"Avatars in Rehab Getting Therapy in Virtual Worlds"

Female avatar acting as a therapist for other avatars

In Atlanta, an alcohol rehab center uses Second Life as an option for patients to use as therapy when they leave the center. After much intensive training and programs, patients are allowed to go home and face the harshness of the real world. Having one's therapist by his or her side for such a long period of time, it may seem weird to not have someone to consult when times get rough.

In Second Life, patients can meet one-on-one with their therapist or can meet in a group counseling session. Psychiatrists have stated that by having patients create an avatar that represents them, that patients become more aware of how one looks, acts, and feels. Of course Second Life is not for everyone and the rehab center does not force its patients to participate but highly encourages it as part of the process.