Image of a therapist and client in a counseling session.

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, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield | BCBS, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP), +18 more
Anger, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Men’s Issues, Stress, +5 more

I am grateful you are here and my hope is that I can help you with the challenges you are having right now.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield | BCBS, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare Advantage, +23 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Coping Skills, Men’s Issues, Self Esteem, +10 more

I believe in meeting people where they are, helping people to recognize their strengths, and helping people to help themselves.

16 more therapists available in Arkansas

Give us a call to schedule your next appointment, or browse through our full list of available providers.

Starting Video game addiction counseling

What is Video game addiction counseling?

Thriveworks video game addiction counseling in Maumelle, AR 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 Maumelle 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?

Nathan has played video games since he was a kid. For most of his life, they were a fun outlet. Nathan would game with his friends, but he was always able keep up with his school work and team practices. Nathan noticed, however, that since he started his first full time job, things have been different. He plays after work every day, often into the night and sometimes through the night. Nathan wants to stop. His job performance is suffering. Nathan has tried to stop, but after a few days of cutting back, he usually returns to his old habits. Nathan is wondering what is happening to him and concerned that he may have a video game addiction.

Mental health professionals are still studying whether an inability to regulate one’s video game use fits the clinical definition of addiction, but they are clear about several things: Many people have a hard time stopping their game play. Many people play more often than they want. Many people try to stop gaming and cannot. Many people are forming emotional attachments to games or their avatars.

Another parallel exists: Many people are turning to tradition interventions for addictions in order to overcome their gaming habits. Twelve-steps programs have been formed such as Online Gamers Anonymous that are based upon the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. People are also looking to therapy for help.

The therapists at Thriveworks Maumelle are seeing children, teens, adults who have difficulty controlling their video game habits. Help is available. Counseling techniques such as cognitive behavior therapy are proving effective at managing video game compulsion.

Internet Gaming Disorder

People frequently use the term “video game addiction” to describe the same behaviors that The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) labels as “internet gaming disorder.” The DSM-5 calls for further study before categorizing it as an addition, but the symptoms it gives for internet gaming disorder have many similarities to other behavioral addictions such as gambling.

According to the DSM-5, people may struggle with mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder, depending upon how many of the following symptoms they present:

  • Attempting to curb or quit gaming with no sustained change.
  • Feeling preoccupied with games and game play–thinking about them all the time, whether or not one is playing.
  • Playing longer and/or more often to feel satiated–building a tolerance to gaming.
  • Escaping challenging emotions (guilt, anxiety, fear, sadness, loneliness, boredom, and anxiety) through game play.
  • Feeling withdrawal symptoms when curbing or stopping play (feeling restless, depression, irritable, and/or moody).
  • Avoiding real-world problems or challenges by gaming.
  • Lying and deceiving about one’s video game habits.

Many parents and guardians are worried about their children’s gaming habits and wonder what is normal for children. An estimated 10 percent of gamers ages 8-18 have formed internet gaming disorder. The previously listed symptoms apply to children and teens, but the following are also signs of internet gaming disorder:

  • Gaming alone.
  • Lethargy and drowsiness during the day.
  • Dropping grades.
  • Incomplete school work and homework.
  • Waning interest in sports, activities, and/or friends.

How Does A Gaming Compulsion Form?

Mental health professionals are still searching for definitive answers on how a gaming compulsion can form, but one theory is that the narratives of video games contribute to the disorder. Social networking games, mobile games, and massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) write compulsion loops, also called core loops, into the game’s storyline.

These loops present players with a series of challenges and rewards. Each reward leads immediately into the next challenge, thus, looping players further into the game. With each reward, dopamine is also released in a player’s brain, connecting the experience of playing with pleasure.

One example is Monster Hunter. In this game, players hunt and kill monsters (the challenge). When they are successful, they receive power from the monster they just killed (reward). With their new powers, they can fight fiercer monsters (reward ties into the next challenge) to gain more powers to fight more monsters, and so forth. With each reward, the brain solidifies its association of pleasure with the game.

Counseling for Gaming Disorders at Thriveworks Maumelle

As you read through the symptoms and signs of internet gaming disorder, did you recognizing any of the behaviors? In yourself? In your child? If so, you may be among the growing number of people who struggle with video game addiction. A Growing number of people are also reaching out for help from mental health professionals to take back control of their gaming habits.

If you want to meet with a therapist at Thriveworks Maumelle, we have appointments available, and we see adolescents and adults. It may also be helpful to know that…

  1. Weekend and evening sessions are available.
  2. We accept many different insurance plans.
  3. There is no waitlist at our office.

