# Low-Cost, Virtual Reality System to Increase Access to Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders

> **NIH NIH R44** · MINNESOTA HEALTHSOLUTIONS CORPORATION · 2020 · $283,655

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
Minnesota HealthSolutions (MHS) in conjunction with the Mayo Clinic and Limbix proposes to develop a low-
cost, virtual reality system that provides realistic and responsive exposures for childhood anxiety disorders
(CAD) and obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD). Anxiety disorders are one of the most common childhood
mental health diagnoses, yet as many as 70% of youth receive little or no treatment. Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (CBT) is well supported by the research as an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. A key
component to successful CBT for treating anxiety disorders is the inclusion of fear provoking exposures. Virtual
reality exposure therapy (VRET) has demonstrated efficacy and acceptability in the treatment of several
anxiety disorders, including specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and agoraphobia, post-
traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder and has been used effectively with children. VR
creates an immersive, multimedia experience that is three-dimensional. In the past, the cost of systems has
put them out of the price range of most therapists and has made them available only as in-office tool. It is
hypothesized that more patients with anxiety disorders will receive effective treatment by the development of a
low-cost, VR system to provide exposure therapy.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10005459
- **Project number:** 5R44MH109190-04
- **Recipient organization:** MINNESOTA HEALTHSOLUTIONS CORPORATION
- **Principal Investigator:** Sara Seifert
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $283,655
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-03-08 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10005459

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10005459, Low-Cost, Virtual Reality System to Increase Access to Exposure Therapy for Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (5R44MH109190-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10005459. Licensed CC0.

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