🎙️ INTERVIEW |The Power of Immersion for Mental Health with Noah Robinson, CEO of Innerworld
In this episode, my guest is Noah Robinson, CEO of Innerworld, shares his personal journey of how video games saved his life and inspired him to create a platform for evidence-based mental health intervention.
Innerworld offers immersive virtual worlds where users can attend live mental health groups and learn cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills. The platform aims to bridge the gap between the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders and the shortage of therapists.
Innerworld has shown significant decreases in symptoms of depression and anxiety through their intervention, and they have received positive qualitative feedback from users.
A unique part of Innerworld is that you can participate in VR for a fully immersive experience. I tried Innerworld with Noah at the BrainMind conference in New York in June, and completely forgot that I was in the middle of an auditorium while in the game.
During this episode, we chat about the role of immersion in delivering mental health intervention and the potential of virtual reality in transforming therapy.
Noah and his co-founder, singer-songwriter Jewel, are working together to create a space that is accessible and anonymous for their users.
Innerworld has already reached over 10,000 people, and now as it grows, Noah and his team are partnering with businesses to offer guide training to managers and other employees. They are working on AI initiatives to enhance the therapeutic experience and remain focused on the importance of human connection in therapy.
Key Takeaways:
Innerworld is a platform that delivers evidence-based mental health intervention through immersive virtual worlds.
The platform offers live mental health groups and teaches cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) skills.
Innerworld aims to bridge the gap between the increasing prevalence of mental health disorders and the shortage of therapists.
Anonymity and accessibility are key features of Innerworld, allowing users to open up and explore their inner selves in a safe environment.
They have a certification program for their guides and a robust screening and evaluation process.
Innerworld has shown significant decreases in symptoms of depression and anxiety through their intervention.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack Podcasts.
Recommended Timestamps
00:00 Noah's Background and Inspiration for Inner World
03:38 Introduction to Inner World and its Offerings
07:07 Impact and User Base of Inner World
08:51 Expanding Inner World for Adolescents
13:08 Navigating the Celebrity Relationship
15:37 Accessibility and Platforms of Inner World
17:28 The Science and ROI of Immersive Technology
20:53 Cognitive Behavioral Immersion in Inner World
23:26 Discussing Politics and Current Events in Inner World
25:12 Certification Program for Effective Guide Leadership
29:04 AI Initiatives to Enhance the Therapeutic Experience
36:31 The Importance of Human Connection in Therapy
41:50 Significant Decreases in Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety
Where to find Noah Robinson, MSc:
Where to find Nina Patrick, PhD:
Edited by Wright Time Publishing
#98: 🎙️ INTERVIEW |The Power of Immersion for Mental Health with Noah Robinson, CEO of Innerworld