# Simulated Exposure Trainer (SET-VR): Implementing Targeted Experiential Training with a Virtual Patient

> **NIH NIH R41** · VIRTUALLY BETTER, INC. · 2023 · $234,159

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Despite the existence of numerous, well-established evidence-based practices (EBPs) for mental disorders, it
has been difficult to disseminate these practices in community settings. Exposure therapy for anxiety disorders
represents one of the most glaring examples of this research-to-practice gap. Just as patients are anxious about
approaching their fears, therapists are often reluctant to use exposure therapy due to their own anxious beliefs
that it may be dangerous and/or intolerable for patients, even after receiving specialized exposure training.
Emerging training research suggests the inclusion of targeted behavioral strategies (i.e., role play, self-exposure)
can reduce anxious beliefs above and beyond standard didactic training sessions. By leveraging the same
behavior change principles that reduce patient anxiety (i.e., exposure), behavioral strategies can be tailored to
target therapists’ anxious beliefs about the treatment (i.e., conduct training as “exposure to exposure”).
Unfortunately, current experiential training tasks have failed to closely replicate commonly feared clinical
contexts, and as a result lack the necessary potency to potentially overcome therapist-level barriers for uptake
and quality treatment delivery following training. Virtual reality (VR) has demonstrated utility as a potent and cost-
effective approach for delivering exposure. We plan to investigate the application of VR as a tailored training tool
(i.e., virtual “exposure to exposure” for therapists) capable of enhancing the quantity and quality of experiential
learning that is lacking in current exposure training initiatives. The proposed 20-month Phase I STTR study will
test the implementation of a VR training program delivered on two platforms (i.e., VR headset and web-based)
to assess which platform provides the ideal balance of immersion, usability, target engagement, and scalability.
The study takes place in three stages: 1) initial development, 2) iterative evaluation and development to optimize
usability, 3) clinical training trial to establish target engagement. Usability and target engagement information
from this pilot trial will support a Phase II STTR project aimed at building out and broadly disseminating the VR-
enhanced training approach.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10677031
- **Project number:** 5R41MH131229-02
- **Recipient organization:** VIRTUALLY BETTER, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Margo Adams Larsen
- **Activity code:** R41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $234,159
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2022-08-04 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10677031

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10677031, Simulated Exposure Trainer (SET-VR): Implementing Targeted Experiential Training with a Virtual Patient (5R41MH131229-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10677031. Licensed CC0.

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