Automated virtual reality therapy has been shown to help people with psychosis recover, in the largest ever clinical trial of VR for mental health.

The study, delivered by nine NHS Trusts including Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, was led by researchers at the University of Oxford and Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and funded by the National Institute for Health Research.

The gameChange programme targets intense fears about being outside in everyday situations, which can develop into severe agoraphobia and keep patients housebound. With a virtual coach guiding them, users practise activities like riding a bus or shopping in safe virtual simulations — no real-life therapist is needed.

Patients received about six 30-minute sessions. The biggest benefits were seen in those with the most challenging problems, and improvements were still present six months later. The therapy has since received a positive Early Value Assessment from NICE.

The breakthrough matters because therapist shortages limit access to care. Automated VR could reach millions who currently get none.