Below are listed are some of our current research projects.

If you are interested in participating, please reach out to the primary research investigator. Contact details are listed under each research.

Delivery of Mental Health Services for Ontario Youth Using CBT in Virtual Reality

Primary Investigator: Dr. Nicole Luke
Project lead: Pathstone Mental Health (Niagara)

What’s the issue? The prevalence of anxiety disorders among children and young people has increased in recent years. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for young people with anxiety, but treatment completion rates may be affected by distance delivery – the primary mode of therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s the innovation? Pathstone Mental Health, in partnership with Brock University and XpertVR, will offer CBT using a virtual reality mode of delivery to children and young people with anxiety. Unlike typical modes of distance delivery, virtual reality facilitates the important social connection between therapists and clients. While virtual reality has been used to deliver CBT, it has not been used on children, young people, or in Ontario.

What impact is anticipated? It is expected that children and young people will find virtual space comfortable and safe, making them more likely to complete treatment. This innovation has the potential to improve the effectiveness of CBT for this age group, particularly among those who live in rural areas.