Virtual reality helping young people into work after mental ill-health

A new virtual reality tool developed in Orygen’s world-leading extended reality (XR) Lab will help young people find work and build confidence as part of their recovery from mental ill-health—all from inside a VR headset.

VR4VR (Virtual Reality for Vocational Recovery), which launched at Veritas House in Orange today, is designed to support young people experiencing mental ill-health to take the next steps toward employment.

The program, developed by Orygen and supported by life insurer TAL’s Community Foundation, simulates real workplace scenarios using VR technology, giving young people engaged with supported employment programs an opportunity to practise and learn in a safe, controlled environment.

With a launch also planned at Youth Focus in Perth in September, VR4VR is expected to help about 20 young people in a pilot trial this year.

Senior Research Fellow Dr Jennifer Nicholas, who leads the project, said the VR4VR program was a natural evolution of the Orygen XR lab’s work using immersive technology in mental health settings.

“Orygen’s extended reality program is world-leading, and applying it to vocational recovery was an obvious next step,” Dr Nicholas said.

“Employment is a crucial part of recovery for young people, and VR4VR helps them prepare for the realities of work, while supporting their wellbeing.

“Young people have told us they want more digital tools to support their mental health, and with TAL's support we have been able to create an innovative, evidence-informed program that will boost young people's skills for gaining and maintaining employment.”

There are three VR4VR sessions, each with a different scenario:

• Approaching potential employers: from what to wear to what to say.
• Managing difficult situations: such as how to navigate a difficult customer.
• Reasonable adjustments: how to advocate for yourself in the workplace to ensure best results for you and your employer.

The VR experience is designed to complement the support already provided by employment specialists working in mental health services.

Alex Homer, TAL Chief Executive Customer and Brand, and Chair of TAL Community Foundation, said the program reflected TAL and Orygen’s shared commitment to improving community mental health outcomes.

“Mental ill-health is a significant challenge facing a growing number of young Australians and it requires new approaches. We’re proud to back Orygen’s innovative work using technology to help empower young people to build confidence, gain skills, and thrive in life and work.”

Following the pilot, the Orygen team intends to expand VR4VR, to enable more young people to access the program via other youth and community partners nationally.

About Orygen

Research shows 75% of all mental ill-health onsets by the age of 25, so Orygen was established to address the urgent needs of young people aged 12-25 by bringing together expertise in research, training, education and advocacy to help improve the mental health outcomes of young people today, and across the lifespan.

About Veritas House

Veritas House is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in the Central West over 40 years ago and has grown to become one of the largest providers of foster care, youth homelessness and family support services in the region, supporting more than 1,000 children, young people and families each year.

This announcement was issued by Orygen on 28 August 2025