Logan, Utah – Using virtual reality (VR) was previously (and often still is) a seldom appreciated and underutilized tool in the mental health industry. Recent advances in technology and research have proven this tool to be incredibly valuable when applied to a clinical setting. Logan River Academy, a Residential Treatment Center in Logan, Utah, has started using virtual reality in therapy and has seen very positive results.
VR has been shown to be especially useful in treating clients with phobias and social anxiety, as well as being a very useful meditation tool. “It’s neat to be able to use technology help kids overcome specific phobias and be able to meditate more fully,” says Sean Maynard, CMHC, one of LRA’s program directors. It provides a safe, relatively comfortable means of practicing exposure therapy and has significantly decreased the number of refusals to participate in exposure therapy. According to a study done by Stéphane Bouchard, “Among patients with social anxiety, those treated with VR therapy dropped an average of 33 points on an anxiety scale of 0 to 144. Anxiety among patients receiving traditional therapy dropped about 19 points.” It has also been shown to reduce the time and costs of treating many anxiety-related issues.
The potential uses for this technology in a clinical setting are nearly limitless. VR could be used for virtual tours of colleges and residential treatment centers. Virtual visits are a possibility for families that are unable to visit often. This could allow the family to play games together, watch a movie together, or just chat. VR could also provide a format of virtual therapy for those that do not wish to meet with a therapist in office or over video conference. Logan River Academy is excited to explore new ways in which they can utilize this tool in helping clients take control over their lives and overcome their personal roadblocks.
About Logan River Academy
Established in 2000, Logan River Academy has nearly 20 years of experience providing high-end therapeutic care for adolescents and young adults. Our goal is to help each student develop the necessary skills to live successful and fulfilling lives. We provide a sophisticated approach tailored to each students’ individual needs. Through the concerted efforts of the family, the treatment team, and an individualized treatment plan, we help our students down the path of developing lifelong healthy habits that will lead to their success and prosperity. For more information call (435) 755-8400 or visit our website at Loganriver.com.