This research will evaluate a new virtual reality (VR) intervention to support youth with depression and anxiety. While VR has shown promise for adult mental health, little is known about its use in youth or routine clinical care. The VR intervention is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and immerses young people in fun, engaging environments to teach practical coping skills for managing distress. Clinicians within youth mental health services will use the VR intervention within their routine treatment of young people. The study will evaluate both the preliminary effectiveness of the VR intervention for improving youth mental health, as well as real-world implementation outcomes to understand how it can be successfully adopted in clinical settings. The trial will use a single-group, pre-post design, with treating clinicians delivering the intervention to up to 75 young people seeking treatment for depression and anxiety over a 12-week period. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately after the intervention (12 weeks), and four weeks post-intervention (16 weeks).
Aged between 12-25 years (inclusive)
Current client of a participating youth mental health service
Seeking or receiving treatment for depression and/or anxiety
Sufficient command of the English language
Moderate or severe audio or visual condition precluding engagement with the VR equipment (assessed on a case-by-case basis)
Counter indication based on clinical judgement e.g., active suicidal risk or intellectual disability.