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Our therapists offer help for video game addiction in Knoxville, TN

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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.

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Starting Video game addiction counseling

What is Video game addiction counseling?

Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville 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?

Jesse’s parents recently put restrictions on how much he plays his favorite video game, Counter-Strike. They were growing concerned that their 11-year-old was spending so much time playing a video game by himself, and the way Jesse reacted to the restrictions increased their concerns. Jesse seems to fall apart when he cannot play. His parents have also discovered that he lied to them about being a friend’s house—he was gaming instead of playing basketball like he said. Jesse’s parents are not sure what to do next, and they are wondering if their child may have a video game addiction.

Mental health professionals are still gathering data on whether compulsive gaming meets the formal criteria to be an addiction, but one thing is clear: many people have trouble controlling when and how long they play video games. They may also be replacing real-world relationships with an emotional connection to online gaming and an online persona.

Many treatments for compulsive gaming are also being formed. Several twelve step programs that are based upon Alcoholics Anonymous have formed to support online gaming addicts. Many people are also seeking out mental health therapy for themselves or their child.

At Thriveworks Knoxville, we see many clients who struggle to control their gaming habits, and we have equipped them with the coping skills and healing they need to regain their self-control.

Compulsive Internet Gaming

What many people refer to as a video game addiction, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) calls internet gaming disorder. DSM-5 gives criteria for diagnosing internet gaming disorder as well as severity modifiers. It also calls for more research, including it in the section, “Conditions for Further Study” instead of in its official list of disorders.

Internet gaming disorder is similar to other behavior-based addictions, like gambling. The problem is with control: whether people can self-regulate their game play. Depending upon how many of the following signs people display, they may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder:

  • Gaming instead of dealing with real-life responsibilities or problems.
  • Choosing videos games over one’s education, career, friends, or family.
  • Feeling withdrawal (irritable, moody, aggressive, restless, or depressed) when one cannot play.
  • Deceiving loved one’s about game use.
  • Trying to quit gaming without success.
  • Obsessing over the game, even when not playing.
  • Easing hard emotions (guilt, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, depression, et cetera) with video games.
  • Gaming longer to feel the same satisfaction.
  • Parents also need to be on the lookout for the following signs in their children that have resulted from gaming:
    • Unfinished school assignments.
    • Sleepiness throughout the day.
    • Lowering grades.
    • Disinterest in previously enjoyable activities.
    • Gaming by themselves.

Possible Causes of Internet Gaming Disorder

There is still much to be learned about how internet gaming disorders are caused, but one theory is that the compulsion loops within the narratives of many video games contribute significantly to the disorder. Mobile games, social networking games, and massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) employ these core or compulsion loops. The games give players a task and then a reward them for complete the task. Players’ brains release dopamine with each reward, and their brain soon connects the feeling of pleasure with the video game.

One example is the game, Monster Hunter. Players in this game must slay a monster. When they are successful, they gain some power from the defeated monster that they can use to battle more monsters. With every success, their brains also receive dopamine.

Compulsive Gaming and Potential Problems

Compulsive gaming can lead a to a host of emotional, relational, and physical challenges. The effective of internet gaming disorder are very similar to those who struggle with addiction face:

  • Relational problems: Loved ones are often driven away when people lie about their gaming and prioritize it over other relationships.
  • Emotional problems: Gaming may initially soothe difficult emotions, but it never resolves them. They often grow worse when unaddressed.
  • Physical problems: Playing video games can lead to health challenges including sleep disruptions, irregular eating habits, back pain, inattention to personal hygiene, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, severe headaches, and dry eyes.

Treatment for Video Game Addiction at Thriveworks Knoxville

If your child’s gaming habits have become uncontrollable… if you are missing out on professional opportunities or social connections because of gaming… if you are experiencing some of the relational, emotional, or physical problems listed above… know that many people have overcome their video game addiction through therapy. If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional, know that Thriveworks Knoxville has appointments available.

The therapists at Thriveworks Knoxville have helped many adults and children regain control of their gaming habits. They give each client individual and holistic care.

If you want to speak with one of our therapists about your own or your child’s gaming habits, know that when you call our office, you will likely have an appointment within 24 hours. We do not keep waitlists, but we make weekend and evening appointments available. We also accept many forms of insurance.

If you are ready to get started, so are we. Call Thriveworks Knoxville today.

