FSC: Innovating mental wellness

By: Gianna Oppedisano

FARMINGDALE, N.Y., October 2nd, 2025

Farmingdale State College has revealed their newest initiative in bringing virtual reality technologies into their Mental Health and Wellness services. Starting this semester, students have accessibility to VR therapy; further expanding the campus's treatment options for students battling stress, anxiety, and phobias. 

The Campus Mental Health Service Director, Andrew Berger, emphasizes the program's ability to build on over two decades of the use of virtual reality in healthcare. Virtual reality was initially applied in surgical training, but has now graduated into other health care fields, like psychology. Virtual reality, in a psychological setting, has the ability to replicate real-life scenarios that are difficult to stage as exposure therapy. Andrew Berger is quoted stating, “But it is not always possible to recreate someone’s fear in a safe environment. VR gives us that ability.” 

The program is designed to address a wide range of mental ailments. The current modules available to students allow them to face phobias such as public speaking, flying, spiders, the dark, needles, and more. The simulations also possess the ability to be adjusted based on difficulty. For example, someone with a fear of public speaking can start their VR therapy delivering a speech to an empty classroom, and gradually build their way up to a full classroom of students with other outside distractions. Assistant Director of the Campus Mental Health Services states that, “Our office is proud to offer a variety of support services, and we’ve already received great feedback from students who found the VR modules to be very helpful.”

The new VR service is versatile, and extends to stress management and Students have the ability to enter calm environments and immersive scenes to support mindfulness techniques and promote relaxation.

There is research that further supports the effectiveness of virtual reality in mental health and wellness care practices. A 2021 article in “Behavior Research Methods”, notes that virtual reality aids in the overcoming of barriers of traditional therapy, and that is cost and time. Virtual reality offers a practical alternative to imaginary scenarios. Continuing growing evidence suggests its high effectiveness. Similarly, a 2019 study described virtual reality exposure therapy as an evidence-based approach that helps patients manage their anxiety, build coping mechanisms, and confront their fears. 

In order for students to take part in this innovative mental health service, they first must complete a clinical assessment through the Campus Mental Health Service. This assessment is used to determine the appropriate care needed for the student. This service is free of charge to all enrolled students at Farmingdale State College and can be offered along with other counseling options such as individual, couples, and group sessions. 

The FSC Campus Mental Health Services also extends further than just anxiety and stress but addresses a plethora of other mental health related issues that are beneficial to students. 

With Farmingdale's investment into new-wave mental health technologies, students now have accessibility to innovative mental health treatments.