Palo Alto University Mountain View Campus
Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States
Location status: Recruiting
Recruiting
NCT Number: NCT07437872
Testing Mechanisms of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety
The purpose of this study is to test mechanisms and processes of virtual reality and augmented reality exposure therapy for social anxiety. There is substantial evidence that virtual reality exposure therapy is an effective treatment for social anxiety. However, it can be difficult to access treatment that needs to be conducted in person. Tests of self-guided (without therapist assistance) virtual reality exposure therapy have had mixed efficacy and tests of augmentation offer an important method to optimize brief interventions. The study objectives are to test a wide range of possible mechanisms and approaches (ranging from single sessions in person to remotely conducted virtual reality exposure therapy) in order to advance the field. The broadness of the proposed research is to provide multiple avenues for inquiry per discussion with IRB chair Dr. Kuo. Depending on the specific line of inquiry some variations will be documented (e.g., multiple consent forms for answering different sub questions of the primary questions listed below).
Recruiting
Interested in participating?
Request InfoKey information
Age range
18 year and older
Sex eligibility
All sexes
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Not applicable
Primary location
Who can participate
Healthy volunteers accepted: No
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
- Individuals at least 18 years of age
- Located in the U.S. with sufficient proximity to Mountain View Campus to attend in person visit(s).
- Able to give consent
- Social Anxiety Disorder based on Structured Clinical Interview AND/OR self-report score cutoff (LSAS > 47).
Exclusion criteria
- Current Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder (based on self-report)
- Current or prior psychotic related or bipolar disorder (based on self-report)
- Unstable psychotropic medication (starting/stopping medication in past 6 weeks based on selfreport)
- Current cognitive behavioral therapy for social anxiety
- Impaired vision such that cannot see in VR headset without glasses (contacts okay)
Treatment and study plan
ExpandXR
BehavioralAn Mixed Reality Exposure Therapy platform for the Apple Vision Pro
Primary outcomes
-
Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self Report Version
Time frame: Baseline
The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self Report Version is a 48-item self-report measure of fear and avoidance concerning social interactions and performance situations (e.g., telephoning in public, talking to people in authority). The range of scores is 0-144; higher scores are worse.
-
Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self Report Version
Time frame: 21 days
The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self Report Version is a 48-item self-report measure of fear and avoidance concerning social interactions and performance situations (e.g., telephoning in public, talking to people in authority). The range of scores is 0-144; higher scores are worse.
-
Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self Report Version
Time frame: 51 days
The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self Report Version is a 48-item self-report measure of fear and avoidance concerning social interactions and performance situations (e.g., telephoning in public, talking to people in authority). The range of scores is 0-144; higher scores are worse.
-
Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self Report Version
Time frame: 111 days
The Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale Self Report Version is a 48-item self-report measure of fear and avoidance concerning social interactions and performance situations (e.g., telephoning in public, talking to people in authority). The range of scores is 0-144; higher scores are worse.
-
Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA)
Time frame: Baseline
The Personal Report of Communication Apprehension is a 24-item that assesses anxiety related to speaking in a variety of situation. The range of scores is 24-120; higher scores are worse.
-
Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA)
Time frame: 21 days
The Personal Report of Communication Apprehension is a 24-item that assesses anxiety related to speaking in a variety of situation. The range of scores is 24-120; higher scores are worse.
-
Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA)
Time frame: 51 days
The Personal Report of Communication Apprehension is a 24-item that assesses anxiety related to speaking in a variety of situation. The range of scores is 24-120; higher scores are worse.
-
Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA)
Time frame: 111 days
The Personal Report of Communication Apprehension is a 24-item that assesses anxiety related to speaking in a variety of situation. The range of scores is 24-120; higher scores are worse.
Secondary outcomes
-
Speech Anxiety Thoughts Inventory
Time frame: Baseline
The Speech Anxiety Thoughts Inventory is a 23-item self-report measure of assessing the intensity of belief in maladaptive, negative thoughts categorized into two main factors: prediction of poor performance and fear of negative evaluation by the audience. The range of scores is 23-115 with higher scores reflecting greater endorsement of maladaptive thoughts.
-
Speech Anxiety Thoughts Inventory
Time frame: 21 days
The Speech Anxiety Thoughts Inventory is a 23-item self-report measure of assessing the intensity of belief in maladaptive, negative thoughts categorized into two main factors: prediction of poor performance and fear of negative evaluation by the audience. The range of scores is 23-115 with higher scores reflecting greater endorsement of maladaptive thoughts.
-
Speech Anxiety Thoughts Inventory
Time frame: 51 days
The Speech Anxiety Thoughts Inventory is a 23-item self-report measure of assessing the intensity of belief in maladaptive, negative thoughts categorized into two main factors: prediction of poor performance and fear of negative evaluation by the audience. The range of scores is 23-115 with higher scores reflecting greater endorsement of maladaptive thoughts.
-
Speech Anxiety Thoughts Inventory
Time frame: 111 days
The Speech Anxiety Thoughts Inventory is a 23-item self-report measure of assessing the intensity of belief in maladaptive, negative thoughts categorized into two main factors: prediction of poor performance and fear of negative evaluation by the audience. The range of scores is 23-115 with higher scores reflecting greater endorsement of maladaptive thoughts.
Sponsors and collaborators
Lead sponsor
Palo Alto University
Other
Registry information
Important dates
- Study start
- 2026
- Primary completion
- 2028
- Study completion
- 2028
- First posted
- Feb 27, 2026
- Registry last updated
- Mar 4, 2026
OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.
View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.