King's College London

Over the last decade AVATAR therapy has emerged as a highly effective digital therapy for distressing voices in psychosis. The approach involves creating a digital avatar to embody the voice. The therapist – switching between speaking as themselves and voicing the avatar – facilitates a series of real-time dialogues in which the voice-hearer develops an increased sense of power and control.

Having delivered two successful randomised controlled trials in the UK and following a National Institute for Health and Care Excellence-Early Value Assessment recommendation, the next step is to test AVATAR therapy in routine care pathways, across a range of NHS settings. We aim to generate real-world evidence (RWE) on effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, uptake and acceptability across different stakeholders.