# Immersive Therapy Virtual reality-based therapy experiences offer immersive treatments. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Jul 26, 2022 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/immersive-therapy ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 7 ## What is the Immersive Therapy trend? **Immersive Therapy:** Virtual reality's purposes extend far beyond gaming and recreation--and the technology is now being used to create immersive therapy treatments. These treatments offer visual and other sensory immersions that help guide people through stress, phobias, or other mental health concerns. ## The consumer insight behind the Immersive Therapy trend The use of technology to aid in the physical and mental wellbeing of consumers has become increasingly popular. In-particular, the lack of accessibility of more traditional mental health services has made consumers more open to alternatives that they might find easier to integrate into their routines and budgets. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 7 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 25, 2021 to Dec 22, 2022 - Published: Jul 26, 2022 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Immersive Therapy trend ### Virtual reality-based therapy The use of immersive VR experiences in therapy has become increasingly popular as consumers seek alternatives to traditional mental health services. ### Scent-enabled VR therapy Using technology to trigger scents during VR experiences has become a useful tool for clinicians conducting cognitive and behavioral therapy practices. ### VR-powered therapy tools The use of VR-powered technologies has enabled the development of interactive and accessible therapy sessions for patients with mental health conditions such as phobias, PTSD and anxiety. ## What the Immersive Therapy trend means for industry ### For Healthcare Technology The healthcare industry can capitalize on the use of immersive VR experiences to provide patients with accessible and interactive therapy solutions. ### For Mental Health Services The mental health industry can offer scent-enabled VR experiences as a useful cognitive and behavioral therapy tool to deepen immersion in VR experiences while promoting relaxation and stress management. ### For Wellness Apps The wellness industry can leverage VR technology to create meditation apps, using interactive breathing exercises and psychedelic experiences to help people cope with stress and anxiety. ## Workshop question How could your brand create more distinct experiences around its product/service? ## Trend signals for Immersive Therapy Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 71%, activity 48%, freshness 14%. - Popularity: 71% - Activity: 48% - Freshness: 14% ## Examples of the Immersive Therapy trend 7 featured examples from Jun 25, 2021 to Dec 22, 2022. - [Scent-Enabled VR Therapy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ketamin-one): Ketamine One Partners with OVR to Diversify Mental Health Offerings (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunities for mental health clinics, hospitals, and private practices to expand their offerings with VR-based treatments that leverage the benefits of olfactory stimulation an… - [Healing VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healing-vr-experiences): St Giles Hospice Immerses Hospice Patients in Soothing Environments (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Healthcare technology companies can benefit from developing virtual reality therapy products for patients in hospitals and hospice care settings. - [VR-Powered ADHD Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vr-eyetracking-game): This VR Eye-Tracking Game Could Help with ADHD Diagnoses (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The healthcare industry could benefit from VR and machine learning-based tools for diagnosing and treating conditions such as ADHD. - [VR-Powered Therapy Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rey-1): Rey Leverages VR Technology to Offer Immersive Therapy Solutions (Category: Tech) Implication: Industry professionals in the mental health field can integrate VR technology into their practice, and tech entrepreneurs can explore new ventures in the digital mental health spa… - [All Ages Therapeutic VR](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-bahia): Studio Bahia is Creating Virtual Reality Therapy Experiences for All Ages (Category: Social Good) Implication: The mental health industry can leverage therapeutic VR experiences, particularly in providing innovative and effective treatment options for clients. - [Virtual Reality Meditation Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-reality-meditation): TRIPP Shares a Gamified Experience with Breathing Exercises (Category: Tech) Implication: Opportunity for the VR industry to provide immersive experiences combining entertainment and wellness - [Phobia-Fighting VR Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ovrcome): oVRcome is a Virtual Reality Applicaton That Helps People Overcome Fears (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The mental health industry could integrate virtual reality technology to provide innovative treatment options and improve the overall efficacy of traditional treatment methods. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)