Avatar-based simulation in the evaluation of diagnosis and management of mental health disorders in primary care

► Innovative tool to access cognitive reasoning and decision-making was developed. ► Avatar-based assessment tool developed to train physicians to diagnose MDD and PTSD. ► Assessed diagnostic and management capabilities: avatar method vs. text-based method. ► The avatar group performed better than the text group in diagnosis and management. ► Avatars can be used to train physicians to diagnose mental health in primary care.