Ongoing Studies

Do you avoid dogs, snakes, or spiders because of fear? You’re not alone – and you don’t have to face it by yourself. Join a groundbreaking study testing a new Virtual Reality Clinic designed to help you confront your fears safely from the comfort of your home. Through guided, immersive therapy sessions, you’ll gradually practice facing the animals that scare you, build confidence, and gain practical tools to manage anxiety in real life.

As a participant, you may receive therapy at no cost, be compensated for your time, and contribute to research that could help countless others overcome similar fears. All sessions are conducted by trained researchers and supervised under strict ethical standards, so you can feel safe while making meaningful progress. Take the first step toward fearless confidence – sign up today and be part of this innovative, life-changing study.

• Participants may receive support for their phobias at no cost.
• Participants will be compensated for participating in this study. Compensation will only be provided to eligible participants who complete the study.
• Participants may experience significant reductions in their fear of snakes, dogs, or spiders.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with a fear of dogs, snakes, and/or spiders in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• You will receive a detailed outline of all details of the study, including treatment, risks, and procedures, and you will be given the chance to ask study staff questions before you decide whether to participate.
• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

Who Can Participate:

• Adults who have a strong fear of dogs, snakes, and/or spiders.
• Individuals with regular access to the internet and a computer or smartphone capable of video conferencing.
• Adults willing and able to participate in 7, 1-hour weekly virtual sessions and follow-up assessment appointments.

Who Cannot Participate:

• Individuals with health conditions that require upcoming planned or likely hospitalization or intensive treatment.
• Adults who are currently receiving mental health therapy or have stable therapy arrangements.
• Adults who have experienced photosensitive seizures within the prior 6 months.

The study team will explain the research in its entirety, but some details include:

• Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires and a short interview about their fears and mental health to determine eligibility.
• Participants will be asked to take part in 7 weekly telehealth therapy sessions, either using virtual reality with a headset or standard telehealth with photos/videos, practicing exposure therapy, and doing daily at-home exercises.
• Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at mid-point and end of therapy to assess progress, as well as answer brief questions after each session. There will also be a 3-month follow-up assessment.

Interested in Participating?

Click here!