Innovative VR therapy from USC ICT supports veterans on their journey to healing
In the July–August 2025 issue of American Essence, a moving feature titled “The Day That Changed Everything” chronicles the post-combat journey of a U.S. Marine as he seeks healing after trauma. Among the therapeutic tools highlighted is BRAVEMIND, a virtual reality exposure therapy system developed at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies (ICT).
Designed to help military service members confront and process post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), BRAVEMIND has been used in clinical settings across the country. The platform immerses veterans in virtual environments that mirror their experiences, enabling trained clinicians to guide them through difficult memories in a controlled, safe, and therapeutic way.
In the article, Dr. Albert “Skip” Rizzo, Director for Medical Virtual Reality at ICT, contributes expert insight into how VR can enhance traditional methods of PTSD treatment.
“It’s not just about re-experiencing trauma — it’s about safely reprocessing it with the support of clinical science and cutting-edge technology,” says Dr. Rizzo in the piece.
BRAVEMIND is one of several projects at ICT that blend immersive technologies with evidence-based psychological research. For more than two decades, ICT has collaborated with government agencies, clinicians, and academic partners to explore how virtual environments can support human performance, resilience, and recovery.
📄 Read the full article in American Essence (PDF):
🔗 2025-07-American-Essence.pdf