Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 30

Virtual reality therapy for college students with anxiety

Official title: Pilot Study of Virtual Reality Therapy for Students With Anxiety

Run by The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT05319509 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether virtual reality therapy can help college students feel less anxious and improve their confidence in school.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
Enrollment100 (estimated)
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2022
Main results expectedApril 1, 2027
Study endsAugust 1, 2027
Registry record updatedJune 12, 2025
Trial IDNCT05319509 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are college students enrolled at The University of Texas Health Science Center who experience mild anxiety.

Probably not a fit

Patients currently receiving psychological treatment for anxiety or those with specific vision or balance issues may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR) intervention designed to reduce anxiety symptoms among college students. Participants will engage in six VR sessions over three weeks, during which their self-reported anxiety levels and academic self-efficacy will be assessed. The study aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of this innovative approach to managing anxiety in an academic setting.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a novel and effective method for reducing anxiety symptoms in college students.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality for anxiety treatment is emerging, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar populations.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* enrolled in The University of Texas Health Science Center School of Public Health San Antonio regional campus
* competent in English
* total score of at least 3 on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Currently receiving psychological treatment for anxiety symptoms, or has received treatment in the last year.
* Report photosensitive epilepsy.
* Report stereoscopic vision or balance problems

Where it's running

  • The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
    Houston, Texas, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Tsai Jack, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
  • Study coordinator: Tsai Jack, PhD
  • Email: Jack.Tsai@uth.tmc.edu
  • Phone: 210-276-9022

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.