Discover U Podcast Recap: How Virtual Reality Is Shaping the Future of Mental Health
In the latest episode of Discover U, recorded live at the Emerging Themes in Behavioral Health Conference, host JD Kalmenson (CEO of Montare Behavioral Health) sits down with Dr. Skip Rizzo—pioneer of Medical Virtual Reality at USC’s Institute for Creative Technologies—for a fascinating deep dive into how VR is revolutionizing mental health care.
Dr. Rizzo shares how a simple Game Boy moment inspired decades of work that now helps veterans process PTSD, supports survivors of military sexual trauma, and offers cutting-edge tools for building emotional resilience. From immersive, therapist-guided environments to global applications in places like Ukraine and Israel, the conversation highlights VR’s unique ability to heal through presence, perspective, and possibility.
Whether you’re a clinician, innovator, or someone curious about the future of behavioral health, this conversation is a must-listen. As Dr. Rizzo reminds us, VR isn’t replacing human connection—it’s enhancing it.
🎧 Listen now and discover how the future of therapy is already here.