VR Suitability Screening Checklist
A quick screening tool to decide whether immersive VR-based speaking practice is appropriate for a particular individual - before you put a headset on anyone.
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Use this checklist before the first VR session. Every "no" below does not automatically rule VR out - it flags a conversation to have or an adaptation to make. Record the outcome of that conversation in your session notes.
Important. This checklist is a starting point, not a medical screening. It does not replace clinical judgment, local policy, or manufacturer guidance (e.g. Meta's age restrictions on Quest headsets). If you work with children, check local safeguarding and consent policies first.
Section 1 - Physical & vestibular
- No diagnosed balance difference (e.g. vestibular neuritis, BPPV, Ménière's) that is currently active or unmanaged.
- No severe motion sickness in cars, boats, or previous VR exposure.
- Vision correctable with contact lenses or headset-compatible prescription inserts. Glasses fit under the headset with the silicone face cover (see Session Preparation).
- No history of seizure difference triggered by visual stimuli, or written clearance from a medical professional where relevant.
- No current eye injury or post-operative eye condition that limits headset use.
- Neck mobility sufficient to look around comfortably in a seated position for the planned session length.
Section 2 - Sensory
- Comfortable with a headset resting on the face (not all individuals are; do a brief fit test before booking a full session).
- Tolerates moderate auditory input through headphones or speakers at a clinician-controlled volume.
- No strong aversion to enclosed spaces or feelings of claustrophobia in everyday life that would be triggered by a headset.
- If autistic or sensory-processing differences are known or suspected, a sensory check-in has been had and a graded exposure plan agreed.
Section 3 - Cognitive & communication
- Understands that the avatars, sounds, and situations are not real people or real places.
- Can signal "stop", "pause", or discomfort reliably - verbally, with a gesture, or via an agreed wordless signal.
- Understands that the clinician is nearby and in control of the session at all times.
- Has been informed (in language they understand) about what VR sessions involve and what data is and is not recorded.
Section 4 - Contextual
- Informed consent is in place (see our Informed Consent Template). For children, parental or guardian consent is recorded alongside the child's own agreement.
- If any AI features are planned for use, specific consent for AI is recorded (AI features are off by default and require their own consent step).
- The session environment is private, quiet, and free from tripping hazards within the headset's guardian boundary.
- A safe exit plan is agreed - the clinician knows how to end the session immediately if the individual shows distress.
- Post-session debrief time is built into the appointment.
Decision
Based on the checks above:
- Proceed as planned - all items cleared or adapted for.
- Proceed with adaptations - one or more items flagged, adaptation documented in session notes (shorter session, seated-only, specific avatar/volume adjustments, etc.).
- Defer VR - significant flags; revisit after clinical conversation, medical clearance, or alternative approach.
When in doubt, try a 2-minute demo first. A short, low-stakes exposure in a calm environment (e.g. Therapy withVR's Waiting Room, no avatars) is far more informative than a paper screening alone.
Related resources
- VR Risk Assessment Template - The service-side risk assessment, separate from the individual screening here.
- Explaining VR (One-Pager) - Plain-language handout to give before the screening conversation.
- Informed Consent Template - The consent step that follows screening.
- Session Preparation Checklist - For running the first session itself.
- Cybersickness in clinical VR: what to plan for - Background on motion sickness risk and what to do about it.