Treating Fear of Heights with Modern VR Therapy
Virtual Reality in Exposure Therapy for Acrophobia
The treatment of fear of heights – medically known as acrophobia – is a common challenge in psychotherapy practices. Even the mere sight of a skyscraper, bridge, or balcony can trigger strong symptoms in those affected: rapid heartbeat, dizziness, trembling, or panic are typical signs of this specific phobia.
More and more psychotherapy practices are turning to VR therapy to specifically treat fear of heights. With the help of virtual reality technology, a safe, controllable environment is created where patients can confront their fear – effectively, realistically, and without any real danger.
Watch this TV report to see how VR therapy can be integrated into the overall concept of treatment for acrophobia.
(This video is only available in german.)
How many people suffer from treatable fear of heights?
Current studies on prevalence
According to an analysis by the German Center for Dizziness and Balance (DSGZ), around 28% of the population show signs of visual height intolerance – dizziness or instability when looking into depth.
Crucially, about 4–6% of the population suffer from such severe symptoms that they are considered treatable acrophobia. This corresponds to approximately 3.4 to 5.1 million people in Germany – a significant patient potential for your practice or clinic.
Why VR therapy is convincing
Benefits of virtual confrontation in acrophobia
VR therapy represents a modern form of exposure therapy. In the virtual space, patients can be confronted with their fear of heights without having to face real danger situations.
Your benefits as a therapist or practice:
High acceptance among patients through realistic yet controlled confrontation
Individually controllable scenarios – therapists maintain control at all times
Low entry barrier: no real heights required
Reduced dropout rate and high effectiveness according to studies
Safe integration into existing treatment concepts
This is how patients can be gently and effectively introduced to anxiety-inducing situations – a true advancement in digital psychotherapy.
The interactive VR scenario for acrophobia in the smart system for private practices
For your practice: ready for immediate use
Our specially developed height scenario is part of the smart system for private practices and is ideal for treating acrophobia with VR therapy.
What your patients can expect in the virtual space:
A realistic scene on the terrace of a skyscraper
A narrow bridge seemingly leading into the depth
Independent movement or targeted teleportation
Looking down triggers the phobic reactions
Optional: a synchronized wooden plank in the practice for additional immersion
This system has been specifically developed for psychotherapeutic applications and enables you to offer a cutting-edge form of therapy with clear relevance to practice.
How to integrate VR therapy into your practice
Your next steps
Integrating virtual reality therapy for acrophobia is straightforward:
Test for free: Two weeks access to the full VR system, including height scenarios
Choose the annual subscription: Access to all VR modules for phobia treatment
Promote your offer: Use local media (website, newspaper, radio) to highlight your modern treatment method
Whether you are a solo practice, therapy center, or clinic – with the smart system, you offer your patients an innovative, technology-based approach to treating acrophobia.
Modern acrophobia therapy with VR
Effective, safe, and patient-oriented
With VR therapy for acrophobia, you offer your patients an effective, technology-supported treatment – realistic, controllable, and ready to use in your practice.
Therapy rethought – with virtual reality
Learn more about the VR Coach smart system for private practices
