Feasibility, Appropriateness, and Willingness to Use Virtual Reality as an Adjunct to Counseling among Addictions Counselors
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21645271 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Tyler B Wray (0000-0003-4545-9141, Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA, corresponding author), Noah N Emery (0000-0002-4891-2303, Colorado State University) |
| Year | 2022 |
| Volume | 57 |
| Issue | 9 |
| Pages | 1470-1477 |
| Publication date | 2022-07-29 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Substance Use & Misuse (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1082-6084 • E-ISSN: 1532-2491 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/10826084.2022.2092148 |
| OpenAlex | W4283525312 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 37 |
Introduction Research suggests that virtual reality (VR) experiences can be helpful as adjunctive tools in psychotherapy for some mental health conditions. VR is a computer-generated experience that produces a feeling of being immersed in a different environment. VR experiences could be useful in the treatment of substance use disorders, and several are currently being tested. However, few psychotherapists report using VR experiences in their practices, even when doing so is well-supported. Understanding key barriers and concerns about using VR among drug/alcohol counselors is important to ultimately encouraging adoption.Methods Licensed counselors (N = 101) who provide treatment to clients with substance use disorders were recruited via email Listservs, professional organizations, and social media. Participants viewed a 15-minute educational video about VR and then completed a survey of their views about using it with their clients.Results Most clinicians (82%) believed they would be likely to use a VR experience in drug/alcohol counseling, and 81% believed it would be appropriate for most of their clients. A minority (19%) noted important concerns, including that their clients may be skeptical of it (15%), cost (14%), and space (10%). Those who had cost and space concerns were less likely to report high use intentions (OR = 0.29 and OR = 031, both p < .05, respectively).Conclusions Findings suggest that addictions counselors are eager to use VR, but key barriers should be addressed. VR developers should incorporate features to encourage trust among users, design experiences for small spaces, and explore ways of supporting the purchase of VR systems for counselors
Addiction · Adjunct · Feeling · Medical education · Mental health · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Virtual reality · Applied Psychology · Computer Science · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology · Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery · Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation · Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
| Highly cited | No |
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