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Online Virtual Reality Therapy
Proven, Effective & Simple
| in New Jersey |
Online Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT) is a new and emerging mental health service that offers clients a way to engage in therapy in a safe & efficient way from their home n New Jersey. Online Virtual Reality Therapy has proven effective for various mental health conditions, such as phobias, OCD, pain management, PTSD and ADHD.
VRT simulates real-world situations through software loaded into virtual reality technology. For example, individual problems affecting lifestyle can be programmed into the technology to assist in personalized therapy. Above all, Mind by Design Counseling is proud to offer clients this innovative and effective therapy.
Mind by Design Counseling offers focused and dedicated mental health professionals trained with this new efficient treatment modality. Therefore, Virtual Reality Therapy produces any environment to simulate an individual plan for each client. As a result, VRT can treat anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobias, mood disorders, and PTSD. This gives us the ability to create individualized treatment plans according to client needs are easily provided.
What is Online Virtual Reality Therapy?
Virtual Reality Therapy in New Jersey allows users to interact in real-world situations. The computer-generated simulation triggers the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions. Anxiety-inducing experiences in VRT will enable the user to identify the trigger, recognize their signs and symptoms, and institute coping mechanisms. Furthermore, this therapy’s benefits include navigating real-life situations along with body-regulation skill building through heart rate monitoring, eye movement monitoring and muscle relaxation exercises.
New to Virtual Reality?
We Got you Covered.
If we haven’t convinced you yet, you may be surprised to learn that VR therapy treats numerous mental health issues. This includes OCD and phobias, along with treats eating disorders, grief, loss, and substance use disorders.VR therapy is safe and effective, with small cohorts of individuals experiencing side effects, such as vertigo or headaches. To ensure safety and comfort, we walk through an assessment process to confirm that you are a good candidate for VRTherapy, absent from potential side effects. Furthermore, clients with a history of seizures or schizophrenia may not be a good match for this therapy.
That being said, a therapist trained with VRT can determine the best therapy for each client. Online Virtual reality Therapy in New Jersey is effective in the treatment of many mental health conditions due to its adaptability, accessibility and ease of use. First, the ability to customize real-life situations to meet the patient’s needs produces faster and more efficient progress. Secondly, individual triggers loaded into the program can allow practice using newly learned coping mechanisms. Lastly, the user and therapist can monitor and review this technology.
Online Virtual Reality Therapy Treatment Uses
Phobias & Fears
VR Therapy used in in Conjunction with somatic Work
Panic Disorder
Supports emotional regulation skills, stress response skills, & cognitive restructuring.
Social Anxiety
Public speaking, school anxiety, assertiveness training & communication skills
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Customizing specific events related to fear, anxiety & stress reactions
PTSD
Using customized exposures that create sense of safety, control and practice of mindfulness
Depression
Supports for Mood & emotion regulation
Chronic Pain
To strengthen client’s ability for body-focused attention, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness and CBT skills.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Supports for distress tolerance, exposure to stress stimuli in controlled and safe environment
How we treat Phobias with online Virtual Reality THerapy
Historically, Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) has been seen as the most effective treatment for phobias and OCD, However, with the use of VR, exposure has become more accessible, safe, and comfortable for clients who may would be unable to practice exposure in real life situations (i.e., flying on an airplane). Because ERP is an effective and established treatment, VR offers a supportive and complimentary aid. Instead of in-person exposures, clients are able to access virtual reality therapy from the comfort of their home.
In addition, VRT is a more detailed version of exposure therapy. For example, the environment within the software can be programmed to match the type of phobia being treated. Consequently, real-world experiences are controlled within the software allowing additional opportunities exposure therapy cannot offer in a safe environment.
Want to know more about phobia treatment?
Click here to read about our phobia specialists in NJ.
