Abstract:
A virtual counseling platform for allowing a counselor to provide professional counseling services to a patient comprises a virtual counseling server, a patient application, and a counseling application. During a counseling session, the patient interactively operates the patient application to modify patient avatar data stored on the virtual counseling server such that a patient avatar viewed by the patient and the counselor during the counseling session is altered. The counselor interactively operates the counselor application to modify counselor avatar data stored on the virtual counseling server such that a counselor avatar viewed by the patient and the counselor changes during the counseling session is altered. The counselor application stores counseling session information associated with the counseling session on the virtual counselor server as the counseling session data.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application (Attorney&#39;s Ref. No. P218759) is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/616,413 filed Dec. 27, 2006, currently pending, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
         [0002]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/616,413 claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/754,367 filed Dec. 27, 2005, now expired, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,085 (Elkind) discloses the use of virtual reality on a desktop computer format to diagnose executive dysfunctions. The neuropsychological dysfunctions include executive dysfunctions. The individual interacts with computer-generated simulated environment in a predetermined testing format. The test subject is wired into physiological monitoring machines to monitor respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, skin changes and the like to gather data about the individual&#39;s outward manifestations when having to make decisions which indicate the dysfunctions within the virtual reality environment. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,425,764 (Lamson) discloses a virtual reality immersion therapy for treating psychological, psychiatric, medical, educational and self-help problems. Full immersion into the three-dimensional virtual reality environment is provided by using goggles, head mounted displays, or other projection type equipment. Voice, music and sound or other forms of physiological stimulation and feedback are provided. Navigation is provided through the use of a handheld grip joystick or the like. Virtual therapy is used as described in Column 13 at line 21, which includes the assessment of cognitive, emotional and physiological functioning before, during and after treatment of psychiatric conditions. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,145 (Brown) discloses a method for diagnosis and treatment of psychological and emotional conditions using a microprocessor based virtual reality simulator. The concept uses a computer program held within the computer-based microprocessor which creates a virtual reality simulator. A video display represents the 3-D images and the virtual reality is designed for a specific diagnosis of the patient&#39;s psychological and physiological disorders. Referring to Column 9 at line 16, the microprocessor based unit connected to the audiovisual display has a display which allows for three or more dimensions. The patient can operate the display by using a joystick which has either a blood glucose monitor on it or a respiratory flow meter. The patient elicits responses through the use of the joystick and/or control unit which is recorded in the microprocessor based unit to provide diagnostic measures relating to a particular psychological condition. 
         [0006]    US 2005/0053902 (Vladimirovich) this patent application discloses a method for working out the behavioral strategy of a player using cognitive virtual reality, and a device for carrying out said method and an information carrying medium for said device. A virtual reality three-dimensional game is provided where a user or player is tracked from inception of entering into the game. Throughout the game the player makes various choices which are correlated to a psychological profile of the player&#39;s personality matrix. This system and method records a player&#39;s actions in the virtual reality environment and psycho-physical qualities of the player&#39;s personality are transferred onto the characters and objects of the game. 
         [0007]    US 2004/0215488 (Hein et al.) this patent application discloses a therapy system and method where a patient computer is connected to a therapy sensor which is then connected to a therapist computer via the network. A communication module is provided during a therapy session which enables the release of at least one therapy program preloaded on the patient computer. After this, a therapy plan is created which is transmitted from the therapist computer to the patient computer. The therapy plan is executed by the patient on his computer. The therapist, as referred to in paragraph  98 , is in the position to average a general choice of exercises for the patient. The neuropsychological orthopedic training programs within the therapy system can be chosen. The patient accesses the prescription or therapy program by switching on the patient computer, as discussed in paragraph  105 , and is asked to insert his identification card into the card slot of the ID module. After successful identification, messages from the therapist to the patient are displayed on the message screen. The patient can send the therapist a written reply as to the various questions. The patient can then choose between different therapy programs suggested by the therapist. After successful therapy training, the patient receives a note concerning the difficulty level of the just finished therapy program. 
         [0008]    US 2004/01 75680 (Hlavac et al.) is a US patent application for artificial intelligence platform which discloses the way to deploy interactive characters powered by artificial intelligence. This platform permits the creation of a virtual world populated by multiple characters and objects interacting with one another so as to create a lifelike virtual world which provides an interesting and powerful experience to the user. Referring to paragraph  110 , the software system determines what a given creature does at any given moment which is the behavior component, and how that creature feels, which is the emotion component, and how the creature&#39;s past experience affects its future actions, which is the learning component. Referring now to paragraph  137 , the artificial intelligence engine accumulates a continuous flow of information. The characters sensory system gathers stimuli by sampling the state of the virtual world around the character and any input from a human user, and takes cues from the story mentioned as well. 
