Virtual therapists treat humans needing emotional therapy.
A team of researchers from the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies, or ICT, is developing a virtual therapist system called SimSensei.
Researchers control the system, which includes a lifelike computer generated person, digital sensors, and a webcam to closely monitor the subject’s reactions.
This is the latest innovation in therapy for military veterans.
The virtual therapist system is designed as a way for doctors to screen and diagnose their patients to decide what kind of help they need.
Software designed to measure the subject’s behavior including eye and facial movements along with other body language is part of the virtual therapist system.
Skip Rizzo, the associate director for medical virtual reality at the ICT said: “We have an issue in the military with stigma and a lot of times people feel hesitant talking about their problems. We see this as a way for service members or veterans to talk openly and explore their issues.”
What do you think? Is it a good idea for psychologists to use a virtual therapist with their patients?
