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Virtual reality (VR) therapy is transforming mental health care, with a 2025 NHS trial reporting 70% improvement in anxiety patients, announced September 18.
Developed by Oxford VR, the therapy immerses users in simulated environments to confront fears, like social situations or heights, using headsets and AI-guided sessions.
A study in The BMJ with 400 participants showed VR outperforming traditional cognitive behavioral therapy in engagement and outcomes.
The NHS, facing 1.8 million mental health referrals annually, plans to expand VR access across 10 trusts by 2026, backed by £20m funding.
Lead researcher Dr.
Daniel Freeman highlighted VR’s ability to personalize treatment, reducing stigma.
Patients on X praised the immersive approach, though some reported nausea as a side effect.
Critics warn of overreliance on tech, citing therapist shortages and costs, estimated at £500 per patient.
The therapy’s success, covered by The Guardian, aligns with growing telehealth trends, with startups like MindMaze scaling VR for PTSD and depression.
Ethical concerns include data privacy, as headsets track user responses.
VR therapy’s rise signals a shift in mental health care, balancing innovation with accessibility challenges.
2025-09-19 13:22:00



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