Operation AVATAR: Training Mental Health Providers in PTSD Assessment and Theory
Post-traumatic stress disorder is said to be one of the signature wounds of military deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq. While Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) have officially ended, the psychological consequences of trauma will continue for many Service members. There is a significant need for mental health professionals both in the government and private sectors who are well trained in assessing and treating PTSD with military cultural competence. Operation AVATAR is first-person role-playing game in Second Life that aims to help mental health professionals better understand the underlying theory and assessment of PTSD in an interactive environment that supports learning by doing. This presentation will review the process of design and development of this serious game including lessons learned and next steps for developing other serious games for mental health education.
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