de-identified data sharing for research or product improvement, ensuring informed consent.

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Suggest an Edit → | Report an issue | Last Verified: 2026-06-19 | First Added: 2026-06-19
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