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

Discover how starting internet 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, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Carelon, +18 more
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As a human being, I understand the myriad of psychiatric, psychological, and mental health problems that humans face throughout their formative years,... As a human being, I understand the myriad of psychiatric, psychological, and mental health problems that humans face throughout their formative years, adolescence, young adulthood, and mid-adulthood. Read more

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As a psychiatric nurse working in Boston, MA, I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to my pa... As a psychiatric nurse working in Boston, MA, I am passionate about providing quality, compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to my patients. Read more

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As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is key to your success in therapy, where you can expect to be free ... As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is key to your success in therapy, where you can expect to be free of judgment while trusting that I have the knowledge and expertise to help you work through the issues that brought you here. Read more

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I understand the complex and dynamic needs associated with mental health challenges—and can help you fulfill those needs.

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As a nurse who has been practicing nursing for over 20 years and a Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator (of 10 years as well) working for a major cit... As a nurse who has been practicing nursing for over 20 years and a Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator (of 10 years as well) working for a major city hospital in Massachusetts; caring for a wide ethnic group as well as young adults to geriatric population; working with many patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders in the in-patient and outpatient settings, I have practically seen it all and recognize some of the barriers to healthcare that the vulnerable and underserved population face therefore can understand the stigmatization and difficulty associated with caring for such group. Read more

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Starting Internet addiction counseling

What is Internet addiction counseling?

Internet addiction counseling is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to address and alleviate problematic or compulsive internet usage. It offers individuals a structured and supportive setting to delve into the root causes of their excessive online behaviors, which may encompass activities like social media and gaming.

How does Internet addiction counseling work?

Internet addiction therapists at Thriveworks in Cambridge, MA collaborate with you to identify and alter thought patterns and behaviors that drive your dependence, often employing cognitive-behavioral techniques. The primary objective of this counseling is to assist you in regaining control over your internet use, establishing healthier online habits, and addressing any underlying emotional or psychological issues, ultimately fostering a more balanced relationship with the digital world and enhancing overall well-being.

Is Internet addiction counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks internet addiction counseling in Cambridge is conducted both in person and virtually through online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does Internet addiction counseling last?

The length of internet addiction counseling can differ depending on the person's particular requirements and the seriousness of their addiction. Typically, this form of counseling includes multiple sessions spanning from several weeks to several months. The precise number of sessions and overall therapy duration are determined through discussions with the counselor.

Need more help deciding?

Ken was fuming. He told his therapist about what happened. Ken was at a his son’s soccer game. He was feeling stressed about work, so Ken pulled out his phone. He wanted to catch up on some email. Before he knew it, the game was over, and he and his son were driving home. Ken’s son, however, was clearly upset. He yelled at Ken that he is always on his phone or laptop. Ken’s son said that he is never there because he’s always online. Ken told his therapist that his son’s accusation is very unfair. Ken tries his best to be good at his job and be there for his family. Yes, he is on his phone a lot, but why is that a problem? Ken’s therapist said that is a great question. In order to help Ken get more information about what he may or may not be facing, his therapist asked him to pay attention to when he was using the Internet on his laptop or phone. Next week, Ken’s therapist asked how it went. Ken, like many people, was struggling. He was online almost all the time, even until late at the night. Ken’s therapist let him know what Internet addiction was, and they devised a place for him to regain control over when and where he was online.

“Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives. It interrupts our own story, interrupts our ability to have a thought or a daydream, to imagine something wonderful, because we’re too busy bridging the walk from the cafeteria back to the office on the cell phone.”
—Steven Spielberg

Ken is not the only one who is using the Internet compulsively. When people are addicted to the Internet they may have trouble regulating when, where, and how long they are online. They may also have difficulty controlling what they are doing online. In many ways, Internet addiction is very similar to other behavior-based addictions, like gambling and shopping. Those similarities include symptoms, but they also include treatments. Internet addiction is a serious mental health challenge, but there are treatments available.

Thriveworks Cambridge has helped many people who are struggling to unplug, and we have guided them toward the resources and support they needed to regain control.

Going Online Compulsively

Data plans are often unlimited, and Internet is often high-speed. Wifi is now on planes and in cars and pretty much anywhere and everywhere. Without question, people are online more and more. Internet addiction, however, is not always about access. Mental health professionals first introduced the idea that using the Internet could be addictive in the mid-1990s—in the days of dial-up. The criteria for recognizing compulsive Internet use was also developed in the late 1990s by Dr. Kimberly S. Young. She proposed that an individual who displayed at least five of the following signs may be addicted to the Internet. These signs overlap substantially with other types of addiction:

  • Risk: Jeopardizing one’s career, relationships, finances, and more in order to use the Internet or with what one does online.
  • Obsession: Being engrossed with the Internet and thinking about it constantly.
  • Lost Control: Staying online longer than one intended to be there—losing track of where one has been or how long one has been there.
  • Escalation: In order to reach a feeling of satisfaction, taking greater risk or spending more time online.
  • Deception: Lying about the Internet—when, where, and how much one is online; what one does online; minimizing the effects of one’s Internet use, et cetera.
  • Self-medication: Going online to adjust one’s mood or to numb hard feelings.
  • Difficult Emotions: Experiencing irritability, moodiness, or depression when not online.
  • Failed Attempts to Quit: Wanting to quit or curb one’s Internet use, but being unable to do so.