         [0009]    US 2004/0121295 (Stuart et al.) is a US patent application which discloses a method and system for using a virtual environment to provide information on using a product. The virtual customer utilizes the promoted product by receiving input control signals from the user indicating movement of the virtual customer through the virtual environment. Interactions are rendered between the virtual customer and the virtual environment in response to the input control signals to enable the user to virtually experience how the promoted product is capable of impacting daily activities of the user and to promote the product. 
         [0010]    US 2003/0207237 (Glezerman) discloses a US patent application for an agent to guide children in a virtual learning environment. The controlled virtual environment is constructed by software when executed in a computer, and a guardian establishes parameters for the user. Information is stored with regard to the user&#39;s interactions and movements within the controlled environment. The user can select a virtual environment to be displayed in the computer. An invisible Buddy is provided who can be used to provide guidance by communicating to the user. The Buddy being an intelligent agent software component, then engages the child in the activities that satisfy the constraint goals provided by the guardian. 
         [0011]    US 2003/0059750 (Bindler et al.) discloses a Us patent application for automated and intelligent network based psychological services. This concept provides a modulated approach for implementing online psychological services. The services are made up of modules consisting of specific techniques, procedures, tests or skills. Everything is customizable to meet the needs of a client. Clients are able to assemble a set of modules to come up with the protocol for treating a specific disorder. 
         [0012]    US 2003/0004752 (Banerjee et al.) discloses a US patent application for a method and apparatus for web-based multiparty counseling. This concept provides for counseling over the Internet. The server provides for establishing control and tracking of sessions which may include a plurality of clients or counselors. Each counselor may be simultaneously involved in multiple sessions and the individual patient may not be aware that the counselors are engaged in one or more sessions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic of the virtual counseling world system  10 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the virtual counseling world server in correspondence with the virtual counseling client server; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the virtual counseling world server; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram of the administration application; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a schematic diagram of the patient application; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2D  is a further schematic diagram of the patient application; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2E  is a schematic diagram of the provider application; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2F  is a further schematic diagram of the provider application; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2G  is a further schematic diagram of the provider application; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a system diagram of the virtual counseling world application, database, and objects; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a system diagram of the virtual counseling world patient data application, database, and objects; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a system diagram of the virtual counseling world client application, database, and objects; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a plan view of the virtual world island; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a diagram of the welcome area entrant&#39;s objects; 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of the personal area objects; 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a diagram of the professional services objects; 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a diagram of the peer-to-peer area objects; 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a flow diagram of the assessment area process; 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a flow diagram of the counseling session process; 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a plan view of the instant virtual counseling world assessment session environment. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY 
       [0033]    The present invention may be embodied as virtual counseling platform for allowing a counselor operating a counselor computer to provide professional counseling services to a patient operating a patient computer. The virtual counseling platform comprises a virtual counseling server, a patient application, and a counseling application. The virtual counseling server is operatively connected to the counselor computer and the patient computer. The virtual counseling server stores patient avatar data for a patient avatar associated with the patient, counselor avatar data for a counselor avatar associated with the counselor, and counseling session data. The patient application operates at least partly on the patient computer to allow the patient to view the counselor avatar based on the counselor avatar data, view the patient avatar based on the patient avatar data, and alter the patient avatar data associated with the patient. The counseling application operates at least partly on the counselor computer allow the counselor to view the counselor avatar based on the counselor avatar data, view the patient avatar based on the patient avatar data, alter the counselor avatar data associated with the counselor, and record counseling session information on the virtual counselor server as the counseling session data. During a counseling session, the patient interactively operates the patient application to modify the patient avatar data such that the patient avatar viewed by the patient and the counselor during the counseling session is altered. The counselor interactively operates the counselor application to modify the counselor avatar data such that the counselor avatar viewed by the patient and the counselor changes during the counseling session is altered. The counselor application stores counseling session information associated with the counseling session on the virtual counselor server as the counseling session data. 
