Virtual Reality & Mental Health

Our research group is implementing Virtual Reality (VR) technologies to assist with the delivery of immersive and evidence-based psychological interventions.

Below, you will find more information about our current VR projects.

Virtual Reality assisted therapy to treat social anxiety

VR-SAD (in partnership with InVirtuo): An innovative VR platform providing various environments involving people. Those are use to provide exposure to anxiety-provoking situations. We are currently conducting a study where we are providing our VR-assisted social anxiety intervention to young people with a first episode of psychosis.

By creating immersive, interactive environments, VR-SAD helps individuals identify and challenge perceived social threats, gradually reducing avoidance behaviors and fostering healthier social interactions.

Virtual Reality & Cognitive Behavior Therapy

VR-CBT (in partnership with InVirtuo): a culturally adapted, VR-assisted Cognitive Behavioral Therapy developed with and for the Inuit communities in Quebec.

This project leverages virtual reality—enhanced with psychophysiological measures and biofeedback—to provide a culturally safe therapeutic environment to develop strategies to better cope with anxiety.

Virtual Reality in the treatment of auditory hallucinations

AvatarTherapy (in partnership with HekaVR): A cutting-edge virtual reality solution for treating auditory hallucinations.

In AvatarTherapy, patients work with their therapist to create a digital avatar of their voice, enabling a controlled, constructive dialogue that empowers the patient, reduces anxiety, and offers tangible control over their symptoms.

Virtual Reality to bring the outdoors
to those who can’t access it

ToujoursDimanche (in partnership with SuperSublime): an immersive experience that brings the beauty of nature indoors for those currently hospitalized for a mental health problem.

ToujoursDimanche is designed to break isolation, soothe anxiety, stimulate the senses, and evoke cherished memories—providing moments of wonder and a connection to the natural world for individuals who are currently hospitalized.

Virtual Reality to improve children's experience
during brain imaging procedures

MissionControl is a space-themed VR simulation designed to improve the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experience for young patients between 6 and 12 years old.

By combining storytelling, playful gamification, and engaging visuals and head-tracking technology, it turns the MRI scan procedure into an educational and fun journey to the moon.

This innovative platform helps children familiarize themselves with the MRI process in a safe, controlled environment while practicing the stillness needed for a successful scan.

Currently in development, MissionControl's prototype won first place at the McGillXR hackathon in 2024.