Abstract

This research explores the implementation and perceived effectiveness of Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) as a supplemental treatment for anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias in the Philippine healthcare setting. Grounded in Classical Conditioning Theory and Emotional Processing Theory, the study analyses how immersive virtual environments may aid in patient recovery by offering controlled exposure and emotional reprocessing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with medical practitioners and patients who have used or administered VRT.

Results showed that while VRT offers unique benefits such as increased patient engagement and a sense of safety during exposure, its availability, cost, and lack of cultural localization remain major limitations. Both patient and medical practitioners emphasized the importance of integrating VRT with traditional therapy instead of using it as a replacement. Based on these findings, a multimedia solution was developed in the form of a web-based feature animation that illustrates the VRT process, including pre-session, session, and post-session steps. This project aims to improve patient awareness and practitioner guidance through accessible and culturally relevant visual storytelling.

Introduction

Mental health issues such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias are becoming increasingly recognized in the Philippines. While awareness is improving, many people continue to face difficulties in getting proper treatment. Standard approaches, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, or medication are commonly used by therapists. However, this method isn’t always accessible or suitable for everyone. Some patients may feel too overwhelmed by this, or they may not have consistent access to professionals trained in this kind of therapy. Because of this, alternative treatment methods are gaining attention, especially those that involve new technologies. An example is Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT), which uses immersive simulations to help people safely confront their phobias and traumas in a controlled, virtual space. Carl et al. (2019) and Fodor et al. (2018) conducted studies abroad which suggest that Virtual Reality Therapy can be just as effective as real-life exposure, offering a more flexible and often less intimidating approach.

Despite its growing success in other countries, Virtual Reality Therapy is still not widely practiced or fully understood in the Philippine setting. There is little information available on how local therapists use this technology, how patients respond to it, and whether it fits the needs of Filipino users.This gap in knowledge raises the need to explore how Virtual Reality Therapy is currently being used in the Philippines and how it compares to the more familiar, traditional techniques. Understanding the differences and the real-world impact of Virtual Reality Therapy is important, especially as the country continues to search for better and more inclusive mental health solutions. This research aims to examine whether VR can be a practical tool in treating anxiety, PTSD, and phobias in a local context—especially for people who might not benefit fully from conventional therapy.

The goal of this study is to learn more about how VR-based therapy is applied here in the Philippines, whether it offers a meaningful advantage or disadvantage over traditional methods. Through gathering insights from Virtual Reality Therapy medical practitioners and patients who have experienced VR-based treatment, this research hopes to highlight both the possibilities and the limitations of using VR for psychological treatment.

To guide this investigation, the study is shaped by the following research questions:

1. What is the difference between Virtual Reality Therapy and traditional exposure therapy that is practiced here in the Philippines?
2. What is the process of Virtual Reality Therapy here in the Philippines?
3. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of Virtual Reality Therapy for patients with anxiety, PTSD, and phobias?

By addressing these questions, the research hopes to contribute to the growing discussion about how multimedia technologies like VR can help improve mental health care in the country.