Therapy, experienced differently.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) combines evidence-based therapy with immersive technology, creating a controlled environment where you can work with situations and responses that may be difficult to recreate in traditional therapy.
How Does VRET Work?
Using a VR headset, you enter a carefully selected virtual environment while your therapist remains with you and guides the experience.
The environment, intensity, and pace can be adjusted based on your individual needs, readiness, and treatment goals. This allows you and your therapist to work with situations and responses in a controlled setting rather than having to recreate them in the real world.
You’re not navigating the experience alone. Your therapist is there with you throughout the process.
Controlled. Gradual. Therapist-guided.
What Can VRET Help With?
Virtual reality can be incorporated into treatment for a variety of concerns when clinically appropriate.
OCD
Virtual environments can provide opportunities to work with triggers and practice reducing compulsive or ritualized responses as part of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Phobias & Specific Fears
VRET can gradually and repeatedly recreate situations that may be difficult to practice safely or conveniently in everyday life, including:
- Flying
- Heights
- Driving
- Bridges and tunnels
- Elevators
- Animals or insects
- Blood and needles
- Medical environments
Social Anxiety
Virtual environments can provide opportunities to practice situations such as public speaking, crowds, social interactions, and other experiences that create significant social anxiety.
Trauma & PTSD
For some clients, virtual reality may be incorporated into trauma-focused treatment when clinically appropriate.
VRET may be used with certain traumatic experiences, including military or combat experiences, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, and other events. Treatment is individualized based on your history, symptoms, readiness, and overall treatment plan.
Anxiety, Stress & Skill Building
Virtual reality may also be used to practice coping strategies, emotional regulation, mindfulness, relaxation, and responses to challenging real-world situations.
The Research Behind VRET
Virtual reality doesn’t replace evidence-based therapy: it gives therapists another way to deliver it.
VRET has been studied as a way to bring principles of exposure-based therapy into controlled, immersive environments. Research has explored its use for specific phobias, anxiety disorders, social anxiety, and PTSD.
Studies suggest VRET can be an effective exposure-based treatment option for some anxiety-related conditions and phobias. Virtual reality has also been studied extensively with military service members and Veterans with PTSD, although research comparing VR-based exposure with established PTSD treatments continues to evolve.
The technology is only one part of the treatment. The therapeutic approach, clinical assessment, and guidance of a trained therapist remain essential.
Explore the Research
What Does VRET Look Like?
VRET is individualized to you. Your therapist selects virtual environments based on what you are working on and adjusts the experience as treatment progresses.
You may begin with situations that feel manageable and gradually work toward more challenging experiences as you build confidence and skills. Your therapist remains with you throughout the session and can adjust or stop the virtual environment at any time.
- Start where you are
- Practice
- Gradually progress
The goal isn’t to overwhelm you. It’s to create opportunities to practice new responses at a pace that supports meaningful therapeutic work.
Is VRET Right for Me?
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy isn’t appropriate for every person or every concern. Before beginning VRET, we’ll first talk with you about what you’re experiencing and whether virtual reality may be an appropriate part of your treatment.
If VRET appears to be a good fit, your therapist will complete an assessment and develop an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.
You don’t need to know whether VRET is right for you before you contact us. We can help you figure that out.
VRET Rates
Initial Assessment 90 minutes
$270
45-Minute VRET Session
$135
60-Minute VRET Session
$180
VRET is self-pay only.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy is not billed to or reimbursed by insurance.
Discounts are available for teachers, first responders, active-duty military members, and veterans with appropriate identification.
Interested in Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy?
You don’t need to know whether VRET is right for you before reaching out. Contact us and we’ll help you determine whether virtual reality may be an appropriate part of your treatment.