By Aida Mihajlovic, MD, and the Committee on Technology and Psychiatry at the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry.

Ms. D had been on steady medications for her symptoms of depression and anxiety for more than six years. While her depression symptoms were resolved, her anxiety was becoming more debilitating. She struggled with sleepless nights and fear of driving. That’s when her psychiatrist suggested trying Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) as a novel therapeutic option.

VRET is an innovative and safe technological way to treat patients with anxiety disorders as well as other psychiatric conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), specific phobias, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Another benefit of VRET is that it is affordable, which makes it more accessible to patients.

VRET Post-COVID

Before the COVID pandemic, anxiety disorders were already a significant mental health problem, affecting millions of people globally. However, COVID-19 added layers of stress and fear, exacerbating symptoms for many. Isolation, health concerns, economic uncertainty, and a sudden shift to remote schooling led to a rise in levels of anxiety for individuals—many of whom struggled with disruptions to their learning environments, their work settings, their social interactions, and other routines.

With many more people now struggling with heightened anxiety, new approaches to treatment are needed. Enter VRET, a cutting-edge treatment that uses virtual reality to help patients confront and manage their fears in a controlled, immersive environment.

Unlike traditional exposure therapy, VRET allows the therapist to control the intensity and progression of the exposure, helping patients gradually increase their comfort level with the feared scenario.

Patients can move through the exposure experience at their own pace, making VRET a highly individualized approach that works for people with varying needs. VRET also allows therapists to tailor VR scenarios to match the unique triggers and needs of each patient.

VRET can be implemented in the comfort of one’s home with a VR headset, providing more flexibility and accessibility for patients who may encounter financial or logistical barriers to traditional therapy. Further, many patients find the virtual nature of VRET less intimidating than traditional face-to-face therapy, and the immersive technology can make the experience more engaging.

As research on Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy continues, its use in treating mental health disorders is likely to expand. Key questions remain, such as when VRET is most effective and its long-term effect on different conditions. Despite these uncertainties, early findings are promising. VRET offers hope for managing anxiety and other challenges across various life situations.

How Does VRET Work?

The process of VRET is simple yet effective. The clinician might use a touchscreen or a specialized control panel to browse through a library of pre-programmed VR scenarios to select a program tailored to the patient’s needs.

For example, a patient with Social Anxiety Disorder may be presented with a virtual experience of being in a crowded bar as a way to help them gradually build comfort with social interactions. Other programs might include simulations of high places for overcoming a fear of heights. The interface may allow the clinician to adjust various parameters, such as the intensity of the scenario or the duration, or even to customize the environment to better suit the patient’s unique triggers. Other options might include calming VR experiences such as peaceful natural settings.

Once a program is chosen, the patient wears the VR headset, which immerses them in the scenario. During the experience, patients have the option to rate their distress level, allowing the clinician to gauge their emotional response and adjust the current session accordingly. Afterward, a debriefing session helps to process the experience and discuss feelings, further enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

In clinical settings, to ensure the equipment stays in good condition, the VR equipment is cleaned and stored between patients, maintaining hygiene and optimal functionality. For Ms. D, this meticulous approach contributed to a comfortable and safe experience during her VRET sessions.

Is VR Therapy the Future of Mental Health Treatment?

While VR therapy is still evolving, its potential to revolutionize mental health care is undeniable. By offering a more engaging and immersive way to address a range of psychological conditions, VR has the power to help patients make meaningful progress.

If one is considering VR therapy, it’s important to consult with a mental health professional to determine if it’s the right approach. Whether one is seeking to manage anxiety or confront a phobia, VR therapy offers an exciting, cutting-edge tool that could play a transformative role in one’s mental health journey.

To find a therapist, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.