Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET)

Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a clinical intervention that uses immersive virtual reality technology to simulate real-life situations or feared stimuli as part of psychotherapeutic exposure and cognitive-behavioral therapy. It allows for controlled, repeatable, and individually tailored exposure, facilitating systematic desensitization or processing of trauma, anxiety, or phobic triggers. VRET is *not* a molecular target or druggable receptor—rather, it is a therapeutic method employed by mental health professionals, often as an alternative or complement to in vivo exposure therapy. The technique is primarily used for anxiety disorders, PTSD, phobias, OCD, and addiction, and is shown to be effective in reducing symptoms in these populations. Safety concerns include VR-induced discomfort ("cybersickness") and the need for clinical supervision.

Other names

Virtual reality therapyVirtual reality exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (VRE-CBT)VR-assisted therapyVirtual reality–assisted exposure therapy

Facilitates gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking or traumatic stimuli in a controlled virtual environment, enabling desensitization and behavioral adaptation\nEngages psychological mechanisms of exposure therapy and cognitive restructuring