         [0034]    The present invention may also be embodied as a method of allowing a counselor operating a counselor computer to provide professional counseling services to a patient operating a patient computer comprising the following steps. A virtual counseling server is operatively connected to the counselor computer and the patient computer. The virtual counseling server is operated to store, patient avatar data for a patient avatar associated with the patient, counselor avatar data for a counselor avatar associated with the counselor, and counseling session data. A patient application is run at least partly on the patient computer to allow the patient to view the counselor avatar based on the counselor avatar data, view the patient avatar based on the patient avatar data, and alter the patient avatar data associated with the patient. A counseling application is run at least partly on the counselor computer allow the counselor to view the counselor avatar based on the counselor avatar data, view the patient avatar based on the patient avatar data, alter the counselor avatar data associated with the counselor, and record counseling session information on the virtual counselor server as the counseling session data. A counseling session is initiated in which the patient interactively operates the patient application to modify the patient avatar data such that the patient avatar viewed by the patient and the counselor during the counseling session is altered, and the counselor interactively operates the counselor application to modify the counselor avatar data such that the counselor avatar viewed by the patient and the counselor changes during the counseling session is altered. The counselor application stores counseling session information associated with the counseling session on the virtual counselor server as the counseling session data. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    Generally speaking, this concept deals with the field of psychology, and specifically with mental health counseling services. The concept creates efficiencies in corresponding between counselor and patient and making use of technologies to create effective meeting spaces for exemplary counseling sessions as well as creating meeting spaces for peer-to-peer meeting sessions between patients and research spaces for patient and counselor to effectively explore their cases. The concept uses various forms of three-dimensional virtual reality online worlds to create various counseling efficiencies. 
         [0036]    This concept enables the users, which include the counselors and the clients or patients, to use tools to engage one another and communicate various emotions, feelings, and information which are enhanced by the present system. Communication settings are made to set the desired mood or environment the counselor wishes to enhance during the session, and these environments can be modified through the use of environmental tool settings. These settings can be based on criteria from which the patient has input prior to the meeting with the counselor or vice versa. 
         [0037]    The environments themselves can change during the meeting depending on the course of the direction of the meeting; also the users can cloth themselves in different types of Avatar bodies or skins to convey a certain impression. This way the patient can more easily represent himself and such a “clothing” can provide a sense of confidentiality, privacy, and comfort. 
         [0038]    The system has various software tools or objects which enable the counselor and client to interact and effectively convey various emotions, feelings and information. This communication makes the counseling session effective and efficient from a time and space viewpoint. The practice has voice, text, Emoticons, and other facial and body language characteristics which enable the counselor and the patient to effectively communicate their mental health and emotional health states. 
         [0039]    The system also has the ability to take in precursor information such as the type of help the client believes he or she thinks they may need so that the counselor can effectively prepare for the session. The type of meeting environment as previously mentioned can be scripted, the ability to record the sessions for historical, mental health, and physician recordation purposes so that the meetings can meet the National Institute of Mental Health mandates for professional standards as well HIPPA compliance. 
         [0040]    Within the system, various self help areas enable like-minded patients to interact with one another; these include list serves, peer-to-peer type meeting rooms, and other patient rooms. The system also includes research and storage rooms for various patients to further research their own cases which than can be brought into the counseling session as desired. 
         [0041]    A detailed discussion of the one embodiment will now be provided. It should be noted that although the implementation of the this embodiment utilizes a centralized server with a plurality of client servers scattered throughout the Internet, the present concept can be implemented on a client side server or implemented on a localized central server. 
         [0042]    The present system is currently configured for mental health practitioners. An alternative embodiments, the present system can be modified to serve other professional service industries, enabling the professional service provider to practice in a virtual environment utilizing similar custom toolset&#39;s. For example, counseling for other types of doctors, lawyers, accountants, consultants, architects, engineers and like. In such an alternative embodiment, and as will be described in detail below, the patient would be similar to a counselee, a patient application would be similar to a counselee application, and patient objects in a patient database would correlate to counselee objects in a counselee database. 
         [0043]    A brief discussion of the arrangement of the network and the Internet will now be provided. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the virtual counseling world system  10  is shown where a plurality of devices are connected to one another via the Internet  12 . These devices include retirement facilities  14 , hospitals and physicians offices  16 , schools  18 , personal digital assistants  20 , desktops  22 , a variety of wireless devices including cell phones  24  which are connected via land-based wireless systems  28 , and satellite wireless systems  26 . Furthermore, intra-networks  30  are connected to the Internet which can then access, and depending on the platform, the virtual counseling world server  32  to implement the present concept. 
