Virtual Reality therapy (VR therapy) for anxiety and other psychosomatic disorders
What is Virtual Reality therapy?
Virtual reality therapy (VR therapy) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and psychosomatic conditions. By immersing patients in carefully designed virtual environments, VR therapy enables controlled exposure to fear-inducing situations as well as guided relaxation in a safe clinical setting.
In psychosomatic medicine, VR therapy is used to support the processing of emotional stress, anxiety-related symptoms and stress-induced physical complaints. The method allows therapists to individualize treatment scenarios and adapt intensity and pacing to the patient’s needs, improving emotional regulation and reducing physiological stress responses.
VR therapy is typically integrated into a comprehensive psychosomatic treatment plan, often combined with psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral approaches, neurofeedback or other evidence-based interventions. Its growing scientific evidence base makes VR therapy a valuable complementary tool in modern psychosomatic care.
Virtual Reality Therapy: Conquering Psychosomatic Disorders
Imagine a world where you can step into a virtual reality (VR) world and confront your deepest fears without ever leaving your therapist’s office. This is the promise of VR therapy, a cutting-edge approach that is revolutionizing the treatment of psychosomatic illnesses like anxiety disorder.
Studies Supporting VR Therapy: Evidence-Based Benefits
The effectiveness of virtual reality-based exposure therapy (VRET) for anxiety disorders has been investigated in numerous controlled studies and meta-analyses in recent years. A widely cited meta-analysis by Wechsler et al. (2019) directly compared VRET with the gold standard method of in vivo exposure for specific phobias, agoraphobia and social phobia. The results showed that both forms of exposure led to a significant and clinically relevant reduction in anxiety symptoms, with no significant differences in effectiveness across all disorder types (Kuleli et al., 2025).
These findings are supported by randomised controlled trials that directly compare VRET with classical exposure in the context of cognitive behavioural therapy. For example, Bouchard et al. (2017) found comparable improvements in both treatment groups in a three-arm randomised trial of patients with social anxiety disorder. Kampmann et al. (2016) also reported significant symptom reductions for both VRET and in-vivo exposure, with the overall effects being similar. In addition to clinical efficacy, several studies highlight the practical advantages of VRET, such as better control of exposure stimuli and higher acceptance among patients.
These findings are supplemented by more recent RCT data: In a three-arm study on social anxiety disorder (CBT with VR exposure via 360° video vs. CBT with in vivo exposure vs. VR relaxation), there was no significant difference between VR and in vivo exposure post-treatment, with a simultaneous significant improvement in the VR exposure condition; the authors also report practical advantages (including lower effort/costs for therapists) (Ørskov et al., 2025).
Overall, the current evidence suggests that VRET can be used as an evidence-based alternative to classical exposure – especially when in vivo exposure is logistically difficult to implement or is avoided by patients/practitioners, while the robust data base for clear claims of superiority remains limited (Kuleli et al., 2025; Arnfred et al., 2025; Ørskov et al., 2025).
randomised controlled studies about Virtual Reality Therapy
Wechsler et al., 2019 Wechsler, K., Kümpers, F., & Mühlberger, A. (2019).
Bouchard et al., 2017
Bouchard, S., Dumoulin, S., Robillard, G., Guitard, T., Klinger, E., Forget, H., Loranger, C., & Roucaut, F.-X. (2017).
The British Journal of Psychiatry, 210(4), 276–283. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.116.184234
Kampmann et al., 2016
Kampmann, I. L., Emmelkamp, P. M. G., Hartanto, D., Brinkman, W.-P., Zijlstra, B. J. H., & Morina, N. (2016).
Behaviour Research and Therapy, 77, 147–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2015.12.016
Meta-Analyse (VRET vs. in-vivo; 2025)
Kuleli, D., Tyson, P., Davies, N. H., & Zeng, B. (2025).
RCT (SAD; CBT-ExpVR vs CBT-Exp; 2025)
Ørskov, P. T., Runge, E., Holmberg Sainte-Marie, T. T., Ernst, M. T., Clemmensen, L., Dalsgaard, C. H., Lichtenstein, M. B., & Bouchard, S. (2025).
Frontiers in Virtual Reality, 6.
https://doi.org/10.3389/frvir.2025.1588181
Pragmatische Gruppen-RCT (SAD/Agoraphobie; VR vs in-vivo; „underpowered“; 2025)
Arnfred, B., Zeka, F., Hjorthøj, C., Christensen, C. W., Moeller, K. S., Pedersen, M. Ø., Rosenberg, N., Clemmensen, L., Glenthøj, L. B., & Nordentoft, M. (2025).
JMIR Mental Health, 12, e73815. https://doi.org/10.2196/73815
Anxiety Disorder: A Common Yet Debilitating Condition
Anxiety disorder, characterized by persistent and excessive worry and fear, can significantly impact one’s daily life. It can affect your social interactions, work performance, and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with anxiety, you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health condition worldwide, affecting an estimated 4% of adults in 2021 (Javaid et al, 2023). However, the frequency varies greatly depending on the population, type and severity of the anxiety disorder. For example, the lifetime prevalence of specific phobias and social phobias reaches more than 60% of the population in some regions (Wardenaar et al, 2017; Albusaidi et al, 2022). Anxiety disorders have increased significantly worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Power of VR Therapy: A Personalized Approach
VR therapy offers a personalized and immersive approach to treating anxiety disorder. By immersing you in virtual environments that simulate your specific fears, VR therapy allows you to gradually confront your anxieties in a safe and controlled setting. Unlike traditional exposure therapy, which can be anxiety-provoking and challenging, VR therapy provides a more manageable and effective way to address your fears.