Phobias Treated with
Online Virtual Reality Therapy
The following phobias are treated using the VRT system:
- Enochlophobia: fear or stress related to crowds
- Amaxophobia – fear or stress related to driving
- Claustrophobia – an intense fear or stress related to being trapped in small spaces
- Glossophobia – fear or stress related to public speaking
- Acrophobia – fear or stress related to heights
- Escalaphobia – fear or stress related to escalators
- Aquaphobia – fear of or stress related to swimming
- Thalassophobia – fear or stress related to drowning in deep waters
- Nosocomephobia – fear or stress related to hospitals
- Trypanophobia – fear or stress related to needles
- Tomophobia – fear or stress related to medical procedures
- Arachnophobia – an or stress related to an intense fear of spiders
- Aviophobia – an extreme fear or stress related to flying
- Agoraphobia – fear or stress related to where escape is not possible
Research has shown that incorporating somatic work teaches skills to regulate physical sensations that correspond with anxiety and phobias. Therefore, the use of VRT with other traditional therapy will result in higher client success rates. As a result, treatment is planned to meet individual challenges. Consequently, working with VRT as an essential tool is a time-saving benefit to reaching client goals.
What to Expect In
Online Virtual Reality Therapy
The process of using Virtual Reality Therapy begins with an assessment performed by a professional therapist. First, the therapist will do an evaluation to identify the client’s needs. Secondly, healthy coping mechanisms are taught and practiced to manage triggers in a controlled environment. Lastly, as the client uses VRT, the program can be paused and later reviewed to work with the therapist to evaluate progress.
Furthermore, veterans with PTSD have been using VRT for many years because the progress has been quick and successful. Social anxiety has proven successful with VRT when used with group therapy. Some research has indicated that clients who use VRT for mindfulness, relaxation, and grounding have achieved their goals more quickly without the VRT system. According to the client’s needs and goals, the treatment plan can integrate other treatment modalities with the VRT.
Why New Jersey Residents
Are Choosing Virtual Reality Therapy
In addition to the ease and comfort of online virtual reality therapy, a great benefit of this modality is that the therapist and client are able to actively monitor progress and assess areas of strength and need via the VR platform. Not only can client’s see their progress in real-time, but each environment is customizable to meet the clients unique needs. Additionally listed below are some of the notable benefits of using online Virtual Reality Therapy:
- The environments are digitally natural, complex, and believable
- Clients have complete control over the environment and degrees of exposure
- Settings in the virtual environment can be personalized for objects, sounds, and movement directly related to the client’s needs
- VR allows clients to practice skills as the environmetns can be repeated; this is a core element of exposure therapy
- Adjustments to stimuli can be made as needed
- Continual improvements in software, easy to use, adaptable to client’s need
- Replay is available, and results can be saved for client and therapist review and assessment
- Option for exposures that are difficult to arrange when in real-life settings (i.e., airplanes, heights, etc)
Get Linked to A Specialist for
Online Virtual Reality Therapy
Rebecca Sidoti, LCSW
Owner & Therapist
Ketamine Provider
VR Therapist
OCD & Anxiety Expert
VR Therapist
OCD & Anxiety Expert
Kristin Justice
Licensed Associate Counselor
Expert in:
Grief & Loss
Women’s Mental Health
Stress & Adjustments
Grief & Loss
Women’s Mental Health
Stress & Adjustments
Caroline Goodhines
Clinical Intern
Looking for affordable therapy? Check out our “Pay What You Can” Program here
Maria Rice
Clinical Intern
Looking for affordable therapy? Check out our “Pay What You Can” Program here
Denise Spivey
Clinical Intern
Looking for affordable therapy? Check out our “Pay What You Can” Program here
Mind by Design has trained therapists using this technology if you are searching for an opportunity to use Virtual Reality Therapy in New Jersey. VRT offers a customizable approach to treating phobias, anxieties, and other mental health conditions with this highly effective therapy. Incorporating additional treatments if needed, Mind by Design offers a diverse therapy opportunity utilizing this exciting new concept in therapy. Contact us through the website or by phone to begin treatment.
FAQ's about online therapy at Mind by DEsign
How do I get started as a new client?
New Clients can reach out to us directly via call, text or email here:
Or, you can complete a new client form and we’ll reach out to you within 24 hours here:
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.
Does my insurance cover my visits?
