A recent breakthrough in mental health treatment has emerged from King’s College London, where researchers have found that AVATAR therapy, a unique approach involving computer-generated avatars, can significantly reduce the frequency and distress associated with hearing voices in people with psychosis. Published in Nature Medicine, the study demonstrated that participants in AVATAR therapy experienced substantial improvements, paving the way for potential integration into NHS services.

AVATAR therapy offers a structured, guided intervention where patients create and interact with digital avatars that resemble the distressing voices they hear. Under the guidance of a therapist, participants design these avatars to closely match the voice’s appearance and tone, enabling them to engage in controlled conversations. Over several sessions, patients learn to assert control over the voice, reducing its perceived power. Therapists mediate the sessions by speaking both with the participant and through the avatar, helping to create a therapeutic environment for safe engagement.

Led by Professor Emerita Philippa Garety, the study involved 345 participants across multiple clinical sites, including Glasgow, Manchester, University College London, and King’s College London. The trial tested both a short (six-session) and extended (12-session) version of AVATAR therapy, with follow-up assessments at 16 weeks and three months post-treatment. Results revealed statistically significant reductions in voice-related distress, frequency, and severity, with patients reporting improved mood and overall well-being.

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With the endorsement of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) through its Early Value Assessment, AVATAR therapy may soon be implemented within NHS Trusts to gather real-world data. Dr. Thomas Ward, clinical lead for AVATAR therapy at King’s, expressed optimism about its future: “This therapy offers a novel approach that could soon be widely available across the NHS, providing much-needed support for individuals with psychosis.”

The team at King’s is now collaborating with mental health experts worldwide to expand access to AVATAR therapy, which could make a meaningful impact on mental health care delivery across England by 2025.

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