Virtual Reality Therapy

Together with established psychotherapeutic principles and techniques, Virtual Reality (VR) technology can treat anxiety and stress disorders like the fear of flying, storms, heights, bridges and public speaking.

The interface of technology and medicine is creating exciting possibilities for psychiatry and the behavioral sciences. A particularly intriguing advancement is the marriage of Virtual Reality (VR) technology to established psychotherapeutic principles and techniques for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

The Program for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Studies is pioneering the use of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy in the treatment of a number of anxiety and stress-related disorders, including fear of flying, fear of storms, fear of heights, fear of bridges, fear of public speaking, and World Trade Center-induced Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Led by JoAnn Difede, Ph.D., an expert in the field of anxiety disorders, the Program for Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Studies offers a state of the art approach to patient care that brings innovation to tried-and-true therapeutic techniques. Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy has been found to be an effective and cost-efficient treatment method for anxiety and stress disorders caused by specific events and situations. Our psychologists are recognized for their unparalleled experience in the treatment of phobias and traumatic stress disorders.