Is VR safe for children?
VR is recommended for children 13 years and up. Each user will have a different experience, so it’s best to start out slow. To ensure safety and comfort, please refer to the instructions provided by Oculus. Oculus content is rated through the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) and is designed for ages 13 and older. Oculus Store content has content ratings, so you’ll know what type of experience you or your teen selects. While we know that children under 13 may want to use Oculus devices, we do not permit them to create accounts or use Oculus devices.
What kind of equipment will my child need to use VRiends?
VRiends works with Oculus VR headsets and accessories. You can learn more about these products and how to purchase them at oculus.com. We recommend the Oculus Quest 2, which is their starter-level all-in-one headset.
What kind of equipment will my child need to use VRiends?
VRiends works with Oculus VR headsets and accessories. You can learn more about these products and how to purchase them at oculus.com. We recommend the Oculus Quest 2, which is their starter-level all-in-one headset.
Have VR services been proven effective in an educational setting?
There is strong scientific support for using VR to target a variety of skills. Studies done to date have consistently shown that VR learning environments can help promote the development of positive social skills, teach specific skills, increase learners’ intrinsic motivation, improve learners’ engagement with lesson material, and retain information learned over a longer period of time.
How does a VRiends session work?
A typical VRiends session runs for approximately 40 to 45 minutes and is broken up into a 4-part structure:
Part 1 (5-10 min): Arrival, settling in, and greetings
Part 2 (10-15 min): Skill lesson (on a specific skill such as having a conversation, making a comment, or asking a question) during which the specialist facilitator provides an overview, gives examples, and then invites learners to practice
Part 3 (15 - 20 min): Field trip experience that provides learners with the opportunity to practice what they’ve learned in a virtual setting, unlocking features by performing specific tasks
Part 4 (5 min): Return to main room, recap, and goodbyes
What kinds of therapists offer services through VRiends?
The VRiends network of therapists includes skilled professionals across a wide range of expertise and modalities. Each of our team members undergoes rigorous background checks at both the state and federal levels. In addition, VRiends performs independent verification of all credentials (degrees, licenses, certifications, etc.) relevant to the specific services each therapist provides. Learn more about individual VRiends team members on our service provider directory.
How much does VRiends cost?
Because effective therapy takes consistent exposure and practice to create real progress and behavioral change, VRiends is a subscription-based service that offers several different packages. The tiered pricing varies based on the type of session (group or one-one-one) and the type and level of specialist facilitator. Please refer to our pricing page for additional details.
Does insurance cover the cost?
Because VR therapy is still an emerging modality, the health insurance industry has not yet standardized coverage. At this time, VRiends accepts some insurance providers. Contact us to learn which insurance we accept.
What types of payment do you accept?
VRiends accepts all major credit cards, ApplePay, and PayPal, and we may add other payment methods in the future.
What is your refund policy and process?
We want every family to be happy with the services we provide, and are always happy to discuss any concerns. Please note that, as with traditional forms of in-person therapy and other behavioral services, results are not instantaneous, but take place over time. Our evidence-based curriculum is designed to be delivered in three stages, each of which builds on the previous set of skills to ensure retention and confidence. In addition, we capture key data points to track each individual’s progress and time-to-progress.
What are VRiends privacy protocols and policies?
VRiends’ privacy policies comply with The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 and its rules (collectively, "COPPA") applying to children under the age of 13, the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), the UK General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”). For additional details about information collection and use, data security, and other privacy matters, you may access our privacy policy documentation:
VRiends Privacy Policy
Mobile Application End User License Agreement
Website Terms of Use
Privacy Notice for California Residents
Privacy Notice for Children Under 13 Years Old
EU/EEA/UK Privacy Notice
Practitioner Terms of Use
VR is recommended for children 13 years and up. Each user will have a different experience, so it’s best to start out slow. To ensure safety and comfort, please refer to the instructions provided by Oculus. Oculus content is rated through the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) and is designed for ages 13 and older. Oculus Store content has content ratings, so you’ll know what type of experience you or your teen selects. While we know that children under 13 may want to use Oculus devices, we do not permit them to create accounts or use Oculus devices.
What kind of equipment will my child need to use VRiends?
VRiends works with Oculus VR headsets and accessories. You can learn more about these products and how to purchase them at oculus.com. We recommend the Oculus Quest 2, which is their starter-level all-in-one headset.
What kind of equipment will my child need to use VRiends?
VRiends works with Oculus VR headsets and accessories. You can learn more about these products and how to purchase them at oculus.com. We recommend the Oculus Quest 2, which is their starter-level all-in-one headset.
Have VR services been proven effective in an educational setting?
There is strong scientific support for using VR to target a variety of skills. Studies done to date have consistently shown that VR learning environments can help promote the development of positive social skills, teach specific skills, increase learners’ intrinsic motivation, improve learners’ engagement with lesson material, and retain information learned over a longer period of time.
How does a VRiends session work?
A typical VRiends session runs for approximately 40 to 45 minutes and is broken up into a 4-part structure:
Part 1 (5-10 min): Arrival, settling in, and greetings
Part 2 (10-15 min): Skill lesson (on a specific skill such as having a conversation, making a comment, or asking a question) during which the specialist facilitator provides an overview, gives examples, and then invites learners to practice
Part 3 (15 - 20 min): Field trip experience that provides learners with the opportunity to practice what they’ve learned in a virtual setting, unlocking features by performing specific tasks
Part 4 (5 min): Return to main room, recap, and goodbyes
What kinds of therapists offer services through VRiends?
The VRiends network of therapists includes skilled professionals across a wide range of expertise and modalities. Each of our team members undergoes rigorous background checks at both the state and federal levels. In addition, VRiends performs independent verification of all credentials (degrees, licenses, certifications, etc.) relevant to the specific services each therapist provides. Learn more about individual VRiends team members on our service provider directory.
How much does VRiends cost?
Because effective therapy takes consistent exposure and practice to create real progress and behavioral change, VRiends is a subscription-based service that offers several different packages. The tiered pricing varies based on the type of session (group or one-one-one) and the type and level of specialist facilitator. Please refer to our pricing page for additional details.
Does insurance cover the cost?
Because VR therapy is still an emerging modality, the health insurance industry has not yet standardized coverage. At this time, VRiends accepts some insurance providers. Contact us to learn which insurance we accept.
What types of payment do you accept?
VRiends accepts all major credit cards, ApplePay, and PayPal, and we may add other payment methods in the future.
What is your refund policy and process?
We want every family to be happy with the services we provide, and are always happy to discuss any concerns. Please note that, as with traditional forms of in-person therapy and other behavioral services, results are not instantaneous, but take place over time. Our evidence-based curriculum is designed to be delivered in three stages, each of which builds on the previous set of skills to ensure retention and confidence. In addition, we capture key data points to track each individual’s progress and time-to-progress.
What are VRiends privacy protocols and policies?
VRiends’ privacy policies comply with The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 and its rules (collectively, "COPPA") applying to children under the age of 13, the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”), the UK General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”). For additional details about information collection and use, data security, and other privacy matters, you may access our privacy policy documentation:
VRiends Privacy Policy
Mobile Application End User License Agreement
Website Terms of Use
Privacy Notice for California Residents
Privacy Notice for Children Under 13 Years Old
EU/EEA/UK Privacy Notice
Practitioner Terms of Use
FAQ
