VA Launches Largest In-Home VR Mental Health Program for Veterans

The initiative delivers non-pharmacological tools to help veterans self-manage stress and PTSD symptoms.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:08am

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The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has launched the nation's largest in-home virtual reality (VR) mental health program for veterans. Led by VA clinicians and supported by Healium, SoldierPoint, and VA Immersive, the initiative delivers non-pharmacological tools that help veterans self-manage stress, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges as part of a healthy lifestyle, right from home.

Why it matters

Up to 1 in 3 veterans receiving care through the VA may experience symptoms of PTSD, and veterans are more likely to report chronic sleep disturbances and anxiety. Yet access to consistent, engaging tools for self-regulation remains a challenge, especially outside of clinical settings. This program aims to address this critical need by bringing clinically validated, non-pharmacological mental health solutions directly into veterans' homes.

The details

The program uses Healium's immersive media and real-time biofeedback or neurofeedback technology to turn stress management into a relaxing, visual experience, helping veterans learn to self-regulate more intuitively. Research shows Healium can reduce anxiety or improve mood in as little as four minutes. The VR kits also include 'Honor Everywhere', a virtual tour program that gives veterans who are unable to travel the opportunity to virtually visit memorials and other remembrance sites.

  • The initiative was launched in April 2026.

The players

Healium

A non-pharmacological digital health platform that turns real-time biofeedback and neurofeedback into immersive visual experiences to help people self-manage stress, anxiety, PTSD, and pain.

SoldierPoint Digital Health

A leader in delivering innovative digital health solutions and technology-enabled services, recently acquired by GovCIO in 2025.

VA Immersive

A team within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that supported the coordination and deployment of the VR kits.

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What they’re saying

“The world is craving new ways to heal. We're at a moment where the demand for mental wellness solutions is outpacing traditional care models. Healium was designed for exactly this gap, delivering clinically validated, non-pharmacological tools that help people self-regulate in minutes. It's an honor to support VA in bringing this innovation directly into Veterans' homes.”

— Sarah Hill, CEO of Healium

“Enabling Veterans to receive the world-class healthcare and services they deserve is a core pillar of SoldierPoint Digital Health's mission. We are proud to partner with Healium to deliver a solution to the VA positively impacting Veteran's mental health.”

— Alexander Hamilton, Director of Program Services, SoldierPoint Digital Health

What’s next

Veterans interested in trying Healium at home should contact their VA provider to learn more about the program and how to receive a VR kit.

The takeaway

This initiative represents a significant step forward in providing veterans with accessible, non-pharmacological tools to manage mental health challenges. By delivering clinically validated VR experiences directly to veterans' homes, the VA is expanding access to innovative, technology-driven solutions that can improve quality of life and empower self-regulation as part of a healthy lifestyle.