Fear of heights · VR in clinical practice
Specific phobia · natural-environment subtype (heights)
Intense fear of heights: balconies, viewpoints, glass elevators, open staircases, tall buildings.
No card required. Explore the catalogue and information screens. Clinical sessions require activation.
Why VR for this phobia?
In-vivo work requires travel to specific buildings and multiple logistically costly sessions. VR allows fine grading of height, floor transparency, movement of the support surface, and distractor elements.
VR hierarchy · 5 graded levels
Each level should be completed with SUDS in the target range across at least two consecutive sessions before advancing. The most common mistake is moving up levels too fast because the scenario is so easy to change.
- 1
Second-floor balcony, high railing
SUDS target: ≤4
- 2
Fifth-floor viewpoint, clear view
SUDS target: ≤5
- 3
Exterior glass elevator, 10 floors
SUDS target: ≤5
- 4
Simulated suspension bridge with movement
SUDS target: ≤4
- 5
Skyscraper viewpoint 30+ floors, no visual barrier
SUDS target: ≤3
Clinical notes
Available in VRET today: the 'exposure_glass_elevator_panoramic' scenario with 10 runtime controls (transparency, speed, exterior view). It's one of the most requested and fits mixed heights-plus-claustrophobia cases (~30% of patients present both).
Specific contraindications
- Active peripheral vertigo
- Severe migraine with aura
The cockpit
9 clinician controls
Published controls for Fear of heights. Review options and requirements when preparing the session; some settings depend on scenario state.
Settings
- Glass transparency — Frosted · Tinted · Clear
Settings
- Target floor — from 1 to 50 floor
- Elevator speed — Slow · Normal · Fast
Settings
- City sounds — on or off
- Time of day — Day · Sunset · Night
Settings
- Paused — on or off
- Open doors — one-off action
- Emergency exit — one-off action
- Reset descent — one-off action
These controls describe software features. The professional determines indication, pace and when to stop.
Is Fear of heights VR a fit for your patients?
Explore the catalogue with a free account. Review the controls, equipment and session activation in a 30-minute demo, with no headset needed.
No card required. Explore the catalogue and information screens. Clinical sessions require activation.
VRET is professional clinical-support software, not a certified medical device. Supervision, indication, and application remain the responsibility of the licensed clinician in charge.