This patented project uses the cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) technology in conjunction with telepsychiatry to bring exposure therapy to real-life contexts.

The purpose is to overcome the geographical barriers for access to trained therapists, provide therapists with a variety of feared objects and situations at their command, to use for exposure therapy, and help contextualization of safety learning in as many real-life environments as possible. The patient’s AR headset wirelessly connects to the therapist’s computer where the therapist can see a 3D map of the patient’s environment. From a drop-down menu the therapist can choose the type (spider, dog, snake or different types), color, size, and behavior of the virtual objects for exposure therapy. Our clinical trial showed impressive results, where all patients treated for fear of spiders, were able to touch a real live tarantula, or the tank containing it in less than one hour during one session treatment.