VA Expands Virtual Reality Therapy to Reach More Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is partnering with Mynd Immersive to expand virtual reality (VR) therapy to 45 additional VA medical centers across the country. This move supports the VA’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on opioids and improve care for chronic pain, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress (PTSD) among veterans. Mynd Immersive’s platform integrates AI and spatial computing to create immersive healthcare experiences. The VA’s Pain Management, Opioid Safety, and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program already emphasize non-pharmacological treatments, making VR therapy a natural fit. Chris Brickler, CEO and co-founder of Mynd Immersive, highlights the technology’s potential to address overlapping conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and cognitive decline in aging veterans. The expansion responds to persistent care gaps, as over half of VA patients experience chronic pain, and many veterans struggle with PTSD, anxiety, or depression. Mynd’s VR environments aim to engage patients by simulating real-world experiences, such as relaxation exercises or physical therapy in virtual landscapes. Research conducted by the VA shows reductions in pain intensity and anxiety, validating the approach as a complementary tool. Unlike traditional digital health tools, VR therapy replaces passive interaction with fully simulated environments, enhancing engagement. Clinicians use VR headsets paired with tailored experiences, like a patient recovering from shoulder mobility performing exercises while immersed in a virtual meadow. Studies suggest patients complete two to three times more therapeutic work in VR than through conventional methods. The VA’s validation of Mynd’s platform underscores its role in modernizing veteran care. By combining immersive technology with clinical research, the initiative offers a scalable solution to long-standing mental and physical health challenges faced by veterans.