         [0044]    In order to enable the present concept, a plurality of servers are provided which enable the applications to run on the servers and access the databases. Servers can include Microsoft SQL Server as well as other systems such as Linux. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the virtual counseling world server  32  can be provided on one or more machines and mirrored, but the first embodiment is that the world server provides support for two distinct platforms, a virtual counseling world platform  34  and a patient data virtual world counseling platform  36 . The previously-mentioned devices that are connected to the Internet can download in some form a client server application  48  and have a thin client virtual counseling client server  46  located on their, for example, desk top  22  as seen in  FIG. 1 . This enables the client side information to be stored on a client server database  50 , which is information specific to each particular client. 
         [0046]    Because of HIPPA compliance concerns regarding privacy  20  and security, issues, the patient data information may be kept on a separate platform as previously discussed. This first embodiment separates the virtual world counseling session information and other mental health related interactions as they occur in the virtual world from the patient data stored in the electronic medical records/practice management server software, which may be accessed 9 by a variety of mental health providers, physicians, nurse practitioners, physician&#39;s assistants, nursing staff, insurance companies, HMO5, EAP&#39;s, school counselors, correctional officers, military personnel, human resource departments and other physical world organizations possibly needing access to data compiled by the counselor while interacting with patients in the virtual world environment. From this state, data is stored in a formal and consistent medical record which is formatted to comply with all relevant EMR regulations and meets standards for patient data sheets used in communicating with physical world physicians and other authorized professionals involved in patient care. 
         [0047]    These databases are easily accessible and organized so that all authorized persons can access it as needed to review the patient&#39;s care, make treatment recommendations and modifications, and communicate with other providers in a paperless and rapidly distributed manner. 
         [0048]    The virtual counseling world platform  34  supports a virtual counseling world platform database  38  as well as a virtual counseling world application  40 . The patient data virtual counseling world platform  36  supports a patient database  44  as well as a patient data application  42 . 
         [0049]    Examples of similar virtual worlds which are currently in use would be worlds such as Everquest, Second Life, and other such world building and socializing games which have become popular in recent years. In order to implement these system intensive graphics and physical engines, the virtual world or the virtual counseling world application  40  has to enable and load specific objects for its run time. 
         [0050]    It in alternative embodiment, referring to  FIG. 2A , the virtual counseling world server  32  hosts a single set of applications running from a database, the applications providing various forms of application interfaces to clients through a firewall. For example, the virtual counseling world server  32  hosts a number of virtual counseling world applications  40  which include an administration application  410 , patient application  412 , and a counselor application  414 . These applications are interoperable with a virtual counseling world database  38 , to be discussed further below. An administration client  416  can access the administration application  410  through a firewall by utilizing a secure socket link connection. In the same way, patient client  418  can access the patient application  412  and the provider client  420  can access the counselor application  414 . The applications can be initialized in various instances and configurations on the previously mentioned clients depending on the end users desired use or control settings by the administration client  416 . For congruency in discussion, a more detailed discussion of this second alternative embodiment will be provided after a detailed discussion of the first embodiment. 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the virtual counseling world application  40  can access the virtual counseling world database  38  and can initialize various virtual counseling world objects  52  depending on the desired system need. These various objects include an authorization object  54 , graphics or display objects  56 , physics engines  58 , state data objects or constructs  60 , person data objects or Avatars  62 , a welcome area object  64 , a professional area object  66 , a peer-to-peer area object  70 , entrance area objects  72 , building tool objects  74 , and scripting tool objects  76 . 
         [0052]    The virtual counseling world patient data application  42  as seen in  FIG. 4 , can access a separate virtual counseling world patient database  44  and initialize various virtual counseling world patient data objects  80 . These objects include counselor files  82 , patient-to-file objects  84 , medical clinical portals  86 , medical HMO portals  88 , school portals  90 , MMOPRG portals  92 , elderly disabled object portals  94 , peer-to-peer area portals  96 , and billing data objects  98 . 
         [0053]    Because the nature of the virtual world is such that individuals need to access the virtual world through separate disparate clients, a certain amount of information and data needs to be kept on each client to expedite the process. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the virtual counseling client application  48  is supported by the virtual counseling client server  46  as seen on  FIG. 2 , and can access the virtual counseling client database  50  and initialize various virtual counseling client objects  100  as desired to operate within the virtual counseling world environment as will be discussed below. 
