Virtual reality clinic for treating phobias
Doxy.me VR vs. Telemental Health-Based Exposure Therapy
This study is testing if virtual reality therapy can help adults with intense fears of dogs, snakes, and spiders feel better compared to regular online therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of South Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tampa, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06302868 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial comparing exposure therapy delivered through a telemedicine-based virtual reality clinic to standard telemental health for adults with intense fears of dogs, snakes, and spiders. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive 12 sessions of therapy over three months, either through traditional telehealth methods or via the Doxy.me VR platform. The study aims to assess both the feasibility of this approach and its preliminary efficacy in reducing phobia severity.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a self-reported fear of dogs, snakes, and/or spiders who reside in Florida.
Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing mental health therapy or those with recent changes in psychotropic medication may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from specific phobias.
How similar studies have performed: While telemedicine and virtual reality have been explored in various contexts, this specific combination for phobia treatment is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: 1. Is an adult ≥ 18 years old 2. Has a self-reported fear of dogs, snakes, and/or spiders 3. Indicates Subthreshold or Present Specific Phobia symptoms as determined by the study therapist via administration of the Diagnostic Assessment Research Tool (DART) Specific Phobia Module 4. Has access to the internet AND a computer OR smartphone with video conferencing capabilities 5. Will reside in the state of Florida for the duration of the study Exclusion Criteria: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: 1. Is participating in ongoing mental health therapy from a non-study therapist 2. Has had changes to psychotropic medication use within six weeks preceding enrollment in the trial 3. Reports active suicidal and/or homicidal intent or plan as determined by the study therapist via administration of the Diagnostic Assessment Research Tool (DART) Risk Assessment Module 4. Reports active auditory, visual, and/or tactile hallucinations via the Diagnostic Assessment Research Tool (DART) Psychosis Module screening question 5. Reports a history of epilepsy or seizures
Where this trial is running
Tampa, Florida
- University of South Florida — Tampa, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brian E Bunnell, PhD — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Kaitlyn R Schuler, PhD
- Email: krschuler@usf.edu
- Phone: 813-396-9169
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.