We provide”Courtesy Billing” for clients who are using the Out-of-network insurance benefits.
Our Insurance Page shares a small blurb about Why We Left Insurance Panels
Do you offer traditional talk therapy?
of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information
Is Online Therapy As Effective As In-Person Therapy?
Online therapy is essentially face-to-face counseling, just conducted remotely. Studies show that teletherapy is as effective as traditional counseling. Professional organizations and state governments recognize its benefits and have set regulations for it. However, like any therapy, its success in achieving your goals isn’t guaranteed. It’s important to discuss with your therapist whether teletherapy is working for you.
Can I Change Therapists If I'm Not Happy?
Yes, you can switch therapists to another provider within the practice, or we can provide you a referral if preferred. We want to ensure that your time and effort are well spent, and that you are getting the relief you need, that’s why we work collaboratively with each other in the practice, as well as outside therapists who we know and trust.
How Do I Know If Therapy Is Helping?
You should feel like you’re making progress. Signs it’s working include:
Feeling comfortable talking to your therapist
Your therapist respects boundaries
You’re moving towards your goals
You feel listened to
You’re doing better in life
Your self-esteem is getting better
Is Online Therapy Easy to Use for Non-Tech-Savvy People?
Yes, it’s pretty simple to access sessions. You’ll need basic internet skills, such as opening and visiting the patient link sent to you via email. It’s similar to video chatting like Facetime or Zoom. We can also walk you through it on the phone the first time to ensure a strong connection
What Questions Should I Ask My New Therapist?
Feel free to ask anything. Some good questions are:
- How often will we meet?
- What do you specialize in?
- What experience do you have with my issue?
- What outcomes can I expect?
- How will I know I’m progressing?
- How long do you usually work with clients?
- How will we set my treatment goals?
How Should I Prepare for My First Session?
Showing up is all that you need to do! But if you really want to get the most out of session, it could help to take some time to think about what you want from therapy. It helps to write down your goals, questions you have or things that you feel are important to share.
What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?
Our Qualifications:
Our founder, Rebecca Sidoti, is a highly qualified, state-licensed therapist and supervisor with extensive training in anxiety related disorders and innovative treatment such as Ketamine Therapy. Mind by Design Counseling adheres to standards set by the our governing counseling boards.
To see each providers credentials, training and licenses, visit our “Meet the Therapists” Page to learn more.
- LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
- LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.
What Geographic Areas Are Served?
Currently, we serve clients in New Jersey and are expanding to other states as telehealth laws evolve. While telehealth offers the convenience of attending sessions from anywhere, state laws require clients to be in-state during their session.
Is Virtual Counseling Suitable for Everyone?
Online therapy might not be as effective for individuals with chronic suicidal thoughts, severe trauma, significant mental health history, or those recently in intensive care. Such cases often benefit more from traditional, in-person counseling. We’ll help you decide if our online services are right for you during your intake and evaluation.
What Equipment is Needed for Online Therapy?
To join a session, log in using the credentials we provide. No downloads are needed. Our platform, compatible with both individual and group sessions, requires:
A computer or mobile device with a webcam and internet access.
We’ll help you test your setup before your first appointment to ensure a reliable connection. iOS users should use the Safari browser for mobile and tablet sessions.
What Questions Will Therapists Ask Me?
It depends on your goals. Expect questions about your thoughts, feelings, relationships, work, school, and health. They’ll ask to understand your therapy goals.
How Do You Keep Client Information Secure?
Security and Confidentiality of Sessions:
Your privacy is crucial to us. We use TherapyNotes, a HIPAA-compliant platform, ensuring secure and confidential teletherapy sessions. This platform’s security features include encrypted video connections, secure data transfers, and encrypted databases, ensuring your information is safe at all times.
What is VRT used for?
we use VRT to support Exposure Therapy, a long standing traditional therapy modality to treat phobias, anxiety and stress. we send a headset directly to your home so you can access VRT from anywhere.
VRT not only helps with exposure therapy for phobias, but is great for ADHD, mindfulness, PTSD and social anxiety.
