Transforming Mental Health Care with AVATAR2

In October 2024, the results of the Wellcome-funded AVATAR2 trial were published in Nature Medicine. 

In AVATAR therapy, a person who hears distressing voices works with a therapist to build an avatar – a digital representation of the voice inside their head. The avatar is programmed to sound and look like the voice inside their head. The therapist communicates through this avatar, mirroring the typical statements the voice might say. Supported by the therapist, individuals engage with the avatar, standing up to negative statements and taking control of the conversation. These sessions are designed to empower individuals, helping them reduce the distress associated with hearing voices and regain a sense of agency.

The trial data demonstrated the therapy’s effectiveness. Participants who received either the Brief or Extended versions of the AVATAR therapy experienced significant improvements in the severity of the voices heard and the associated distress compared to those receiving standard treatment. The Extended version, in particular, showed stronger and more sustained effects, with participants reporting a notable reduction in the frequency of hearing voices over time

Following the success of AVATAR2, Wellcome is now funding a follow-on study until 2027 to culturally adapt and test the feasibility and acceptability of the technology in Ethiopia and India. Additionally, Wellcome is supporting the development of an AI-driven version of the therapy, in English, designed to provide automated dialogues. This innovation could enhance scalability, reducing the training requirements for delivering the therapy and broadening its accessibility.

The success of AVATAR2 highlights the transformative potential of combining cutting-edge technology with evidence-based therapeutic approaches. 

This is one of our Members’ success stories from 2024. Learn more about the campaign and other members’ achievements here.