Innovative Program Expands Access to Immersive Healthcare to Help Veterans Fight Chronic Pain, Anxiety, Stress, and Isolation While Advancing At-Home Care and Cost Efficiency

DALLAS, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has expanded its immersive therapy initiative, selecting Mynd Immersive, in partnership with Meta and an innovative ecosystem of clinical-grade content producers, to support a national rollout of immersive virtual reality therapy across 45 additional VA medical centers.

The initiative underscores the VA’s leadership in advancing non-pharmacological alternatives through its Pain Management, Opioid Safety, and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PMOP). By integrating immersive therapy within PMOP frameworks, the VA is expanding access to innovative and efficient tools that drive measurable improvements across mental, physical and emotional well-being.

The expansion builds on prior VA engagements, including a multi-site clinical study across nine Pennsylvania VA Medical Centers and a 2025 home-based pilot in Biloxi, Mississippi serving more than 500 Veterans. Results demonstrated strong clinical outcomes and validated the feasibility of extending immersive therapy into Veterans’ homes.

The VA’s multi-site clinical research using Mynd demonstrated:

46.7% average reduction in pain intensity (DPVRS)
37.39% average reduction in anxiety (STAI-S-5)
34.52% average decrease in distress levels (SUDS)

“This program really defines what Immersive Healthcare is all about. It gives doctors and clinicians a powerful new digital tool that is highly effective and scalable,” said Chris Brickler, CEO & Co-Founder of Mynd Immersive. “Our Veterans have earned access to the most advanced tools we can provide, and we’re proud to support their mental, physical, and emotional well-being both at home and in clinical settings.”

Mynd’s growing library of original immersive content created specifically for Veterans includes Honor Flights, memorial visits, and Virtual Vietnam: A Path to Peace — …an immersive experience thoughtfully designed to help Veterans revisit history, honor service, and find moments of personal closure.”

In addition, the Mynd platform supports a broader content ecosystem of over 10 leading developers, including AVRWell (formerly part of Penumbra), featuring programs like BreatheXR™ and Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) designed to promote relaxation and stress management, as well as Reality Health, which features its Chronic Pain Management Program, developed using modern pain neuroscience principles that promote understanding and recovery for veterans living with chronic pain.

Veterans interested in eligibility should visit: VA Immersive

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