Using virtual reality to provide peer support for anxiety and depression
Official title: Cognitive Behavioral Immersion: A Randomized Control Trial of Peer-Based Coaching in the Metaverse
Funded at Very Real Help, LLC · NIH-10925359 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a fun new way to help people with anxiety and depression by using virtual reality, where friendly coaches will guide you in learning coping skills in a cool, immersive environment, making therapy more accessible and engaging compared to traditional methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Very Real Help, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $910,362 |
| NIH project number | 5R44MH132202-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925359 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression who are seeking alternative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe mental health conditions requiring immediate clinical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to delivering cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through immersive virtual reality (VR) environments, where peer coaches guide individuals in developing coping skills for anxiety and depression. By utilizing the metaverse, the study aims to overcome barriers such as cost and accessibility that often prevent people from receiving traditional therapy. Participants will engage in cognitive behavioral skills training in a virtual setting, allowing for a potentially more engaging and effective experience. The research will compare the effectiveness of this immersive approach against standard treatment options and non-immersive CBT methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a scalable and accessible mental health intervention for individuals suffering from anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have gone: Initial evidence suggests that peer-based coaching in virtual environments is feasible, but this specific approach has not yet been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Very Real Help, LLC
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, Noah — Very Real Help, LLC
- Study coordinator: Robinson, Noah
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.