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Using VR to reduce stress and anxiety

A Veteran sits in a gaming chair after using a VR headset.
Army Veteran Steven Krawczyk sits in a gaming chair after using a VR headset to reduce stress and anxiety brought on by PTSD.

By Michael Hamill, Public Affairs Specialist

Veterans receiving inpatient care through our residential rehabilitation and treatment programs are taking advantage of leisure education sessions offered through recreation therapy using virtual reality (VR) headsets.

VR as a leisure education session is used to provide enjoyment, reduce stress and promote mental clarity. 

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Erik Fernitz, at Coatesville VA works with Veterans who want to use VR as a leisure activity to promote well-being and relaxation. “Usually, what I see is a decrease in stress and anxiety following a VR session.” 

Steven Krawczyk, Army Veteran who served in Iraq, uses VR as a leisure activity to play golf on his own or up to four Veterans at a time while taking advantage of the residential programs offered at Coatesville VA. “It’s good social interaction. It’s stress relief. We come down here and joke around and mess with each other. It’s good fun between friends.”

Veterans looking for outpatient options to reduce stress and anxiety can explore the available opportunities and discuss what’s right for them by talking to their provider or calling the mental health outpatient clinic at 610-384-7711, then dial extension 6800.