Testing Mechanisms of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety

The purpose of this study is to test mechanisms and processes of virtual reality and augmented reality exposure therapy for social anxiety. There is substantial evidence that virtual reality exposure therapy is an effective treatment for social anxiety. However, it can be difficult to access treatment that needs to be conducted in person. Tests of self-guided (without therapist assistance) virtual reality exposure therapy have had mixed efficacy and tests of augmentation offer an important method to optimize brief interventions. The study objectives are to test a wide range of possible mechanisms and approaches (ranging from single sessions in person to remotely conducted virtual reality exposure therapy) in order to advance the field. The broadness of the proposed research is to provide multiple avenues for inquiry per discussion with IRB chair Dr. Kuo. Depending on the specific line of inquiry some variations will be documented (e.g., multiple consent forms for answering different sub questions of the primary questions listed below).

NCT Number	NCT07437872
Lead Sponsor	Palo Alto University
Conditions	no Interaction VRET, Scripted Interactions VRET, Fully Customized Interactions VRET
Enrollment	45 participants
Start Date	2026-02-24
Primary Completion	2028-02-01 (estimated)
Study Completion	2028-03-01 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-03-04