In this episode of XR Industry Leaders, we meet with virtual reality visionary, Dr. Albert “Skip” Rizzo, Director of Medical Virtual Reality at the University of Southern California (USC). Dr. Rizzo shares his groundbreaking work in applying VR technology to clinical psychology and rehabilitation, showcasing the transformative power of immersive technologies in healthcare.

This conversation explores Dr. Rizzo’s countless contributions to the field, including the development and widespread adoption of “Bravemind,” a VR-based exposure therapy program for PTSD treatment.

We also dive into his research and innovative applications of VR in ADHD assessment, physical rehabilitation, and autism spectrum disorder support.

Dr. Rizzo also shares his outlook on how VR will revolutionize clinical practices and improve patient outcomes.

Key Highlights:

• Pioneering researcher in VR applications for clinical assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation across psychological, cognitive, and motor functioning domains.
• Developer of “Bravemind,” a widely adopted VR exposure therapy tool for PTSD treatment, used in over 170 clinical sites.
• Recipient of the American Psychological Association’s 2010 Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Treatment of Trauma.
• Innovator in using VR for diverse applications, from ADHD assessment in children to physical rehabilitation and social skills training for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Timestamps:

• Skip’s work with Bravemind (01:06)
• Pioneering Tech in Medical VR (05:17)
• The Emotional Engagement of VR (08:23)
• Mind VR and Working with Dementia (10:44)
• Translating Therapeutic Experiences into Data (12:29)
• VR with ADHD (17:18)
• VR for Physical and Mental Rehabilitation (23:24)
• Working with AI Patients (26:36)
• The Future of VR (32:51)

About the Guest:

Dr. Albert "Skip" Rizzo is a pioneer in the field of medical virtual reality. He is a clinical psychologist by training. As the Director of Medical Virtual Reality at the University of Southern California Institute for Creative Technologies, he leads innovative research and development efforts that bridge the gap between clinical needs and technological solutions. He’s been at USC since 1995.

About ArborXR:

ArborXR helps organizations confidently manage VR & AR devices at scale, remotely install content, and control what users can see and do in the headset. Our mission is to help people live more meaningful lives through the power of XR. Learn more at https://arborxr.com.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Skip on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skiprizzovr/
• See Skip’s latest videos on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQrbzaW3x9wWoZPl4-l4GSA
• Connect with Brad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-scoggin/
• Connect with Will on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willstackable/