         [0055]    In order to effectively operate, the virtual counseling client objects  100  included is a graphics objects set  102 , physics objects set  104 , personal state data objects  106 , Avatar data objects  108 , personal file objects  110 , billing information or data objects  112 , and other cross-platform virtual counseling world objects  114  which may be desired for backup purposes or to run the entire system on the local client if desired. 
         [0056]    With the virtual counseling world system  10  accessible in the virtual world, the virtual world enables the users of the virtual world to acquire “real estate” such as small predetermined lots such as an acre or two or actual virtual world Islands  120  as seen in  FIG. 6 . Citizens of the virtual world or residents of the virtual world can then visit for example the virtual world Island  120  and enter into various virtual spaces as will be discussed below. 
         [0057]    For security purposes, the virtual world Islands  120  in one particular embodiment is only accessible by patients authorized to port or enter into the island. 
         [0058]    For example, a resident or client or patient enabled to access the virtual world Island  120  as depicted in  FIG. 6 , may first enter the welcome entrance area  122 . After familiarizing herself and registering, the patient may wish to visit various operational areas within the virtual world Island  120 . They also include a professional area  128 , a peer-to-peer area  124 , and a personal area  126 . Generally speaking, the welcome entrance area  122  provides an overview as well as entrance to private and public spaces as well as registering and understanding the various services that are provided at the virtual counseling world Island  120 . 
         [0059]    The professional area  128  is where the therapists, doctors, and other staff personnel hold their meetings with the patients, as well as perform various functions for maintaining the operation of the facility. 
         [0060]    The peer-to-peer area  124  is a public meeting space designed specifically for various types of patient groups to meet and interact to discuss their various issues and/or problems. 
         [0061]    The personal area  126  is designed for individuals to implement their own personal patient place to keep files, develop environments, do research, and other types of patient therapy activities. 
         [0062]    The welcome area or entrance area  122  is supported by a plurality of objects and/or informational settings as seen in  FIG. 7 . The welcome area entrance  140  includes information object on who, what, how, and why as seen in  142 . Also the various services provided for the virtual counseling world are shown in a services offered object  144 . Clients and other individuals may wish to know the costs involved with such a service, which is displayed in costs object  146 . 
         [0063]    Other welcome area entrance objects include referrals  148 , registration including public and private  150 , a public login  152 , a private login  154 , an entrance for professionals  156 , and a section for organizations  160 . The welcome area entrance  140  is the main gateway into and out of the virtual counseling world island  120  as referred to in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0064]    Patients or individuals visiting the virtual counseling world island  120  may wish to set up their own personal area  126 . Various personal area objects  170  are provided for performing such tasks as seen in  FIG. 8 . These objects include allocating a virtual personal space  172 , and utilizing various tool set objects  174  for customization. 
         [0065]    It is intended for the patient&#39;s to utilize and prepare for the sessions with the counselors. This preparation includes using Avatar customization tools  176 , environment customization tools  178 , voice tools  180 , text based communication tools  182 , facial based communication tools  184 , body language communication tools  186 , and video tools  188 . Also each personal area includes information accessible by research library objects  190 , journal objects  200 , and media objects  202 . 
         [0066]    Still referring to  FIG. 8 , by utilizing the virtual world counseling services the patient and counselor can use specialized communication tools designed for avatar to avatar communication. For example, Avatars can express emotions through facial and body language as well as voice and text to give a unique description of their feelings and emotional state during the counseling session. The tool set objects  174  have customized voice, text, facial, and body language tools to fully enable the patient and therapist or counselor to communicate with one another. 
         [0067]    Although this is not a comprehensive list, the facial tools, voice tools, and body language tools accessible in the tool set objects  174  can be utilized to express the following feeling word vocabularies. These feelings then shown in a feeling object tool set through a combination of Avatar body choice, clothing choice, facial features, body language, textual communication, voice communication, environment choice, etc. . . . . These feeling objects include strong intensity, feeling objects such as: happy/sad, hurt/angry/scared, confused, excited, hopeless, furious, fearful, bewildered, elated, sorrowful, seething, panicky, trapped, exuberant, wounded, enraged, shocked, troubled, ecstatic, drained, hostile, overwhelmed, demobilized, terrific, defeated, vengeful, startled, stagnant, jubilant, exhausted, incensed, intimidated, ambivalent, alive, crushed, hateful, desperate, energetic, worthless, humiliated, frantic, enthusiastic, dejected, sabotaged, terrified, loved, rejected, betrayed, vulnerable, empty, repulsed, hopeless, miserable, jealous, distraught, pissed off, and bitter. 
