Virtual Reality Behavioral Health (VRBH)

A Program of the Pacific Telehealth & Technology Hui / TATRC

Researchers from the Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Health Care System and Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii are partnering with multi-disciplinary teams from highly respected research and healthcare institutions to develop virtual reality (VR) applications for behavioral health problems. VRBH program objectives are to develop VR applications to evaluate and treat behavioral health conditions; to better understand the strengths and limitations of VR technology; and to explore the application of other new technologies in behavioral health care. Currently, the program has several collaborative research projects underway, including the comparison of different display technologies in arousing nicotine craving or anger, the value of VR in treating combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder, and its effectiveness as a pain reduction tool.

For more information on the Virtual Reality Behavioral Health Research Program, contact the program's Co-Directors:

Sarah D. Miyahira, Ph.D.
VA Pacific Islands Health Care System and Pacific Telehealth & Technology Hui
Director of Intramural Research
Telephone (808) 433-1912
Fax: (808) 433-1920
Email: sarah.miyahira@va.gov

Raymond Folen, Ph.D.
Tripler Army Medical Center - Department of Psychology
Chief, Behavioral Health Services
Telephone: (808) 433-5865
Fax: (808) 433-1466
Email: Raymond.Folen@amedd.army.mil

WARNING! This is a Department of Defense (DoD) interest computer system. All DoD computer systems are subject to monitoring at all times to ensure proper functioning of equipment and systems, including security devices, to prevent unauthorized use and violations of statutes and security regulations, to deter criminal activity, and for other similar purposes. If monitoring of this or any other DoD computer system reveals possible evidence of violation of criminal statutes, this evidence and any other related information, including identification information about the user may be provided to law enforcement officials. UNCLASSIFIED, NON-SENSITIVE, NON-PRIVACY ACT USE ONLY