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[This article belongs to Volume - 71, Issue - 1]
Published on : 2026-01-20 01:29:03
Article Code: AMJ-20-01-2026-12366
Title : The Mental Health Revolution: AI Therapy Apps and VR Treatments Go Mainstream
Author(s) : Dr. Lala Aliyeva
Abstract :
Background: The global mental health crisis has precipitated an unprecedented shift toward digital therapeutics,
with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered therapy applications and virtual reality (VR) exposure treatments
transitioning from experimental tools to mainstream clinical interventions. This systematic review examines the
efficacy, safety, and accessibility of these emerging modalities compared to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT).
Methods: We conducted a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
(RCTs) published between 2020-2024. Eligible studies included adults (18+ years) receiving AI-guided therapy apps,
VR-based exposure or mindfulness treatments, or traditional face-to-face CBT for depression, anxiety, PTSD, or
phobias. Primary outcomes included symptom reduction (PHQ-9, GAD-7, PCL-5), effect sizes (Cohen's d), and
retention rates. Secondary outcomes examined adverse events, user satisfaction, and neurobiological markers.
Results: Of 2,847 screened articles, 15 RCTs (N=4,414 participants) met inclusion criteria. AI therapy apps
demonstrated significant reductions in depression symptoms (PHQ-9: -8.4 points, 95% CI: -9.2 to -7.6, p<0.001,
d=0.82) and anxiety (GAD-7: -7.2 points, p<0.001, d=0.78) at 12 weeks, comparable to traditional CBT (d=0.86). VR
treatments showed large effect sizes for PTSD (d=1.02) and specific phobias (d=1.38). Retention rates favored digital
interventions (AI: 68%, VR: 71% vs. traditional CBT: 58% at 12 weeks). Adverse events were less frequent with digital
therapies (12.4% vs. 22.8%), though VR-specific cybersickness occurred in 8.4% of participants. AI interventions
reached younger demographics (mean age 34.2 vs. 41.2 years) and treatment-naive individuals (42.4% vs. 18.6%).
Conclusions: AI therapy applications and VR treatments demonstrate efficacy comparable to traditional
psychotherapy with superior retention and accessibility. These technologies represent a paradigm shift in mental
health delivery, particularly for underserved populations. However, regulatory frameworks, data privacy safeguards,
and clinical integration protocols require standardization to ensure safe mainstream adoption.