The World Health Organization has reported that 30% to 70% of individuals with psychological issues have never received appropriate treatment. Many patients feel ashamed of their condition, and in some areas, there is a shortage of mental health resources, making psychological treatment difficult to access for many.

The emergence of the metaverse has introduced new ideas and opportunities in the field of mental health. By transcending time and space limitations, offering virtual privacy, and providing a safe and controlled environment, the metaverse offers a viable solution for psychological treatment. Patients in different regions can access the same treatment resources and services, while virtual digital avatars can help reduce the anxiety and stress associated with face-to-face interactions with doctors.

Current Metaverse Applications for Spiritual Healing

- Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) for Social Anxiety Disorder

- Virtual Reality Mental Health Therapy, including remote assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, can effectively address eating disorders.

- VR gamification intervention is designed to treat emotional anxiety and reduce psychological barriers through remote interaction with therapists.

Virtual reality environments have the capability to evoke cravings and physiological reactions, impacting emotional states, attention, cognition, and brain activity. Currently, the most developed application of VR-assisted therapy lies in treating anxiety disorders, which alongside depression, are among the most prevalent mental illnesses globally. The immersive nature and privacy afforded by VR environments enable them to offer a superior experience compared to traditional clinical settings. The virtual reality environment can diminish external distractions such as ambient light and surroundings during therapy sessions, allowing patients to better immerse themselves in treatment scenes depicted with greater realism.

The remote treatment capabilities and automation trends facilitated by VR technology can address the shortage of mental health treatment resources. VR therapy extends beyond diagnosed patients or particular stages of care, serving as a tool for daily mental health maintenance and aiding individuals at any point from initial assessment and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up care.

The emergence and advancement of the Metaverse offer a promising avenue for seamlessly blending traditional behavioral therapy with virtual reality technology. It could potentially become a significant platform within the mental health market, meeting ongoing care needs in a mutually beneficial way. By harnessing the Metaverse for practical and essential applications, there's a chance to foster the evolution of this constantly improving virtual space, benefiting both patients and providers.

While offering community activities and interactions for users, Metaverse applications also present a range of social and ethical dilemmas. While there's widespread optimism about the vast opportunities the Metaverse holds in education, entertainment, healthcare, and beyond, its potential ramifications are also under scrutiny. Concerns arise regarding the possibility of addiction, the prevalence of harassment or violence, and the risk of users becoming detached from reality. These questions are increasingly capturing public attention.

To address digital dependence and addiction effectively, it's crucial to deepen our understanding of the signs and symptoms associated with these phenomena and develop suitable methods for prevention.