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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer help for video game addiction in Chesterfield, VA

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance.

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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting video game addiction counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage, +20 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +5 more

As a Licensed Clinician with over 15 years experience working with children, adolescents, and families, I understand the unique challenges facing our ... As a Licensed Clinician with over 15 years experience working with children, adolescents, and families, I understand the unique challenges facing our youth today and how to utilize a variety of platforms that encourage engagement in the therapeutic process. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Carelon, Cigna | Evernorth, +13 more
Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, ADHD, +7 more

I am passionate about understanding and addressing your unique mental health needs; I am dedicated to providing a personalized outpatient therapy jour... I am passionate about understanding and addressing your unique mental health needs; I am dedicated to providing a personalized outpatient therapy journey tailored to your needs. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage, +17 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +11 more

I hope to create a safe space for clients to be themselves and explore their inner experiences.

Starting Video game addiction counseling

What is Video game addiction counseling?

Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Chesterfield, VA helps people who have an obsession with playing video games as well as with the more severe internet gaming disorder. People may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder if they struggle to control how often or how long they game. The symptoms of internet gaming disorder may include deceiving loved ones about when and how often they play, thinking constantly about gaming, and using video games as a distraction from real-world problems.

How does Video game addiction counseling work?

Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Chesterfield helps those who suffer by assisting them in regaining control over video gaming. In addition, it can help them cope with the negative effects of video game addiction counseling from anxiety to depression, insomnia, and more.

Is Video game addiction counseling conducted in person or online?

Video game addiction counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and through Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Video game addiction counseling last?

The length of video game addiction counseling depends on the individual's needs as well as the extent and severity of their problem and those that might stem from it. That said, people can make meaningful progress in the first weeks to months of therapy.

Need more help deciding?

When Tyler started gaming, he was in college and played with his friends all the time. Tyler has lost touch with most of his college friends who game, but he has not cut back on gaming. He has passed up professional opportunities and missed out on family events in order to game. But now Tyler is married, has a full-time job, and is expecting his first kid. He knows it’s time to walk away from gaming, and he is having a hard time. Tyler wants to do better. He wonders if he has a video game addiction.

Mental health professionals are still exploring whether video games meet the strict criteria of an official addiction, but one thing is abundantly clear—many people struggle with when, where, and how long they play video games and online games. Many people also experience similar symptoms and effects with video games as with other behavior based addictions such as gambling.

Another key similarity exists: many people who are struggling with compulsive video game use are benefitting from therapies traditionally used to heal addiction. Twelve-step groups modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous cater to gamers, and many people are also finding help from therapy.

The counselors at Thriveworks Chesterfield have seen many people struggling to control their video game use, and our professionals have helped many people learn how to regain that control.

Internet Gaming Disorder: Definition and Diagnostics

When people speak of video game addiction, they are often referring to internet gaming disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) includes internet gaming disorder in its section entitled, “Conditions for Further Study,” calling for more research before it is officially acknowledged as a disorder. The DSM-5 does, however, give severity modifiers and diagnostics.

People may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder if they struggle controlling how often or how long they game. The symptoms of internet gaming disorder may include:

  • Deceiving loved ones about when and how much one games.
  • Thinking constantly about games.
  • Developing tolerance—playing for a longer time period to feel the same level of satisfaction.
  • Soothing challenging emotions like loneliness, guilt, shame, sadness, grief, anxiety, or fear with video games.
  • Going into withdrawal when curbing game play—possibly experiencing moodiness, restlessness, irritability, or depression.
  • Using video games as a distraction from real-world problems.
  • Attempting to quit without success.
  • Giving up time with friends and family or passing on educational/professional opportunities in order to game.
  • Guardians and parents, in addition should look for the following signs in their children:
    • Lethargy and sleepiness during the day.
    • Incomplete school assignments.
    • Poor/declining grades.
    • Quitting/losing interest in sports and activities.
    • Playing video games alone.

When people become addicted to video games or develop internet gaming disorder, they may develop an emotional attachment to the video game. They may look to the experience that the video game offers for their need to connect.

What Leads to Internet Gaming Disorder?

The exact causes of internet gaming disorder are still being studied, but one theory is that core loops may make gaming an addictive activity for some people. Core loops, also known as compulsion loops, are a series of challenges and rewards that beckon people further into a game’s narrative. Massively multi-media online role-playing games (MMORPG), mobile games, and social media games use these loops extensively in gaming narratives.

With each challenge that players successfully complete, the game rewards them in some way, and with each reward they receive from the game, their brain also releases dopamine. Each reward is tied into the next challenge so that the cycle continues.

In the game, Monster Hunter, players battle monsters and are rewarded with powers from the monsters they defeat. These newly gained powers allow them to fight fiercer monsters which give them powers to fight fiercer monsters and so forth. With each reward, they also receive dopamine from their brain, solidifying the brain’s association of pleasure and the game.

Help for Internet Gaming Disorder

Out of control gaming can harm people’s lives physically, emotionally, and relationally:

  • Physically, people may experience severe headaches, dry eyes, poor hygiene, back pain, irregular eating habits, sleep disturbances, and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.
  • Emotionally, people may deal with heightened anxiety or depression.
  • Relationally, people may drive loved ones away if they lie, miss important events, or spend excessive money on gaming.

Are you experiencing any of these difficulties as a result of your gaming? Are you ready for help to regain control of your video game habit? If you or your child needs help, Thriveworks Chesterfield is ready. We have therapy appointments available for video game addiction.

If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional, know that when you call our office, a person answers our phone. Many new clients have their first appointment within 24 hours of their call. We offer evening and weekend sessions. We also accept many forms of insurance.

