This presentation explores the clinical and technological foundations of Avatar Therapy in Virtual Reality (VR)—a novel, immersive intervention enabling patients with schizophrenia and related disorders to externalize and engage with distressing voices or intrusive thoughts through customizable, therapist-guided avatars. Grounded in exposure, cognitive restructuring, and empowerment principles, Avatar Therapy bridges digital simulation with psychotherapeutic practice.

Findings from The Challenge Trial, conducted by Virtu Research Group, demonstrate significant reductions in auditory hallucination severity, frequency and assertiveness. The study highlights both high patient engagement and therapist acceptability, confirming the feasibility of VR-delivered psychotherapy in complex psychiatric populations.

Beyond psychosis, the approach shows promise for eating disorders (embodying the eating disorder voice and externalisation) and OCD (increasing disorder awareness and symptom reduction). Further exploring the possibility and effect of telehealth treatment to extend access and scalability.

Finally, we outline an implementation roadmap within Danish public psychiatry, encompassing clinician training, digital infrastructure integration, and ethical safeguards. This initiative aims to drive access to evidence-based, technology-enhanced mental health care.