VA Primary Care Introduces VR to Help Manage Veterans’ Mental Health

Key Takeaways:

• Virtual Reality (VR) is emerging as new support for veterans: Primary care providers within the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are exploring the impact of VR on veteran stress and anxiety management.
• VR is a part of the ongoing efforts of VA Whole Health: VA physicians focus on both the mental and physical aspects of health and reducing stress and anxiety can improve a patient’s overall bodily health.
• VR technology manages stress and anxiety in real time: VR headsets transport veterans into immersive and relaxing environments where they learn breathing and calming techniques that can then be used later.

Primary care providers within the VA health system are using VR to help veterans manage and reduce stress and anxiety.

The introduction of VR is part of the VA’s Whole Health initiative, which prioritizes both physical and mental health. Stress and anxiety, especially among veterans, are known to impact areas such as sleep, blood pressure, and chronic pain. VR can help reduce anxiety and therefore improve overall physical health.

VR environments create relaxing spaces where veterans can practice calming techniques or confront stress-inducing situations under clinical supervision.

One veteran discussed how the use of VR allowed him to relax and rest, which ended up lowering his blood pressure.

VR is meant to be used in combination with medication and therapy. This technology is an added support for veterans that allows them to learn stress-management skills during routine visits.

A VA physician noted, “When we combine VR with traditional care, we see stronger engagement from patients.”

As the VA continues to integrate VR into Whole Health, providers aim to equip veterans with practical tools that support healing both inside and outside the clinic while complementing compassionate, patient-centered care.

Reference

Rivera S. VA primary care adds virtual reality to veterans’ mental health toolkit. VA News. Published June 30, 2026. Accessed July 20, 2026. https://news.va.gov/147809/va-adds-virtual-reality-mental-health-toolkit/