Institute Dr Scheib: Pioneering VR Therapy for Psychosomatic Illnesses
At the Institute Dr Scheib, we recognize the transformative potential of VR therapy and are committed to providing our patients with this innovative treatment option. Our team of experienced specialists integrates VR therapy into comprehensive treatment plans, combining it with other effective methods like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy.
How We Use VR Therapy at Instituto Dr Scheib
Our therapists work closely with each patient to create personalized VR scenarios that target their specific fears and anxieties. We utilize a variety of VR environments, from social interactions to public speaking scenarios, to help patients gradually confront their fears and develop coping mechanisms.
Incorporating VR therapy into Psychosomatic Treatment
At Institute Dr Scheib, we integrate VR therapy into our comprehensive treatment plans for psychosomatic disorders. Our therapists guide patients through personalized VR journeys, selecting environments tailored to their individual preferences and needs.
We believe that the most effective treatment for psychosomatic illnesses involves a combination of VR therapy with other traditional and complementary therapies like Neurofeedback, rTMS, intensive Psychotherapy and Ketamine infusion therapy.
The combination of VR especially with neurofeedback extends the range of possible applications. This allows brain activity to be specifically combined with virtual stimuli.
This holistic approach ensures that we address the root causes of your anxiety while providing you with the tools and support you need to manage your symptoms and achieve long-term recovery.
INFO: Neurofeedback in the treatment of depression:
Depression, a common psychosomatic disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest, is the focus of exploration in the use of neurofeedback. Research suggests that people with depression often exhibit specific patterns of brain activity, and neurofeedback aims to address and change these patterns. By targeting brain regions associated with the regulation of mood, such as the prefrontal cortex, and adjusting the balance of alpha and beta brain waves, neurofeedback can help alleviate depressive symptoms. This approach allows people to gain greater control over their emotional states by learning to modulate the neural activity associated with mood regulation. Although neurofeedback is not a sole solution for depression, it has shown promise as a complementary therapy that can potentially improve the effectiveness of conventional treatments such as psychotherapy and medication. At our clinic, we always use neurofeedback in addition to other therapies such as ketamine infusions and rTMS, achieving faster and longer-lasting results than either therapy alone.
As research in this area progresses, neurofeedback could play an integral role in comprehensive approaches to the complex challenges of depression and other psychosomatic disorders.
What are the benefits of neurofeedback training for depression?
Neurofeedback training has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression. Neurofeedback can help to:
- Reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness
- Improve the quality of sleep
- Increase energy levels
Improve concentration - Boost your mood
Neurofeedback is also a safe and non-invasive treatment method. There are no known side effects of neurofeedback and it can be used in combination with other treatments for depression such as psychotherapy, ketamine therapy and rTMS.
Therapeutic Relaxation with VR
VR relaxation therapy utilizes virtual environments designed to promote a sense of calm and well-being. These environments can feature soothing landscapes, tranquil sounds, and gentle music, creating an immersive experience that encourages relaxation and stress reduction.
Benefits of VR Relaxation Therapy
VR relaxation therapy offers several benefits for psychosomatic illnesses:
- Reduced stress: VR can help lower blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension, all of which contribute to physical and mental relaxation.
- Improved sleep: Relaxation can enhance sleep quality, which is crucial for overall health and well-being.
- Reduced pain: Relaxation can modulate pain perception, potentially providing relief for chronic pain associated with psychosomatic conditions.
- Enhanced coping skills: Learning to relax can equip individuals with valuable skills to manage stress and anxiety, reducing their overall impact on physical and mental health.
CONTACT
VR relaxation therapy offers a unique and effective approach to managing stress and promoting well-being in those with psychosomatic illnesses. By providing an immersive and personalized experience, VR can help individuals cultivate a sense of tranquility and enhance their overall health and well-being.
Are you ready to explore the potential of VR relaxation therapy for your psychosomatic condition? Contact Institute Dr. Scheib to learn more about this innovative treatment option and how it can help you achieve a more balanced and harmonious life.
If you are interested in one of our therapies, contact us now and we will get back to you as soon as possible to find the best treatment for you!
F.A.Q. Virtual reality therapy
Frequently asked questions about treatment with Virtual Reality
VR therapy is primarily used for anxiety disorders, including specific phobias, social anxiety and stress-related psychosomatic symptoms. It may also support treatment in depression and trauma-related conditions as part of a comprehensive therapy plan.
VR therapy enables gradual and controlled exposure to anxiety-provoking situations. This helps reduce fear responses, improve emotional regulation and build coping strategies without overwhelming the patient.
Yes. VR can be used for guided relaxation and stress reduction by immersing patients in calming virtual environments, which may lower physiological stress responses and support emotional regulation.
Yes. Multiple clinical studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated the effectiveness of VR therapy in treating anxiety disorders and related psychosomatic symptoms.
VR therapy is usually integrated into a broader psychosomatic treatment concept and combined with psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, neurofeedback or other evidence-based approaches.
When conducted by trained healthcare professionals, VR therapy is considered safe and well tolerated. Treatment is adapted to the individual needs and limits of each patient.
A clinical assessment by a qualified healthcare professional is required to determine whether VR therapy is appropriate for your individual condition and treatment goals.
Medical Review & Authorship
Reviewed by:
Dr. med Mario Scheib – Specialist for Psychosomatic Medicine 6 Psychotherapy
Clinical Focus:
Psychosomatic medicine, anxiety disorders, trauma-related conditions, integrative psychotherapy, neurofeedback and virtual reality–assisted therapies.
Medical Review Process:
All medical content on this page is reviewed by qualified healthcare professionals and is based on current scientific literature and clinical guidelines. Virtual reality therapy is presented as a complementary treatment option within evidence-based psychosomatic care.
Last medical review:
2026