oVRcome app

The oVRcome app is most useful for people who have a phobia or fear and want to overcome it. Currently the app offers 7 programmes, these are targeted for fear of needles, flying, heights, public speaking, dogs, spiders and social anxiety.

The app consists of 6 modules:

• The first 4 modules are psychoeducation modules where users learn skills and techniques for managing anxiety, eg, diaphragmatic breathing and thought reframing.
• The 5th module is the virtual reality exposure therapy, this is where the user will build their exposure hierarchy from the extensive library of VR content, and experience gradual exposure. The app records a user's anxiety rating using a subjective units of distress scale (SUDS) rating which is entered using gaze control. The 5th module is where users spend the majority of their time in the app.
• Once the exposure hierarchy is completed, the 6th module is one that prepares the user for real-life exposure and also includes meditation material.

Free version (basic)

The free portion of the app allows the user to select virtual reality (VR) clips from different categories of phobias that they would like to work on in gaining confidence in managing their phobia. The selection of VR clips is limited in number and restricted to “low and medium” anxiety ones. The videos can be viewed on a handheld mobile phone, or using a VR headset (e.g. Google cardboard) for an immersive experience.

Premium version

In the premium subscription, users will be mailed a VR headset, gain access to a 2.5 hour psychoeducation program split into 6 modules and a VR library with graded exposure of the anxiety-provoking stimulus.

For the complete app description, go to the app website(external link), Google Play(external link), App Store(external link) or, for a more detailed review, see reviews below.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Dr Peter Ou, GP, FRNZCGP, Auckland
Date of review: November 2021
Platform: Apple
Version: 1.44.3
Comments: Reviewed the Trypanophobia (needle phobia) programme. oVRcome is an app that utilises virtual reality (VR) technology to help users self create a realistic programme to help manage their phobia. The main feature of the app is that it helps users manage their anxiety/phobia through graded exposure with virtual reality (VR) technology.
The free portion of the app allows the user to select a VR clips from different categories of phobias that they would like to work on gaining confidence in managing their phobia. The selection of VR clips are limited in number and restricted to “low and medium” anxiety ones. The videos can be viewed on a handheld mobile phone, or in a VR headset (e.g. Google cardboard) for an immersive experience.
In the premium subscription, users will be mailed a VR headset, gain access to a 2.5 hour psychoeducation program split into 6 modules and a VR library with graded exposure of the anxiety-provoking stimulus.
Use of the premium version enables users to receive psychoeducation about anxiety and phobia. They can learn strategies on how to manage the psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety, including diaphragmatic breathing, present moment anchoring, thought reframing and learning meditation techniques.
Users get a graded exposure to anxiety through provoking stimulus via a full range of VR clips in VR library.
Safety concerns: None – There are adequate safety messages about using VR correctly, especially when starting off.
New Zealand relevance: Yes, relevant to a New Zealand audience.

User review

Reviewer: Member of the public, Canterbury, Christchurch, NZ
Date of review: January 2022
Comments: The psychoeducation was good. It taught me a lot about where phobias come from and some skills to manage the anxiety, before doing the exposure (spiders) which you start from low and work you way up.

User review

Reviewer: Member of the public, Auckland, NZ
Date of review: January 2022
Comments: I loved this app. It was easy to use. It provided education on mindset and the Exposure Therapy clips were easy to choose (e.g. different levels to choose) to gradually build up your resilience. It worked wonders for my needle phobia and I know I can always go back to the App to continue to build my resilience. Such a life changer!