Call Thriveworks Chesterfield to get started.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Chesterfield therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Chesterfield
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I have not felt great after two days on the medication prescribed for me on Saturday. But, my psychologist is amazing she listens and is friendly. Had amazing experience and advice to give out to me.
Read more I have not felt great after two days on the medication prescribed for me on Saturday. But, my psychologist is amazing she listens and is friendly. Had amazing experience and advice to give out to me.
Hannah Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I was so nervous about going to therapy being that I’ve never foresaw a reason or need to go… I had encountered a very traumatic accident at work and it left me confused and depressed about my career path! I can honestly say if it weren’t for Ariane I’d still be left battling confusion and and depression from my accident. I’ve suffered anxiety and panic attacks from the incident but Ari has given me helpful tips to get through my tough times when I’m experiencing those attacks. I’m just so grateful to have encountered a very experienced and understanding counselor who genuinely has my best interest at a full recovery at heart!
Read more I was so nervous about going to therapy being that I’ve never foresaw a reason or need to go… I had encountered a very traumatic accident at work and it left me confused and depressed about my career path! I can honestly say if it weren’t for Ariane I’d still be left battling confusion and and depression from my accident. I’ve suffered anxiety and panic attacks from the incident but Ari has given me helpful tips to get through my tough times when I’m experiencing those attacks. I’m just so grateful to have encountered a very experienced and understanding counselor who genuinely has my best interest at a full recovery at heart!
Chesterfield Nov 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
This was my first therapy experience. I was in desperate need for help. Jenee was my therapist for a year and I can’t overstate how incredibly helpful she has been. She met me where I was mentally and helped me to find myself and healthy/productive ways of dealing with my everyday struggles. I’m a completely different and happier person thanks to her hard work.
Read more This was my first therapy experience. I was in desperate need for help. Jenee was my therapist for a year and I can’t overstate how incredibly helpful she has been. She met me where I was mentally and helped me to find myself and healthy/productive ways of dealing with my everyday struggles. I’m a completely different and happier person thanks to her hard work.
Chesterfield Feb 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ramona Peters at Thriveworks is the most empathetic person and amazing social worker. She is prompt, considerate, compassionate and so insightful. Her love for people and her ability to connect truly shine through in my encounters with her. She has real life experience and such a truthful yet kind and humanitarian way of helping people look at and solve dilemas and overcome day to day obstacles in life. Would highly recommend!
Read more Ramona Peters at Thriveworks is the most empathetic person and amazing social worker. She is prompt, considerate, compassionate and so insightful. Her love for people and her ability to connect truly shine through in my encounters with her. She has real life experience and such a truthful yet kind and humanitarian way of helping people look at and solve dilemas and overcome day to day obstacles in life. Would highly recommend!
Chesterfield Oct 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Lottie Ampy is an excellent therapist and psychologist, who has served in the counseling and psychology field for many years. I have had the opportunity to work with her in the community and have seen her skills in action first hand, whether for crisis situations or generalized therapy for individuals or families. She has many talents and skills, but especially excels helping others to reach their personalized goals when in midst of going through difficult times. She is an excellent clinician and is also aware of local and regional resources. She delivers caring, compassionate services and is a clinician/psychologist who can work with you, right where you are. She is an asset to the Thriveworks team. Dr. Ampy renders 5*+ services to all she encounters.
Read more Dr. Lottie Ampy is an excellent therapist and psychologist, who has served in the counseling and psychology field for many years. I have had the opportunity to work with her in the community and have seen her skills in action first hand, whether for crisis situations or generalized therapy for individuals or families. She has many talents and skills, but especially excels helping others to reach their personalized goals when in midst of going through difficult times. She is an excellent clinician and is also aware of local and regional resources. She delivers caring, compassionate services and is a clinician/psychologist who can work with you, right where you are. She is an asset to the Thriveworks team. Dr. Ampy renders 5*+ services to all she encounters.
Chesterfield Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ramona is a wonderful social worker with a calming presence. She makes you feel heard and respected, while also helping you reflect and move forward.
Read more Ramona is a wonderful social worker with a calming presence. She makes you feel heard and respected, while also helping you reflect and move forward.
Chesterfield Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ms. Stefanie is an absolute therapy guru! She helped me tremendously with communicating more effectively in my relationships. She is unbiased, a great listener, and was very thorough in explaining the different techniques that I could use to maximize my efforts in communicating better. The guidance I received from Ms. Stefanie truly influenced a major part of my personal growth.
Read more Ms. Stefanie is an absolute therapy guru! She helped me tremendously with communicating more effectively in my relationships. She is unbiased, a great listener, and was very thorough in explaining the different techniques that I could use to maximize my efforts in communicating better. The guidance I received from Ms. Stefanie truly influenced a major part of my personal growth.
Chesterfield Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Allison Jackson is a compassionate and highly-skilled professional. Her education and vast experience allow her to meet the needs of her clients in a cooperative and dynamic manner. Specializing in trauma and in transforming lives, Dr. Jackson listens to your needs and supports you in finding a better future. Couples and families will find she listens to all perspectives in reaching healthy, unified goals. When engaging with her for therapy, you will receive outstanding service.
Read more Dr. Allison Jackson is a compassionate and highly-skilled professional. Her education and vast experience allow her to meet the needs of her clients in a cooperative and dynamic manner. Specializing in trauma and in transforming lives, Dr. Jackson listens to your needs and supports you in finding a better future. Couples and families will find she listens to all perspectives in reaching healthy, unified goals. When engaging with her for therapy, you will receive outstanding service.
Chesterfield Jun 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Across the street is Simple Intervention and Huff Poole & Mahoney PC legal services. Next door is Branches of Life and the office of dentist Sasala Albert. There is also a Starbucks in the parking lot, as well as First Watch restaurant and TowneBank.

Phone number

(804) 375-5195

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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