Skip to Content

VR vs. PTSD

Dr. Skip Rizzo, Psychologist

A VR system called Bravemind allows combat veterans with PTSD to confront and process their trauma in a virtual environment. The therapy, developed by psychologist Skip Rizzo, shows promise for PTSD and potential for other issues like phobias and addiction – and it may have applications to help healing more broadly. But does the potential for harm from virtual self-medication outweigh the good it can do? And given some disturbing new research on how VR affects the brain – is it as safe as it seems?

STE_Ep15_VR-PTSD_HomePage_585

“Trauma is all over the place. But with veterans, I think that they deserve our best effort.”

— Skip Rizzo, USC

Transcript

Transcript: