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Virtual Reality for Mental Health

June 9, 2022
Tech Telepsychiatry
Patient holding virtual reality device during therapy session with assistant
Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive technology that allows users to experience a virtual world through a headset. VR headsets include goggles, glasses, and head mounted displays. They allow users to see, hear, and feel in a completely new way.
How does it work?
Futuristic Medical Research Laboratory: Research Scientist Wearing Virtual Reality
There are several ways that VR can help people with mental illness. One of the most common uses of VR is as a form of exposure therapy. This type of treatment has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With the assistance of a licensed therapist, you will be systematically presented with different scenarios. You will start off with the most comfortable scenarios and then process how you felt.
Using Virtual Reality to Overcome Specific Phobias
Young man in wheelchair testing virtual reality technology
VR therapy could be an effective form of treatment for fear of heights. In fact, some studies show that virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is more effective than other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), relaxation training, and medication (Rimer, 2021).
Virtual Reality for Social Anxiety

VR therapy has been shown to be an effective form of treatment for social phobia and social anxiety disorder. This type of therapy uses immersive technology to simulate real life situations. Exposure therapy works up two main principles:

  • Habituation: Over time, your reaction to feared objects or situations decrease.

  • Extinction: Exposure can help weaken previously learned associations between feared objects, activities or situations and bad outcomes.

Virtual Reality for PTSD
Virtual reality biofeedback training session - Combining VR and biofeedback
Virtual reality therapy can also be used to treat post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms related to trauma. In virtual reality therapy, patients are exposed to stressful events through a headset while wearing headphones that play sounds and vibrations. They then learn how to cope with these situations without having to actually face them. This helps retrain the brain that these certain situations are neutral.
Virtual Reality for OCD
Black Woman Using Virtual Reality Headset for Online Shopping, Browsing
Virtual reality therapy has been proven effective at treating anxiety disorders such as OCD and panic attacks. Patients who suffer from these conditions often feel overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings that cause them distress. Virtual reality allows patients to confront these issues in a safe environment where they can practice coping skills until they become more comfortable facing real life situations.

If you are struggling with substance or alcohol use, depression, or anxiety, intensive outpatient may be right for you. Contact us at (888) 730-5220 or contact us to begin the process of healing today!

What Cerebellum Activities Are Good For ADHD?

The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for balance, rhythm, and coordination. Research suggests that stimulating this area can improve focus and cognitive control in individuals with ADHD. Effective activities include:

  • Balance Exercises: Walking on a balance beam, standing on one leg (yoga tree pose), or using a wobble board.

  • Coordination Drills: Juggling, skipping rope, or playing catch with a ball.

  • Rhythmic Movement: Dancing, martial arts (like Tai Chi or Karate), or playing a musical instrument (especially drums or piano which require limb independence). 

  • Target Sports: Activities that require hand-eye coordination like table tennis, badminton, or tennis.

What Is The 20 Minute Rule For ADHD?

The “20-Minute Rule” is a productivity strategy designed to combat procrastination and “time blindness.” It generally refers to two similar concepts:

  1. The “Just Do 20 Minutes” Approach: If a task feels overwhelming, commit to doing it for only 20 minutes. This lowers the barrier to entry. Often, once started, the hyperfocus kicks in, and you continue past the timer. If not, you still made progress.

  2. The Task Switch (Pomodoro Variation): Work for 20 minutes, then take a short active break. For ADHD brains, shorter intervals (like 15–20 minutes) can sometimes be more effective than the standard 25–30 minute Pomodoro technique because the reward (break) comes sooner.

What Is The Best Exercise For ADHD Brain?

While any movement is better than none, complex aerobic exercise is often cited as the “best” for ADHD.

  • Aerobic Intensity: Activities that get the heart rate up (running, swimming, cycling) increase the production of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—neurotransmitters often in lower supply in ADHD brains. This mimics the effects of some ADHD medications.

  • Complexity: Exercises that require thinking while moving (complex motor skills) are superior. For example, Martial Arts, Rock Climbing, or Gymnastics require you to focus on the next step, balance, and strategy simultaneously. This challenges the brain’s executive functions while providing the physical release of cardio.

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