JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The unmet needs of young people for mental health services (MHSs) remain a significant issue. Despite the high demand, many young people are unable to access timely and high-quality MHS. The Metaverse, a virtual space where people interact and communicate through avatars, is expected to introduce new possibilities for MHS.

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using the Metaverse for mental health consultations with young people experiencing mental health conditions.

Methods:

This qualitative observational study was conducted at a single institution via semistructured interviews. Participants aged 16–24 years who were aware of mental health conditions were assigned to experience a metaverse consultation with a psychiatrist through avatars. Afterward, participants were interviewed to assess the feasibility, usability, and influencing factors of metaverse-based consultation.

Results:

Twenty-six participants were assigned, and all completed the study without any adverse psychological events. Some reported minor physical effects, such as headaches and VR-related sickness. The findings from the postinterview suggest that metaverse consultations may be particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing interpersonal anxiety, those with high sensory sensitivity due to autism spectrum disorder, those who struggle outside due to psychiatric conditions such as depression or agoraphobia, those with strong psychological resistance to receiving psychiatric care, and those who feel uncomfortable disclosing their own physical appearance in real-life settings (e.g., gender incongruence).

Conclusions:

Metaverse psychiatric consultation is feasible for young people with mental health conditions, particularly for individuals with specific needs. Technical and accessibility issues must be addressed to enhance its effectiveness. Clinical Trial: Not applicable; observational study.