         [0068]    Other feeling objects which can be expressed by either voice, facial expression, body language, and text, for moderate intensity-type feeling objects include: happy/sad/hurt/angry scared, confused, valued, depressed, resentful, tense, awkward, gratified, disappointed, disgusted, threatened, puzzled, encouraged, inadequate, smothered, afraid, disoriented, optimistic, dismal, frustrated, uneasy, foggy, joyful, unappreciated, stifled, defensive, proud, discouraged, offended, insecure, cheerful, distressed, skeptical, assured, disillusioned, controlled, apprehensive, grateful, lonely, peeved, suspicious, appreciated, isolated, annoyed, perturbed, confident, alienated, agitated, ashamed, respected, abandoned, irritated, admired, regretful, accepted. 
         [0069]    Other feeling objects which can be expressed by either voice, facial, body and other feelings of mild intensity include: happy, sad, hurt, angry, scared, confused, content, lost, uptight, reluctant, bothered, relaxed, distant, dismayed, anxious, undecided, glad, resigned, shy, uncomfortable, satisfied, nervous, perplexed, peaceful, timid, unsure, calm, concerned, doubtful, tranquil, worried, and pleased. 
         [0070]    Many activities occurring on the virtual counseling world island  120  in this particular embodiment can occur at the professional area  128 . Thus a large number of the activities will be supported by various professional services objects  210  as seen in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0071]    Just like any physical office, a professional services area  128  needs areas to function. These areas are embodied in the professional services objects  210 . 
         [0072]    They include a therapist counseling offices object  212 , a core staff counseling offices object  214 , a group therapy room set of objects  216 , a psychological educational set of classrooms and objects  218 , psychiatrist rooms  220 , assessment areas  222 , crisis assistance areas  224 , staff areas  226 , lounge areas  228 , consultation room  230  for the staff, supervision room  232 , conference room for staff  234 , support services offices  236 , these offices including billing services  238 , administration services  240  and other functions as desired  242 . 
         [0073]    Similarly, a peer-to-peer area  124  as seen in  FIG. 6  is supported by a series of peer-to-peer area objects  250 . These include common areas  252 , problem type or hoods  254 , demographics  256 , library areas  260 , support group meeting areas  262 , bulletin board forms  264 , self-help assessment areas  266 , schedule areas  268 , contacts  270 , professional waiver areas  272 , announcement systems  274 , and terms of use area  276 . In order for individuals to access the peer-to-peer area  126 , they will have to first agree to the terms of use  276  as well as the professional waiver  272 . 
         [0074]    As previously mentioned, much of the time using the virtual counseling world island  120  in the particular embodiment will be in the Avatar to Avatar and patient-to-therapist communications as well as the patient-to-patient communication in either a one-on-one setting or a group therapy setting. 
         [0075]    The communication can occur at multiple points within the virtual counseling world; depending on the world set up, the effective communication can occur at the peer-to-peer area  124  as seen in  FIG. 6 , the professional area  128 , as well as the welcome entrance area  122 . It is also possible that patients would be able to invite other avatars into their personal areas  126  for communication purposes. 
         [0076]    In the previously mentioned second embodiment, off-the-shelf virtual reality platforms such as secondlife.com are used so that the counselor&#39;s can provide virtual reality professional counseling services. The appearance of the three-dimensional virtual reality world platform along with additional administration applications, provider applications, and patient plug-in applications to be discussed below, enable the users to have a sense of being virtually presents in the environment. This in turn facilitates the counseling experience. 
         [0077]    Access to the platform is established by creating a user account in the virtual world, downloading some user specific client based software onto the users client computer. Patients and counselors can create graphical representations of themselves as previously discussed by adopting avatars. The professional counseling services are established on a virtual world Island  120  as previously seen in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0078]    To heighten the counseling experience, a number of in world plug-in application devices, and administration and counselor applications are provided. 
         [0079]    Referring again to  FIG. 2A , the virtual counseling world server  32  can be maintained within the server side of the virtual world such as the second life site, or can be maintained on a separate distinct server farm depending upon the desired security requirements and precautions as well as depending upon the ability of the virtual reality world to provide the needed security requirements. 
