Virtual Reality Benefits For Mental Health

The sense of presence is when we are watching a movie or reading a book, and we are so focused on the story that external stimuli are no longer important. Immersion and a sense of presence are two key elements to have a successful virtual reality therapy.

The research and scientific papers on the validation of virtual reality as a tool used in therapy have grown exponentially. 25 years of scientific studies support the results of this technology for the treatment of multiple disorders.

In psychology, VR therapies can achieve something extra that traditional therapies do not have. The main benefit is that patients notice their improvement faster, and that is something that everyone is looking for.

The VR controlled environments create greater peace of mind for clients. All variables can be controlled, and scene after scene can be repeated for therapeutic purposes as many times as desired, without altering any variant, or by changing everything.

Environments are situations that can be adapted to work for different disorders and situations with clients. (For example: with agoraphobia environment in the subway, you can work PTSD with clients who have suffered some kind of trauma in the subway, or on a plane…etc).

All the techniques implemented in virtual reality therapy have been scientifically validated. VR is a tool to enhance the therapeutic process based on cognitive-behavioral therapies .

At Brightside Behavioral Health, our goal is to bring the client into a controlled environment so that it is easier to replicate the thoughts and emotions that arise in these situations, and work from them.