Can VR therapy cure your fear of spiders? new study tests doxy.me VR

NCT ID NCT07558824

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two types of therapy for adults afraid of dogs, spiders, or snakes: one uses virtual reality (Doxy.me VR) and the other uses standard photos and videos. Both are delivered via telehealth. Researchers want to see if VR feels more realistic and reduces phobia severity better. 240 adults with high fear scores will participate in 7 weekly sessions.

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 delivered via Doxy.me VR
What this could lead to
If successful, this could offer a more effective and accessible way to treat specific phobias using virtual reality from home.
What could go wrong
This is a Phase 2 trial with 240 participants, so results are preliminary. The VR approach may not work better than standard telehealth, and individual responses may vary.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of South Florida

    Tampa, Florida, 33613, United States