Virtual and augmented reality exposure approaches for social anxiety
Official title: Testing Mechanisms of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety
Run by Palo Alto University · NCT07437872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The project will try different virtual and augmented reality exposure therapies—no interaction, scripted interactions, and fully customized interactions—to see which help adults with social anxiety the most.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Palo Alto University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 24, 2026 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07437872 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults (18+) in the U.S. who live close enough to Palo Alto University Mountain View campus for any required in-person visits, meet criteria for social anxiety disorder by structured interview or LSAS >47, can give consent, and do not have excluded conditions or unstable medications.
✕Probably not a fit
People with current alcohol or substance use disorder, a history of psychosis or bipolar disorder, unstable psychotropic medications, those already receiving CBT for social anxiety, or who cannot use VR headsets due to vision problems are unlikely to benefit or will be excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional project compares multiple virtual and augmented reality exposure therapy approaches delivered across a range of formats, from single-session in-person visits to remotely conducted self-guided or therapist-assisted sessions. Arms include no-interaction VRET, scripted-interaction VRET, and fully customized-interaction VRET using the ExpandXR platform. Adults with clinically significant social anxiety (by structured interview and/or LSAS >47) will be enrolled while people with active substance use disorders, psychotic or bipolar history, unstable medications, current CBT for social anxiety, or vision problems preventing headset use will be excluded. Outcomes and candidate mechanisms will be measured across sessions to determine which interaction styles and delivery methods best reduce symptoms and improve access.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could expand access to effective, brief VR-based treatments and identify which interaction styles and delivery methods most efficiently reduce social anxiety.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows virtual reality exposure therapy often reduces social anxiety, but self-guided and remotely delivered versions have shown mixed results, so this work builds on established efficacy while testing optimizations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals at least 18 years of age * Located in the U.S. with sufficient proximity to Mountain View Campus to attend in person visit(s). * Able to give consent * Social Anxiety Disorder based on Structured Clinical Interview AND/OR self-report score cutoff (LSAS \> 47). Exclusion Criteria: * Current Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder (based on self-report) * Current or prior psychotic related or bipolar disorder (based on self-report) * Unstable psychotropic medication (starting/stopping medication in past 6 weeks based on selfreport) * Current cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety * Impaired vision such that cannot see in VR headset without glasses (contacts okay)
Where it's running
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Palo Alto University Mountain View Campus
Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.