(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Could virtual reality be a key to helping people overcome their fears and anxiety?
A Chicago-based behavioral health system thinks so.
Facing their fears is one way to help people deal with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and anxiety, but sometimes that's not safe or practical to do in reality.
That's where virtual reality can bridge the gap, says Compass Health Center's Chief Clinical Officer Joe Serio says.
“The idea is to bring them into contact with those things that frighten them so that they realize that kind of terrible thing that they think might happen actually won't happen,” he explained. “For example, if a patient is afraid of dogs, VR can place them face to face with one without putting them in any real danger.”
He adds: “The more variety I can present a patient with these exposures — as we call them — the faster they get better.”
Serio said they started incorporating VR therapy about 6 months ago, and now it's available at all three Compass Health locations.
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