         [0080]    Either way, the virtual counseling world server  32  as mentioned above, maintains a number of virtual counseling world applications  40 . Detailed discussion of each application will not be provided. 
         [0081]    The administration application  410  as see in  FIG. 2B  enables the individuals providing the virtual world Island  120  as previously mentioned in  FIG. 6 , to host the professional counseling services. The administration application is initialized from the virtual counseling world database  38  and the application  410  draws from a plurality of sub-databases including administration database  430 , patient database  432 , an accounting database  434 , a scheduling database  436 , a HIPPA compliance database  438 , as well as a communications database  440 . 
         [0082]    These databases hold objects and classes of objects for creation of various sub-components as part of the administration application  410  as well as the patient application  412  ( FIG. 2A ), and the counselor application  414 . Referring back to  FIG. 2B , the administration pages  442  is one component initialized from the virtual counseling world database  38  to create the various components of the administration application  410 . 
         [0083]    The administration pages  442  has an administration main menu page  444 . The menu page  444  can in one form be initialize as an administration specific graphic user interface within the virtual world, or can be accessed through a standard web page using active server pages for example, as well as executed through a standard Microsoft GUI application interface. 
         [0084]    Nonetheless the component functionality includes administration and provider account maintenance  446  and administration provider rates  448 . This particular rate page  448  enables the administration to set or keep tabs on provider rates, the provider being counselor providing services for the patients. 
         [0085]    Further, there is also administration provider billing object  450 , provider patient account object  452  which enables the administrators to review some or all of the provider patient accounts. Also included is an activity tracking object page  454 , an overall system maintenance object page  456 , administrator/provider compliance object page  458 . This particular compliance page  458  enables administrators to send reports on behalf of the counselor/provider&#39;s to the various governmental agencies. 
         [0086]    Also included in the administration application is an administration provider resources page  460  which enables the providers or counselors to access the administration preset resources maintained by the administration for providers benefit. 
         [0087]    There are also communication tools provided through implementation of the administration provider communication page  462 , as well as enabling and disabling various scheduling tools through the administration provider scheduling page  464 . If for example a provider is no longer able to provide the particular counseling service, the administration or administrator can take over or reassign those particular services through the use of the administration patient management page  466 . 
         [0088]    Lastly, an administration/provider management page  468  is provided for other functionality which stems from the counseling practice. 
         [0089]    Because most of the patient use of the virtual counseling world server  32  as seen in  FIG. 2C  will be in the virtual world itself, the patient application  412  can run from the patient client  418  or it can be run as a web based browser or GUI maintained within the virtual world itself. However the patient application  412  is run, it is geared more towards the implementation of the patient operation in the virtual reality setting. The patient application  412  accesses the as needed virtual counseling world database as well as the sub-databases as previously discussed, to implement various patient pages  470 . These patient pages  470  include patient main menu  472 , three-dimensional graphic engine component  474 , voice communication pages  476 , video communication pages  478 , patient e-mail or textual communication  480 , secure instant messaging  482 , patient scheduling  484 , and patient object tools  486 . 
         [0090]    During a patient&#39;s in world session, the patient will move three-dimensionally in world and correspond with other patients and counselors. Viewing is through a third person, first person, or top down view of the patient and it&#39;s surroundings in world as seen through the GUI. Nonetheless, the patient application  412  is with executable while the patient is moving through the world in either of these first person, third person, or top down view arrangements. The patient application  412  adds additional menu options to the standard GUI through tiled menus, pulldown menus, quick keys, mouse keys, peripherals enabling touch, voice, visual or mental commands to create a more virtually there presence. 
         [0091]    On the patient main menu page  472  the patient object tools  486  as seen in  FIG. 2D  include options for customization and utilization of the patient communication and physical representation properties. These include patient physical avatar  488 , patient environmental customization object  490 , patient voice customization  492 , patient facial tools  494 , patient body language  496 , patient Journal object  498 , patient media objects  500 , and patient 3D control object  502 . 
         [0092]    The counselor application  414  and is seen in  FIG. 2E , has the functionality and accessibility of the patients application objects as well as the administration application objects. 
