March 17, 2025

499. Ecological Assessment: VR and Holistic Approaches

49 minutes

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Today we’re diving into one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving areas of psychological assessment—Virtual Reality (VR) and Holistic Assessment. Traditional assessments are incredibly valuable, but they often have limitations—how well do standardized tests translate to real-world functioning? Are we truly capturing the full picture of a client’s needs? What if we could combine cutting-edge VR simulations with comprehensive, holistic evaluations to bridge these gaps?

That’s exactly what we’re exploring today. If you’ve ever wondered how technology and psychology can merge to create more accurate, immersive, and personalized assessments, this episode is for you.

Cool Things Mentioned

The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting

Frontiers in Psychiatry (VR-Based Assessments Study)

Nesplora Aula (VR ADHD Assessment)

Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA)

Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ-6)

Test of Grocery Shopping Skills (TOGSS)

NeuroUX – Mobile cognitive testing platform assessing executive function, memory, attention, and psychomotor speed, with EMA integration.

mEMA by ilumivu – Customizable mobile cognitive assessments and EMA surveys designed for clinicians and researchers.

ExpiWell – EMA platform allowing real-time neuropsychological and behavioral data collection with secure HIPAA-compliant storage.

mindLAMP – Combines EMA with passive data collection to monitor cognitive functioning and behavior in real-world settings.

HowNutsAreTheDutch – Research project using EMA to study mental health and neuropsychological functioning in diverse populations.

Moodfit – General mental health tracking app that monitors mood, thoughts, behaviors, and habits with integrated CBT strategies.

RealLife Exp by LifeData – Allows clinicians to send customized EMA surveys to patients for tracking daily emotions and behaviors.

MoodMission – EMA-based app that suggests mental health “missions” to help manage anxiety and depression.

Bearable – Symptom tracking app that links mood changes to external factors like sleep, diet, and medication.

mEMA by ilumivu – In addition to cognitive assessments, supports mood tracking and intervention-based EMA studies.

Daylio – Icon-based mood tracking and journaling app that identifies patterns in emotions, activities, and triggers.

Youper – AI-driven mental health coaching app that tracks emotions and provides CBT-based interventions.

T2 Mood Tracker – Originally designed for military personnel, tracks stress, PTSD symptoms, and mood over time.

Mindstrong – Passive smartphone-based cognitive and mental health tracking using phone interaction patterns.

Sanvello – EMA-based self-guided therapy app that tracks mood, stress, and triggers, integrated with CBT and mindfulness tools.

Featured Resources

I am honored to partner with two AMAZING companies to help improve your testing practice!

PAR is a long time supporter of the Testing Psychologist podcast, and I will continue to bring you featured items from their catalog! Listen to each episode for specific product recommendations and links. Learn more at www.parinc.com.

TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing

The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!

I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!

About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.

As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.

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By Dr. Jeremy Sharp: Licensed Psychologist & Private Practice Consultant

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