"Leveling Up Mental Health: The Intersection of Video Games and Therapy"

While integrating video games into therapy is not a new concept, Hero Journey Club, a startup founded in 2022, is pushing the boundaries by bringing therapy directly into popular virtual worlds. Imagine meeting with your therapist while navigating the lush landscapes of "Stardew Valley" or building in "Minecraft"—this is the innovative approach that Hero Journey Club is pioneering.

Brian Chhor, the co-founder and CEO of Hero Journey Club, initiated this mental health support network in February 2022 with the vision of removing therapy from traditional clinics and embedding it into the spaces where people already spend their time. The concept came to light through an Instagram ad that specifically targeted cozy gamers, inviting them to experience therapy sessions seamlessly integrated into their favorite video games.

The startup offers entirely remote and anonymous support groups led by therapists, taking place within popular video game environments such as Animal Crossing, Minecraft, and Stardew Valley. This approach, although rooted in the therapeutic value of video games, stands out for its scale and ambition, marking a significant departure from traditional therapy models.

In the midst of a pandemic, therapists turned to gaming to forge stronger virtual connections with clients, ushering in a newfound acceptance of video game therapy. The goals mirror those of traditional therapy—engaging individuals who might not otherwise seek mental health care, establishing rapport, delving into clients' emotions, and imparting self-awareness and constructive coping mechanisms.

As video game therapy gains mainstream recognition, Hero Journey Club stands at the forefront of this evolving landscape, offering a unique and engaging approach to mental health treatment. In essence, it's a level-up for mental health care, utilizing the immersive and interactive nature of video games to create meaningful therapeutic experiences.

"Virtual Adventures: Navigating Therapy through Video Games with Hero Journey Club"

In the innovative realm of Hero Journey Club, therapy transcends traditional boundaries and ventures into the pixelated landscapes of popular video games. In a recent session within the cooperative mode of "Stardew Valley," players, guided by accredited therapists known as "journey guides," seamlessly blended the tranquility of farming and town exploration with meaningful therapeutic conversations.

During this unique session, players immersed themselves in Stardew Valley's retro-inspired world, engaging in activities like fishing, baking bread, and planting crops. The journey guide, steering the conversation skillfully, prompted participants to reflect on their in-game choices, such as selecting an NPC (nonplayer character) to date. Fate, for instance, chose Abigail, citing admiration for the character's defiance of gender roles. The journey guide then deftly connected this choice to a broader conversation about societal and familial pressures on gender roles, highlighting the power of using video game narratives as therapeutic tools.

Josué Cardona, the president of the nonprofit Geek Therapy, emphasized the unique benefits of video game therapy. Geek Therapy, a separate entity from Hero Journey Club, was founded to promote the mental health benefits of technology, TV shows, movies, and video games. Cardona highlighted the power of media as a catalyst for therapy, enabling individuals to explore and articulate emotions that might otherwise remain unspoken.

Experts agree that the goals of video game therapy mirror those of traditional therapeutic approaches—engaging individuals who may not seek mental health care, establishing rapport, delving into emotions, and teaching self-awareness and coping mechanisms. By encouraging individuals to discuss elements of the video games they've played, therapists open doors to alternative perspectives and unexpected emotions, providing a dynamic and immersive approach to mental health support. In this virtual realm, therapy becomes an adventure, utilizing the rich narratives of video games as a catalyst for meaningful introspection and healing.

"Beyond the Pixels: Navigating the Diverse Landscape of Video Game Therapy"

In the evolving landscape of therapy, video games emerge as versatile tools, breaking down traditional barriers and offering unique avenues for introspection and healing. Josué Cardona, president of Geek Therapy, has pioneered the integration of video games into therapy, assigning games as homework or engaging in one-on-one sessions. Surprisingly, there's no one-size-fits-all approach, with even free-to-play match-3 games finding a place in therapeutic strategies, teaching emotional regulation and sparking conversations about daily distractions.

While there's a belief that some games are more explicitly therapeutic, such as Akili Interactive's FDA-approved EndeavorRx for childhood ADHD, others argue that mainstream games have their own therapeutic value. Andrew Fishman, a licensed clinical social worker, plays Call of Duty with clients, emphasizing that the key is finding games people enjoy and can play together.

In the realm of explicitly therapeutic platforms, Mightier combines puzzles and action games with a heart monitor to enhance a child's calming skills, while Ava, designed by autism advocates, focuses on teaching social skills in a stakes-free environment. Hero Journey Club, founded in 2022, stands out by embedding therapy within popular video games like Animal Crossing, Minecraft, and Stardew Valley. Despite challenges posed by remote engagement, the platform creates a global community, reaching individuals who might not otherwise access in-person sessions.