         [0093]    The counselor application  414  has accessibility to the virtual counseling world database  34  as well as all of the sub-databases as previously mentioned above, so that the various objects and/or pages can be initialized in the counselor pages  504 . These include a counselor main menu page  506 , three-dimensional graphics engine object  508 , voice communication object  510 , video communication object  512 , a counselor e-mail communication object  514 , a secure instant messaging object  516 , counselor scheduling object  518 , counselor objects tools  520 , and counselor administration tools  522 . 
         [0094]    Referring to  FIG. 2G , the counselor must have access to the administration application and/or site, therefore a number of counselor administration tools  522  are provided in the counselors application main menu  506 . These include an administration provider account maintenance object  540 , an administration provider rates object  542 , administration provider billing object  544 , a provider patient accounts maintenance object  546 , activity tracking object  548 , various system maintenance control objects  550 , administration provider compliance object  552 , administration provider resource objects  544 , administration provider communication objects  556 , administration provider scheduling object  558 , administration patient management objects  560 , and administration provider management objects  562 . 
         [0095]    Lastly, the counselor also may communicate with the patient in the virtual reality world. To supplement and facilitate this communication, counselor object tools  520  are provided. These counselor object tools include counselor physical avatar object  524 , counselor environmental customization objects  526 , counselor voice customization objects  528 , counselor facial tool objects  530 , counselor body language object  532 , counselor journal objects  534 , counselor media objects  536 , and counselor three-dimensional controls  538 . 
         [0096]    To give an example of the typical process which may occur during an assessment type of situation between a therapist and a client, the process is described below. 
         [0097]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , the patient or client has entered into the professional area  128  and accessed the assessment area  222  object available in the professional services objects  200  as seen in  FIG. 9 . The patient as seen in  FIG. 11  then has series of objects or hyperlinks or however it is set up, to choose from to enable an effective meeting between a therapist and the client. This includes making an assessment need determination at step  280 , an environmental need determination at step  282 , uploading or accessing the client chart at step  284 , scheduling a meeting at step  286 , contacting a therapist at step  288 , accessing and uploading client patient notes at step  290 , enabling various patient communication tools at step  292 , which include the previously mentioned tool sets objects  174  as seen in  FIG. 8 . Additionally, the patient may need to enter in his billing information at step  294 . After the patient has in this case entered his or her desired information and scheduled an assessment meeting, the patient is queried whether or not to begin the assessment at step  296 . If it is time to begin the assessment, then the patient will begin the counseling session assessment session at step  300  as seen in  FIG. 12 , otherwise he will exit to the virtual counseling world at step  298  until it is time to begin the session. 
         [0098]    Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the counseling session will begin at step  300  and the session occurs at step  302 . Within the session, the therapist communicates and responds at step  304  and the patient communicates and responds at step  306 , each utilizing their various tool sets and other accessible object-oriented data to effectively communicate. 
         [0099]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , an example of an instance of the virtual counseling world assessment session environment  310  is shown. Here the therapist Avatar  314  is sitting in a chair at any typical therapist desk  316 . The therapist has chosen a traditional counseling session environment which includes a lamp  320  as well as an office wall  322  with a window and various accreditation information on the wall. The therapist Avatar  314  has various counseling tool sets available  324  at his disposal including voice, text, Avatar tools, notes, and other session controls. 
         [0100]    Similarly the patient Avatar  312  has chosen to include in the virtual counseling world assessment session environment  310  a lounge chair  318  so that his Avatar can express a visual feeling of relaxation. The patient Avatar  312  has at his disposal certain counseling tool sets  326  including voice, text, Avatar controls, notes, and other controls within the counseling session. The patient and the therapist may choose to make notes and record the entire session in somewhat of a QuickTime movie or not depending on the confidentiality requirements. Once the session is complete, in referring to  FIG. 12 , the counseling session will end at step  308  and the therapist will be able to return to the professional therapist counseling offices area  212  to make his notes and determination for saving the session information for digestion by various health professionals such as doctors, other mental health colleagues, insurance companies, psychiatrists, and other individuals. 
         [0101]    The patient Avatar may then go back to a personal area  126  to do further research on his own or may go to a peer-to-peer area  124  for desired interaction and communication with other like-minded patients. 
         [0102]    The QuickTime movie can be uploaded into the file server and utilized by outside world professionals as previously discussed in the patient data virtual counseling world platform  36  as seen in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0103]    Multiple instances of the above system can be initialized depending on the desired objective as can be further conceived. 
         [0104]    While the present invention is illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants&#39; general concept.