Are you ready to take back control of your video game habits? We are ready to help. Contact Thriveworks Maumelle 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 Maumelle therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield | BCBS

  • Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare Advantage

  • Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP)

  • Arkansas Health and Wellness - Ambetter

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

Show more
Self-pay costs at Maumelle
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

5.0 Thriveworks Maumelle reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I cannot say enough good about this place. They honestly do strive to get you in to see a practitioner quickly. And the importance of being seen soon to someone who is at a bad psychological point cannot be understated. It can, literally, mean the difference between life and death. After years of no longer being able to trust mental health providers due to so much misdiagnosis I reached out to Thriveworks. I asked for a particular practitioner, and they had me in to see her the following day. Kristy's approach was welcoming, empathetic, friendly, and down-to-earth. She did not speak down to me as a patient, but she made a comfortable effort to connect from the beginning. Gaining my trust over several weeks she was able to start showing me some things no one ever took the time to extract. She found me at the precipice of a terrible situation and worked me back from the ledge. Her input to Zack, along with his personable and empathetic personality, finally got me on medications that actually have improved my situation more than I could have ever imagined. The combination of her therapy and the medications have me, for the first time in decades, recognizing a hope for the future. All I can say is if you are that person who has lost hope and feels as though you have no purpose, let the Thriveworks team have a chance to show you a you even you didn't know existed. Without hyperbole I can honestly say I owe my life going forward to Kristy and Zack.
Read more I cannot say enough good about this place. They honestly do strive to get you in to see a practitioner quickly. And the importance of being seen soon to someone who is at a bad psychological point cannot be understated. It can, literally, mean the difference between life and death. After years of no longer being able to trust mental health providers due to so much misdiagnosis I reached out to Thriveworks. I asked for a particular practitioner, and they had me in to see her the following day. Kristy's approach was welcoming, empathetic, friendly, and down-to-earth. She did not speak down to me as a patient, but she made a comfortable effort to connect from the beginning. Gaining my trust over several weeks she was able to start showing me some things no one ever took the time to extract. She found me at the precipice of a terrible situation and worked me back from the ledge. Her input to Zack, along with his personable and empathetic personality, finally got me on medications that actually have improved my situation more than I could have ever imagined. The combination of her therapy and the medications have me, for the first time in decades, recognizing a hope for the future. All I can say is if you are that person who has lost hope and feels as though you have no purpose, let the Thriveworks team have a chance to show you a you even you didn't know existed. Without hyperbole I can honestly say I owe my life going forward to Kristy and Zack.
Maumelle Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
After working with Zack for a year I would say that he is very dependable and does show concern for his patients. There is never any problem with following hospital policy. Always a good man to have on your team.
Read more After working with Zack for a year I would say that he is very dependable and does show concern for his patients. There is never any problem with following hospital policy. Always a good man to have on your team.
Maumelle Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Zacks a wonderful guy to see. He really listens to all your concerns and explains your treatment options in detail. Anyone that sees him is going to feel comfortable talking to him and not have that feeling as if your talking to a stranger.
Read more Zacks a wonderful guy to see. He really listens to all your concerns and explains your treatment options in detail. Anyone that sees him is going to feel comfortable talking to him and not have that feeling as if your talking to a stranger.
Maumelle Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've dealt with severe anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember, and have seen multiple providers to try and get control of my emotions. I thought I was a lost cause until I found Zack. He was the first "medicine guy" that I met with that actually got me! He has a calming demeanor and had me very comfortable from the very first appointment. He's easy to work with and actually cares about how I'm feeling! Seeing Zack was the best decision I could have made. Now I'm feeling much better and finally feel like I can breathe. Thank you Zack and Thriveworks for all you do!
Read more I've dealt with severe anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember, and have seen multiple providers to try and get control of my emotions. I thought I was a lost cause until I found Zack. He was the first "medicine guy" that I met with that actually got me! He has a calming demeanor and had me very comfortable from the very first appointment. He's easy to work with and actually cares about how I'm feeling! Seeing Zack was the best decision I could have made. Now I'm feeling much better and finally feel like I can breathe. Thank you Zack and Thriveworks for all you do!
Maumelle Aug 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I would like to thank you for helping out a family member in need. North Little Rock isn't far away and that made everything easy for a depression/anxiety patient. Office was easy to get to.
Read more I would like to thank you for helping out a family member in need. North Little Rock isn't far away and that made everything easy for a depression/anxiety patient. Office was easy to get to.
Maumelle Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Curtiss Robinson gave an excellent presentation at the Senior Services Network meeting this month. He was very engaging with the group and we all learned something to improve our relationships.
Read more Curtiss Robinson gave an excellent presentation at the Senior Services Network meeting this month. He was very engaging with the group and we all learned something to improve our relationships.
Maumelle Feb 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
We had the privilege of having Curtiss Robinson speak at our Senior Services Network lunch, he did a great job. Excellent speaker, kept everyone engaged, his message on building relationships was timely and practical.
Read more We had the privilege of having Curtiss Robinson speak at our Senior Services Network lunch, he did a great job. Excellent speaker, kept everyone engaged, his message on building relationships was timely and practical.
Maumelle Feb 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Ms. Tenethrea Buffington is the best! I went in telling her that I didn't believe in coaching/therapy, well I was wrong. She help me in my difficult situation and I could not be more happy with where I stand with it.
Read more Ms. Tenethrea Buffington is the best! I went in telling her that I didn't believe in coaching/therapy, well I was wrong. She help me in my difficult situation and I could not be more happy with where I stand with it.
Maumelle Mar 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Maumelle is located at the intersection of Country Club Pkwy and Maumelle Road, across the street from Regions Bank. We currently share the building with David’s Burgers and are next door to the Childcare Network daycare center.

Phone number

(501) 381-1913

Languages spoken by AR providers

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

Shown in CT

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

Shown in CT

12 photos