As video game therapy continues to gain acceptance, its diverse applications—from explicitly therapeutic games to mainstream favorites—underscore the dynamic possibilities for mental health support. The real power lies not in the game itself, but in the shared experience, engagement, and connections forged in the virtual realms of therapy. Hero Journey Club, with its innovative approach, seeks to redefine mental health support and transcend the boundaries of traditional therapy, making therapy an adventure that transcends pixels and brings people together.

"From Gaming Refuge to Therapeutic Haven: Hero Journey Club's Vision"

For Brian Chhor, the CEO of Hero Journey Club, gaming was not just a childhood refuge but a transformative force that became a lifeline for a close family member struggling with suicidal thoughts during the pandemic. Faced with financial constraints, Chhor and his family rallied around their loved one, turning weekly gaming sessions in Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, Minecraft, and It Takes Two into meaningful platforms for open discussions on stress, depression, loneliness, and addiction.

Inspired by this experience, Chhor founded Hero Journey Club in February 2022 with the mission to redefine therapy. The innovative approach aims to "take therapy out of the clinic and into the spaces where people already spend time." Journeyers, participants in the Hero Journey Club sessions, pay $30 per week for an 80-minute guided group session and access to a private Discord chat.

One of the distinctive features of Hero Journey Club's therapy model is the use of video game details to facilitate conversations. While journey guides are licensed and accredited professionals, the service is not technically classified as therapy. This nuance allows for a remote-only model without the complexities of seeking licensure across multiple states and jurisdictions. Although not eligible for insurance reimbursement, the $30 per session fee is considered reasonable for an out-of-pocket service.

Derrick Hull, Chief Clinical Officer at Hero Journey Club, emphasizes the community-first approach, creating a space that reduces stigma and intimidation often associated with formal treatment settings. The focus on trust, security, and a collaborative community model sets Hero Journey Club apart, envisioning a therapeutic haven where individuals can explore mental health support in the familiar landscapes of their favorite video games.

"Building Impactful Connections: Hero Journey Club's Journey of Success"

In the pursuit of its ambitious goal to redefine therapy, Hero Journey Club has already witnessed significant success. Brian Chhor, the CEO, revealed that in the first half of the year, the company achieved remarkable growth, doubling its user base each month. What's even more heartening is that 70 percent of journeyers, participants in the therapeutic sessions, identify as belonging to marginalized communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the spotlight to the escalating mental health crisis, unveiling the loneliness epidemic that disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Derrick Hull, Chief Clinical Officer at Hero Journey Club, emphasizes the company's gratification in reaching those who need their services the most. The diverse makeup of Hero Journey Club's users reflects the company's commitment to making a meaningful impact in mental health support.

An anecdote from a recent Stardew Valley session encapsulates the positive outcomes of Hero Journey Club's approach. As players engaged in solitary adventures, battling monsters and catching rare fish, Fate, a participant, baked hundreds of loaves of bread stored in a communal chest. In a moment of reflection at the session's end, a player named Box Ghost highlighted the significance of having a supportive community that understands and relates to shared experiences. This, coupled with the amusing abundance of bread, encapsulates the unique and impactful connections forged within the virtual realms of Hero Journey Club's therapeutic sessions.

"In Conclusion: Hero Journey Club's Impactful Odyssey in Mental Health Support"

Hero Journey Club's innovative approach to mental health support, seamlessly integrating therapy within popular video games, has proven to be an impactful and transformative journey. The company's impressive growth, doubling its user base monthly in the first half of the year, speaks to the resonance of its community-first model. Crucially, 70 percent of journeyers hailing from marginalized communities underlines the company's success in reaching those who need mental health support the most.

As the COVID-19 pandemic shed light on the loneliness epidemic affecting marginalized communities disproportionately, Hero Journey Club emerged as a beacon, offering a space for connection, understanding, and support. Derrick Hull, Chief Clinical Officer, expresses the team's gratification in witnessing the tangible impact of their service.

The heartwarming anecdote from a Stardew Valley session, where players found solace in shared experiences and the simple joy of communal bread, encapsulates the unique and positive connections fostered within Hero Journey Club's therapeutic sessions. The company's journey is not just about redefining therapy but about creating a meaningful and inclusive space where individuals can navigate mental health challenges with the support of a compassionate community. As Hero Journey Club continues to grow, its impact on mental health support transcends pixels, highlighting the transformative power of connection in virtual realms.