Simulation in Psychiatry

Abstract

Simulation is used increasingly in psychiatry and mental health as a tool for clinician education, patient care, and research. Requiring realistic and evocative interpersonal interactions, as well as presentations of complex psychological symptom profiles for clinician training or emotionally salient stimuli for patient treatment, psychiatry pushes the boundaries of simulation design. Varying modalities, from simple audio tracks to immersive and interactive virtual environments, have been used to accomplish these goals. This chapter reviews current and future uses of simulation in psychiatry, focusing on the nuances of educational and therapeutic objectives as well as challenges inherent in using different simulation modalities.