Introduction
When it comes to treating mental health conditions or managing stress, traditional therapy has always been the go-to option for people. However, with the advancement in technology, virtual reality (VR) therapy has emerged as a new alternative. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at VR therapy and compare it with traditional therapy based on various aspects.
Effectiveness
Both traditional therapy and VR therapy have been proven to be effective in treating mental health conditions. According to a study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, both methods resulted in similar levels of improvement among participants with anxiety disorders. Another study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that VR therapy was as effective as traditional therapy for treating phobias.
Accessibility
Accessibility is another important aspect to consider when comparing traditional therapy and VR therapy. Traditional therapy requires in-person sessions, which can be inconvenient for some people who have busy schedules or live in remote areas. On the other hand, VR therapy can be done in the comfort of one's own home, providing more flexibility and accessibility. However, VR therapy requires equipment such as a VR headset which can be expensive or unavailable for some individuals.
Cost
When it comes to cost, traditional therapy can be expensive, especially if it involves long-term treatment. According to a report from the American Psychological Association, the average cost per therapy session can range from $75 to $150, depending on various factors. In contrast, VR therapy sessions can be more cost-effective in the long run, as they can be done at home and may not need the same level of in-person therapy sessions.
Technology Skills
VR therapy requires basic computer and technology skills, which may not be accessible to some individuals, particularly the elderly or those without access to technology. Traditional therapy, on the other hand, doesn't require any specific technology skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both traditional therapy and VR therapy have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of therapy depends on individual preferences and needs. Although VR therapy offers more accessibility and potentially more cost-effective, traditional therapy may be a better option for those who prefer face-to-face interactions with therapists or are not comfortable with technology.
References:
- Kampmann, I. L., Emmelkamp, P. M. G., Morina, N., & Zijlstra-Vlasveld, M. C. (2016). Virtual reality therapy in anxiety disorders: A systematic review of literature. In: BMC Psychiatry, 16(245), DOI: 10.1186/s12888-016-0955-1.
- Powers, M. B., & Emmelkamp, P. M. (2008). Virtual reality exposure therapy for anxiety disorders: A meta-analysis. In: Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 22(3), 561-569, DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2007.04.006.
- Tate, R. L., McDonald, S., Perdices, M., Togher, L., Schultz, R., & Savage, S. (2018). Rating the methodological quality of single-subject designs and n-of-1 trials: Introducing the Single-Case Experimental Design (SCED) Scale. In: Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 28(6), 1041–1051, DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2016.1240640.
- American Psychological Association, "What Should I Expect from Therapy" Accessed on February 14, 2022, https://www.apa.org/topics/therapy/expect