Applications of AR and VR in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy

In an article from April 2023, published by Psychedelic Spotlight, Alexandra Plesner explores the innovative intersection of psychedelic-assisted therapy with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. This cutting-edge combination shows promise in revolutionizing mental health treatment by enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of psychedelic therapy. The article highlights how VR and AR can complement psychedelic therapy across all phases of treatment. During preparation, these technologies can simulate psychedelic experiences to reduce anxiety and set expectations. In the active session, they can provide grounding and create calming, nature-based environments. For integration, VR and AR assist in recalling insights and supporting the "window of plasticity" for lasting changes.

According to experts cited in the article, including Manesh Girn from EntheoTech Bioscience and Agnieszka Sekula from Enosis Therapeutics, the integration of VR and AR with psychedelic therapy offers numerous benefits. These include improved congruence across therapy phases, enhanced personalization, potential for lower psychedelic doses, and increased accessibility. While challenges such as technological barriers and the need for further research remain, this synergistic approach holds significant potential for transforming mental health care.