Virtual Reality for Youth Phobias

Exclusion Criteria

• •1. Youth who would be inappropriate for a brief VR-exposure therapy protocol will be referred to local resources for additional support or provided with alternate cognitive behavioral therapy services through the clinical center in which this program takes place.
• •2. Research staff will review all measures and the youth's psychological history and consult with the PI to ensure that the participant does not have a current diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, acute suicidality, alcohol/substance dependence, or eating disorder.
• •3. Youth will also be excluded if they are currently receiving psychotherapy elsewhere.
• •4. Youth with co-occurring intellectual disability may be eligible, but youth who are non-verbal will not be eligible, as some verbal abilities are necessary in order to communicate with the clinician during the intervention.
• •5. Youth who are currently suicidal or who have engaged in suicidal behaviors within the past 6 months will be excluded (or discussed on a case-by-case basis).
• •6. Youth who engage in self-harm behaviors (e.g., cutting) and who do not present with suicidal intent will be allowed to participate.
• •7. If youth develop psychiatric problems (e.g., severe depression, acute suicidal ideation/intent, severe conduct problems) that require a higher level of care, youth will be withdrawn from the study and referred for appropriate treatment.
• •8. Youth currently taking psychotropic medication for a co-morbid psychiatric illness will be included without a wash-out period (to not delay intervention).