In a landmark development, psychological therapy has been automated in virtual reality (VR). With the user guided by a virtual coach, there is no need for a real-life therapist, meaning the treatment can reach many more patients.

In the largest ever clinical trial of VR for mental health, published today in The Lancet Psychiatry, and funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the automated therapy was shown to work well for patients diagnosed with psychosis. The biggest benefits were experienced by those with the most challenging psychological problems.

Reference Link:https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2022-04-05-breakthrough-success-provision-automated-psychological-therapy-using-virtual-reality