There are several sub-categories of Internet addiction. In can manifest in unique ways in each individual. For some, Internet can look like lost control over online gambling, day-trading, or shopping. For others, it may look like compulsive pornography use or video gaming. It may even look like thoughtlessly scrolling through websites and social media. Whatever form the compulsion may take, there are treatments available. Just as the addiction can manifest differently in each individual’s life, so the best treatment is often tailored to an individual’s need. That treatment often includes a form of therapy, medication, and/or support group.

Internet Addiction at Thriveworks Cambridge: Scheduling an Appointment

If you are struggling to control when you are online and what you do there, you are not alone. Other people are having a hard time as well, and there are a number of resources available. Often, the first step toward healing is to work with a mental health professional. Skilled therapists can often help people find the right treatment that meets their unique needs.

When you call Thriveworks Cambridge, one of our scheduling specialists will answer. They will help you make an appointment, and you may be meeting with your counselor the following day. We do not put our clients on a waitlist, but we do offer them weekend and evening appointments. Our therapists are also credentialed with many different insurance companies and able to accept many different insurance plans. Let’s work together. Contact us 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 Cambridge therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Cambridge
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

4.5 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
All the people of thrive works have been great my doctor is awesome Dr. Lal
Anthony Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I am so pleased with my decision to see Rebecca at ThriveWorks in Cambridge. She is compassionate and understanding, but also pushes me to feel confident I can make changes in my life that are needed most. I feel so supported. Feeling grateful that I took a leap to try Rebecca!
Read more I am so pleased with my decision to see Rebecca at ThriveWorks in Cambridge. She is compassionate and understanding, but also pushes me to feel confident I can make changes in my life that are needed most. I feel so supported. Feeling grateful that I took a leap to try Rebecca!
Cambridge May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Rebecca Rodriquez is a true professional. I have found her to be trustworthy and truly helpful. She demonstrates kindness, compassion and strong clinical knowledge in her therapeutic approach. I highly recommend her to all. She has been extremely helpful to me.
Read more Rebecca Rodriquez is a true professional. I have found her to be trustworthy and truly helpful. She demonstrates kindness, compassion and strong clinical knowledge in her therapeutic approach. I highly recommend her to all. She has been extremely helpful to me.
Cambridge Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have had the opportunity to work with Rebecca Rodrigues for a long time. She is a thoughtful professional, mindful clinician and highly respectful to her clients.
Read more I have had the opportunity to work with Rebecca Rodrigues for a long time. She is a thoughtful professional, mindful clinician and highly respectful to her clients.
Cambridge Apr 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Arielle has been an incredible help in my life and I can’t thank her enough for it!
Cambridge Jun 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've had the pleasure of working with Alicia at her previous job. She is an incredible clinician who's knowledge, leadership, and compassionate made her an excellent supervisor and therapist.
Read more I've had the pleasure of working with Alicia at her previous job. She is an incredible clinician who's knowledge, leadership, and compassionate made her an excellent supervisor and therapist.
Cambridge Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I had been unable to make an appointment with a therapist for a long time. Everyone had a three month waiting list. I took a chance and made an appointment here. I love Hannah, she’s excellent, and I’m glad I found Thriveworks. It’s too soon for me to weigh in on the additional services Thriveworks offers but it seems good!
Read more I had been unable to make an appointment with a therapist for a long time. Everyone had a three month waiting list. I took a chance and made an appointment here. I love Hannah, she’s excellent, and I’m glad I found Thriveworks. It’s too soon for me to weigh in on the additional services Thriveworks offers but it seems good!
Cambridge Nov 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Hannah Fulkerson has been a great help in creating a dialogue between myself and my wife. Thank you.
Read more Hannah Fulkerson has been a great help in creating a dialogue between myself and my wife. Thank you.
Cambridge Aug 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cambridge is located off of Massachusetts Ave, on the north side of the Charles River. Our office is in the Cambridge Tower next to Apollo Travel and Tours, Tanjore, and Cambridge Premier Realty. The closest bus stop is Massachusetts Ave opp Lee St. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(617) 380-4651

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Creole
  • French
  • Japanese
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

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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

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