Virtual reality: using the virtual world to improve quality of life in the real world

Mental health professionals are increasingly integrating advances in technology to improve the health of those in their care (American Psychological Association, 2000). The authors describe the immersive properties of virtual reality and its importance for clinical purposes and then review the literature describing current clinical applications of virtual reality (VR) and research documenting its efficacy. Virtual reality has been used in the treatment of specific phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and pain management.