Virtual reality therapy for college students with anxiety

Pilot Study of Virtual Reality Therapy for Students With Anxiety

Not applicable Interventional The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT05319509

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

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 30 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT05319509 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anxietyvirtual realitycollege students
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.