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Offered in-person & online

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

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

Discover how starting therapy with a 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 Abingdon, VA helps people who have an obsession with playing video games as well as with 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 Abingdon 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?

Therapy for Video Game Addiction in Bristol, VA

Video game addiction or internet gaming disorder is similar to a gambling addiction—it is a behavior addiction that occurs when people become emotionally attached to gaming. The disorder is not about how much time people spend playing video games, but it is about whether people have control over their video game use.

The signs of the disorder are very similar to those of any other addiction:

  • Building up a tolerance to gaming—using the game for longer periods to feel satisfied.
  • Preoccupation and obsession with the game.
  • Playing video games to escape real-life problems.
  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms—feeling moody, restless, irritable, or depressed when trying to stop playing.
  • Prioritizing gaming over one’s family, friends, job, or education.
  • Lying about game use.
  • Using video games to soothe difficult emotions such as guilt, sadness, anxiety, or depression.
  • In particular, parents should be aware of these warning signs in their children:
    • Fatigue (especially falling asleep at school and during the day).
    • Incomplete school work.
    • Declining/failing grades.
    • Quitting other activities (sports, clubs, et cetera).
    • Playing video games alone.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists Internet Gaming Disorder as a condition that deserves further research and study. Although the DSM-5 has not officially listed it as a disorder, it gives diagnostics and severity modifiers.

Internet Gaming Disorder: How Does It Start?

Researchers are still studying the causes of internet gaming disorder, but many are pointing to compulsion loops as a cause. Video games often have reward systems built into their storylines that keep users coming back for more.

In particular, massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG), social networking games, and mobile games utilize compulsion loops or core loops to give users rewards that release dopamine in their brains and thus associate playing with a feeling of pleasure.

Effects of Compulsive Gaming

Although video game addiction is not an officially recognized addiction, many mental health professionals acknowledge the devastating effects of compulsive gaming. Many of these effects are similar to other chemical and behavior addictions, including relational, emotional, and physical challenges.

  • Relational problems: time spent gaming often harms real-world relationships, especially when people lie about their gaming. Money spent on equipment or monthly fees for gaming can also cause strain.
  • Emotional problems: having an on-line avatar or alter-persona can lead to emotional difficulties in real life, especially if the double life is being used to avoid real-life challenges.
  • Physical problems: impulsive gaming can lead to Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, dry eyes, back pain, sleep disturbances, acute headaches, irregular eating habits, and relaxed personal hygiene habits.

Treatment for Compulsive Gaming at Thriveworks Bristol, VA

Help is available if you or your loved one may be struggling with when and how long you play video games. Like other addictions, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and 12-step programs are available to help people regain control over their gaming habits. A mental health professional can often guide people toward the best treatment for them.

At Thriveworks Bristol, our therapists have helped many people find the right combination of treatment for their compulsive gaming habits. We work with each client individually, offering holistic and unique care.

If you are ready to talk to a therapist about your gaming, know that if you call our office today, you may have your first appointment tomorrow. We offer weekend and evening appointments, and we accept many insurance plans.

Our hope is that every client received the care they need when they need it. Are you ready to get started? So are we. Call Thriveworks Bristol 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 Virginia therapists and counselors accept 33 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

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

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

  • CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield DC | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

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Self-pay costs at Abingdon
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 Abingdon reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
I highly recommend Trish! She is very helpful, kind, compassionate and excellent at getting down to the roots of the problem. I have made more progress with her than I have with multiple therapists in several different cities. P.S--EMDR therapy sounds totally crazy, but it has significantly helped me. Give it a try!
Read more I highly recommend Trish! She is very helpful, kind, compassionate and excellent at getting down to the roots of the problem. I have made more progress with her than I have with multiple therapists in several different cities. P.S--EMDR therapy sounds totally crazy, but it has significantly helped me. Give it a try!
Bristol Mar 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr Mike Pilcher took me under his wing and coached me through one of the biggest decisions of my life...opening a new business. At one point...well more than once...I felt like pulling my hair out and his calm demeanor and no BS approach really helped me get focused and confident. I was able to really pour on the steam and my business is doing well as a result. Dr. P is a great counselor and a man I respect. Call him...I still do to this day.
Read more Dr Mike Pilcher took me under his wing and coached me through one of the biggest decisions of my life...opening a new business. At one point...well more than once...I felt like pulling my hair out and his calm demeanor and no BS approach really helped me get focused and confident. I was able to really pour on the steam and my business is doing well as a result. Dr. P is a great counselor and a man I respect. Call him...I still do to this day.
Bristol Mar 2017
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Abingdon is located in the same building as Caris Healthcare. Across Russell Road NW is Empire Ford Used Car & Truck Center 2, and A Step Ahead salon, as well as All Things Custom and Sunshine Sewing & Screen Printing. Down the road is Figaredo’s restaurant and Northgate Pharmacy. We are located right near Porterfield Highway and Route 19, as well as Route 58.

Phone number

(423) 556-3873

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

Shown in ET

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