Virtual Reality Technology

If you experience depression, anxiety, addiction, or another mental health disorder and want relief, turn to Shah Psychiatry in Phoenix, Arizona. Neet Shah, MD, offers convenient, cutting-edge virtual reality technology as a treatment method to reduce troublesome symptoms, restore your mood, and help you effectively cope with mental health challenges. Call the office to learn more about virtual reality technology for mental health, or use the online booking feature today.

What is virtual reality technology for mental health?

Virtual reality technology uses a VR headset that allows you to meet with Dr. Shah virtually without leaving the comfort of home. The technology, developed by Amelia Virtual Care, also offers fun VR games that make mental health treatments something you look forward to. When using virtual reality technology for mental health visits, you’ll feel like you’re right in the office with Dr. Shah.

What are the benefits of virtual reality technology?

The benefits you can take advantage of when undergoing virtual reality sessions with Shah Psychiatry include:

• Utmost privacy
• Time and cost savings
• Convenience
• No exposure to other patients
• Mood improvements
• Stress reduction
• Enhanced mental health 
• Fewer unpleasant symptoms
• Better quality of life
• Highly effective results

Virtual reality provides the same exceptional mental health treatments as in-person visits, but from the comfort of your home, hotel, office, or other location of your choosing.

Is virtual reality technology right for me?

You may be a candidate for virtual reality-based treatment if you struggle with one or more of the following mental health challenges:

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Adjustment disorders or grief
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Internet addiction
• Depression 
• Gender dysphoria
• Insomnia and other sleep disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Gambling addiction
• Specific phobias
• Postpartum depression
• Psychotic Illnesses
• Video game addiction
• Chronic pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Substance use disorder

Dr. Shah may recommend you try virtual reality treatments in addition to medication management or other mental health solutions that maximize your mental health in a fun, convenient way.

What should I expect during virtual reality evaluations?

During virtual reality sessions, Dr. Shah provides therapy and care via VR headset that can be remotely accessed through your phone or email at your scheduled appointment time. 

Individuals that are specifically interested in pursuing treatment strategies using virtual-reality technology through Amelia Virtual Care are encouraged to express their interest to Dr. Shah. 

He provides a unique therapy experience where many illnesses can be addressed via the virtual environment in conjunction with therapy. Dr. Shah personalizes each sessions for individual clients. 

This requires an initial 2 hour appointment. During an initial 2 hour assessment, he completes a full psychiatric assessment and also introduces a you to the virtual space that will be used for therapy.

What happens during treatment with virtual reality technology?

Your customized mental health treatment plan may include:

• Medication management
• Lifestyle-change counseling
• Mindfulness-based practices
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Exposure-based therapy
• Supportive psychotherapy
• Peak performance therapy 
• Combinations of treatments

Dr. Shah offers therapy sessions via virtual reality remotely in the comfort of your home.  

Today’s VR content is primarily designed to aid exposure therapy, a treatment for anxiety disorders in which patients are exposed to anxiety-inducing stimuli in a safe, controlled environment, eventually learning that the “threats” they’re worried about are not actually very dangerous. For example, someone who fears heights might visit progressively taller buildings under the guidance of their therapist (in vivo exposure), while someone with PTSD might revisit traumatic memories in therapy sessions (imaginary exposure).

Previously, and still today, exposure mainly happens in carefully controlled real-world scenarios. However, VR allows therapists to create that safe, controlled environment inside a VR headset instead. It’s a far safer, quicker and less expensive option.

Using VR also gives therapists much more control over the intensity of their patients’ experiences, and has the ability to measure body metrics to determine objective findings and response, which can all lead to better treatment outcomes. 

During 15 to 60-minute follow-up visits, he offers additional therapy sessions and assessments to ensure your treatment works effectively. Dr. Shah can alter treatments whenever necessary to provide long-lasting results.

To learn more about virtual reality technology at Shah Psychiatry and find out if it’s right for you, call the office or book online today.