Clinical Virtual Reality and Associated Technologies, Albert "Skip Rizzo, PhD

Welcome to Discover U! On this episode, straight from the Emerging Themes Behavioral Health Conference, host JD Kalmenson (CEO of Montclair Behavioral Health) talks with the one-and-only Dr. Skip Rizzo. He's the brains behind Medical Virtual Reality at USC's Institute for Creative Technologies, and he’s got some mind-blowing stuff to share.

Dr. Rizzo breaks down how VR is becoming a total game-changer for mental well-being. You'll hear about:

(00:01:13) The awesome "Game Boy story" that first sparked his ideas for VR in brain injury rehab.
(00:03:05) What makes VR tick for therapy? Think super-controlled, immersive worlds designed for healing and growth.
(00:06:16) VR's rollercoaster history: From 90s sci-fi movies to today's powerful headsets (and how the gaming world accidentally helped fund it!).
(00:09:28) Using VR to help veterans face PTSD, new ways to support military sexual trauma survivors, and even inspiring global efforts in places like Ukraine and Israel.
(00:15:12) What therapists actually need to know to use VR – and how it can make the connection with their patients even stronger.
(00:18:00) Could VR help us build resilience and maybe even head off some mental health struggles before they start?
(00:20:07) Where can you actually find VR therapy today? (Hint: The VA is already a big believer!)
(00:26:02) The great news: VR is here to boost therapists and the crucial human connection in healing, not replace it.
If you're curious about how tech is making a real difference for people dealing with PTSD, autism, ADHD, Alzheimer's, pain, and so much more.

Follow JD at JDKalmenson.com