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 Knoxville therapists and counselors accept 22 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BCBS

  • BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Medicare Advantage

  • Caresource

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

  • Humana HMO/POS

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Self-pay costs at Knoxville
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

4.6 Thriveworks Knoxville reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I saw Justin for assistance with OCD. He showed me how to look at things in a way that did not allow my OCD to take over. I will would highly recommend him.
Read more I saw Justin for assistance with OCD. He showed me how to look at things in a way that did not allow my OCD to take over. I will would highly recommend him.
Knoxville Feb 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have been taking my 7 year old grandson to see Justin. He had horrible anxiety. It saddened us to see how bad it was. He had developed tics. Justin was absolutely wonderful with him. He has overcome most of his fears and tics have went away. I would highly recommend Justin.
Read more I have been taking my 7 year old grandson to see Justin. He had horrible anxiety. It saddened us to see how bad it was. He had developed tics. Justin was absolutely wonderful with him. He has overcome most of his fears and tics have went away. I would highly recommend Justin.
Knoxville Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Going to Thriveworks for the past year and a half has been the most rewarding counseling experience I’ve had. Seeing Lindsey has had the single biggest impact on my emotional and mental health, especially in healing from past childhood abuse and trauma, and ongoing PTSD. Out of multiple counselors in two states, Lindsey Chandler is by far the one with whom I’ve felt the most accepted, supported, and encouraged by. I am grateful for the Thriveworks space, as it is not at all clinical nor intimidating, but entirely warn and welcoming. It is nearly a scent-free environment, which is vital for the comfort of any highly sensitive persons. I choose to drive an hour from home each visit specifically to stay loyal to a place where I finally feel safe and valued—where in the past commuting five minutes from home to work with a therapist felt like a chore and an ordeal—and I will continue to do so as I work further toward a healthier me.
Read more Going to Thriveworks for the past year and a half has been the most rewarding counseling experience I’ve had. Seeing Lindsey has had the single biggest impact on my emotional and mental health, especially in healing from past childhood abuse and trauma, and ongoing PTSD. Out of multiple counselors in two states, Lindsey Chandler is by far the one with whom I’ve felt the most accepted, supported, and encouraged by. I am grateful for the Thriveworks space, as it is not at all clinical nor intimidating, but entirely warn and welcoming. It is nearly a scent-free environment, which is vital for the comfort of any highly sensitive persons. I choose to drive an hour from home each visit specifically to stay loyal to a place where I finally feel safe and valued—where in the past commuting five minutes from home to work with a therapist felt like a chore and an ordeal—and I will continue to do so as I work further toward a healthier me.
Knoxville Jan 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr Neal has helped me more in the last 2 months than any other therapist in the last 5 years. Therapy has become a joy instead of a chore. :)
Read more Dr Neal has helped me more in the last 2 months than any other therapist in the last 5 years. Therapy has become a joy instead of a chore. :)
Knoxville Dec 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Justin Hall is an excellent therapist. Very easy to talk to and genuinely concerned with the patient.
Read more Justin Hall is an excellent therapist. Very easy to talk to and genuinely concerned with the patient.
Knoxville Nov 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Amanda Gilliam has been such a blessing in helping my daughter deal with her anxiety issues. My daughter is much stronger and confident now thanks to Amanda's expertise,dedication, and just willing to talk about whatever my daughter wants to talk about! Great person to call if you in know someone dealing with anxiety!
Read more Amanda Gilliam has been such a blessing in helping my daughter deal with her anxiety issues. My daughter is much stronger and confident now thanks to Amanda's expertise,dedication, and just willing to talk about whatever my daughter wants to talk about! Great person to call if you in know someone dealing with anxiety!
Knoxville Oct 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My son saw “Mrs. Amanda” as he affectionately called her shortly after my marriage ended in a high conflict divorce. My son was 6 years old at the time, so it was difficult for him to process his feelings without knowing how to communicate with us. Amanda Gilliam was always there to listen and provide outlets for him to speak openly about his feelings in a way that could be understood. She is top knotch in my book and I would highly recommend her as a professional!
Read more My son saw “Mrs. Amanda” as he affectionately called her shortly after my marriage ended in a high conflict divorce. My son was 6 years old at the time, so it was difficult for him to process his feelings without knowing how to communicate with us. Amanda Gilliam was always there to listen and provide outlets for him to speak openly about his feelings in a way that could be understood. She is top knotch in my book and I would highly recommend her as a professional!
Knoxville Oct 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was in sessions with Justin for about a year and highly recommend him. He has a deep grasp of psychology that he is constantly refreshing and renewing, and he was able to help me a lot in understanding what was driving the emotions and feelings of myself and close family members. He was a great help.
Read more I was in sessions with Justin for about a year and highly recommend him. He has a deep grasp of psychology that he is constantly refreshing and renewing, and he was able to help me a lot in understanding what was driving the emotions and feelings of myself and close family members. He was a great help.
Knoxville Sep 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling Knoxville is located off of N Peters Rd and Market Pl Blvd, across the street from Market Place Shopping Center. Our other neighbors include Block Advisors, Geosyntec Consultants, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Red Roof PLUS+ & Suites Knoxville West - Cedar Bluff. The closest bus stop to our building is N Peters Rd EB @ Market Place Blvd.

Phone number

(865) 290-2278

Languages spoken by TN providers

  • English
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm
Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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