Can a VR headset help you overcome social anxiety?

NCT ID NCT07437872

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether virtual reality (VR) exposure therapy can help people with social anxiety. Participants will use an Apple Vision Pro headset to practice social situations, with different levels of interaction. The goal is to understand how VR therapy works and whether it can be done without a therapist present. About 45 adults with social anxiety disorder will take part.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Virtual reality exposure therapy using the ExpandXR platform on Apple Vision Pro

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward effective self-guided or minimally assisted VR treatments for social anxiety, making therapy more accessible.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study (45 participants) focused on testing mechanisms, not proving a treatment works. Results may not apply to everyone, and self-guided VR therapy has had mixed success in the past.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

social phobia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Palo Alto University Mountain View Campus

    RECRUITING

    Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact