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Offered in-person & online

Our counselors offer services for internet addiction in Grand Rapids, MI

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

All Grand Rapids Charter Township services

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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, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +24 more
Narcissism, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +10 more

As a professional who has had to ask for help before, I know this process can be intimidating and difficult, but let me reassure you that seeking assi... As a professional who has had to ask for help before, I know this process can be intimidating and difficult, but let me reassure you that seeking assistance is a courageous step towards personal growth and emotional well-being. Read more

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Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +20 more
Military / Veteran, Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Self Harm, Domestic Abuse, +22 more

I am a white woman with nearly four years of experience working with many different populations and in various fields within social work.

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Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +18 more
Domestic Abuse, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, +10 more

As an older woman who has been affected by much of what life has to offer, I can empathize with many areas of trauma and joy and learning how to heal ... As an older woman who has been affected by much of what life has to offer, I can empathize with many areas of trauma and joy and learning how to heal from and celebrate those events. Read more

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I have a wide range of experience to help me understand the individual needs a person may have.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

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Medical / Health Issues, Self Harm, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +14 more

I am dedicated to supporting you in beginning your journey no matter where we start.

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Military / Veteran, Chronic Illness, Medical / Health Issues, Self Harm, Behavioral Issues, +18 more

I understand what overcoming is...I had to overcome childhood trauma. I've been there. Healing from trauma is not easy, but you're worth the time and ... I understand what overcoming is...I had to overcome childhood trauma. I've been there. Healing from trauma is not easy, but you're worth the time and the effort. You have this one life, and it's important that you are able to show up for it in a way that you can feel good about, be at peace about, and be proud of. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +21 more
Self Harm, Domestic Abuse, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, +18 more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, ASR, Blue Care Network of Michigan, +19 more
Domestic Abuse, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, +11 more

As a woman who is married, has kids, and has been working in mental health for a few years, I understand the impact of stress, depression, and trauma ... As a woman who is married, has kids, and has been working in mental health for a few years, I understand the impact of stress, depression, and trauma and the affect they have on everyday life. Read more

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Coping Skills, Stress, Sleep / Insomnia, Anxiety, Depression, +1 more

As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my role is multifaceted. I am a mental health advocate, educator, and clinician.

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 Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI 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 Grand Rapids Charter Township 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?

Grayson would have gotten out of this appointment if that were possible, but his parents insisted. They had scheduled this time with a therapist because they were worried. As they sat on the counselor’s couch, they explained why. Grayson had stopped going to all his after-school activities and was often late to school because he was so tired from being online most of the night. He had also lost a lot of weight. They were not upset, but they wanted Grayson to get help if he needed it. His parents were concerned, but Grayson was annoyed. He saw things differently, and the therapist invited him to explain what he saw. Grayson took a deep breath and worked up his courage. He was online a lot because that is where all his friends were. His friends at school had been ignoring him and had stopped inviting him to hang out. That first session did not solve all their problems, but Grayson and his parents took a big step in the right direction. As the sessions progressed, Grayson and his therapist formulated a treatment plan for his Internet addiction. They worked on forming a healthy mindset about himself, other people, and life’s challenges. Grayson is not so different than many other people. More and more, Internet addiction is causing personal and professional problems, but more and more, people are reaching out and getting the help they need.

“Turn off your email; turn off your phone; disconnect from the Internet; figure out a way to set limits so you can concentrate when you need to, and disengage when you need to. Technology is a good servant but a bad master.” —Gretchen Rubin

Thriveworks Grand Rapids provides therapy for Internet addiction, and we have worked with a number of clients who have struggled to control the amount of time they are online or what they do when they are online. Many of the treatment options that are available for behavioral addictions (like gambling or shopping) are also effective for Internet addiction.

Internet Addiction’s Diagnostics

Today, almost anyone can be online whenever and wherever they want to be. Smartphones are always in the hand; laptops and tablets can travel anywhere; data is often unlimited. However, long before the Internet was so accessible, mental health professionals were expressing their concern. Some people can handle that access easily. Others have trouble with so much Internet access. In the mid-1990s, Dr. Ivan Goldberg proposed the thought that someone could become addicted to being online, and that thought was received with as a joke. However, within a few years, many realized this was no laughing matter. By the late 1990s, diagnostics and subcategories of Internet addiction had been developed by Dr. Kimberly S. Young.

When an individual displays a minimum of five of the following symptoms, they may be addicted to the Internet:

  1. Stabilizing one’s mood with Internet use.
  2. Difficulty stopping or curbing Internet use.
  3. Lying about how much one is online or what one does online.
  4. Staying online longer than one intended to be there.
  5. Experiencing a preoccupation with the Internet.
  6. Feeling depressed, irritable or moody when unable to go online.
  7. Escalating the amount of time spent online to feel the same level of satisfaction.
  8. Taking personal or professional risks in order to go on the Internet.

Internet addiction can come in many different forms. A few include:

  • Cybersex addiction: Obsessively going to adult websites for porn and sex.
  • Computer addiction: Playing online video games.
  • Cyber-relationship addiction: Over involvement with relationships that are online.
  • Net compulsions: Losing control over how much one is gambling, shopping, or day-trading online.
  • Information addiction: Scrolling through social media, databases, and the web compulsively.

Internet Addiction’s Effects

Compulsively being online can have harmful effects in real life. Like any addiction, Internet addiction can be highly disruptive to both an individual’s person and professional life. Also, like other addictions, Internet addiction has treatments that may bypass many of its effects—especially if people reach out for help when they begin to see signs that they are struggling with their Internet use.

The emotional signs that an individual may be using the Internet compulsively include:

  • Mood swings
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Isolation
  • Dishonesty
  • Feelings of elation when using the Internet
  • Defensiveness
  • Inability to keep to a schedule
  • Agitation
  • Avoidance of work
  • Loneliness
  • Fear
  • Depression
  • Procrastination
  • Losing a sense of time
  • Anxiety
  • Boredom

The physical signs that an individual may be using the Internet compulsively include:

  • Weight gain or loss
  • Neck pain
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Poor personal hygiene (e.g., not brushing teeth, bathing, et cetera)
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Poor nutrition (forgetting to eat or eating excessively)
  • Backache
  • Dry eyes and other vision problems

Setting Up an Appointment for Internet Addiction at Thriveworks Grand Rapids

As you read about compulsive Internet use, did you recognize anything? If so, you are not alone. There are many people who struggling to regulate when they are online and what they do online. If you are ready to help, the counselors at Thriveworks Grand Rapids are ready to help you. When you call our office, know that a real person will answer and help you schedule an appointment. New clients often meet their counselor within 24 hours of their first call. We do not put our clients on a waitlist, but we do offer weekend and evening appointments. We also accept many insurance plans. Call 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 Grand Rapids Charter Township therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • ASR

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan

  • Blue Care Network of Michigan Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

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

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Grand Rapids Charter Township
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

4.9 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
I am loving Thriveworks not only for the convenience of virtual appointments, but this is the first place I’ve tried that has actually helped. My therapist is incredibly kind and helpful and is amazing at helping me with any issues I’m struggling with. They paired me with a therapist that is experienced in the specific areas I needed help with, and it has been wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Thriveworks!
Read more I am loving Thriveworks not only for the convenience of virtual appointments, but this is the first place I’ve tried that has actually helped. My therapist is incredibly kind and helpful and is amazing at helping me with any issues I’m struggling with. They paired me with a therapist that is experienced in the specific areas I needed help with, and it has been wonderful. I would absolutely recommend Thriveworks!
Kelly Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have worked with Pamela Rybka LPC both personally and professionally. I have found her compassion and expertise invaluable. She has helped with me issues related to aging and grief and loss. If you need someone to help you on life's journey, contact her. Her kindness and gentle confrontation will help you be the best person you can be.
Read more I have worked with Pamela Rybka LPC both personally and professionally. I have found her compassion and expertise invaluable. She has helped with me issues related to aging and grief and loss. If you need someone to help you on life's journey, contact her. Her kindness and gentle confrontation will help you be the best person you can be.
Grand Rapids Jul 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Emily Warning is an amazing therapist. She is very professional and knows how to listen and respond to my concerns. She really makes me feel heard. Thank you Emily, you are great!
Read more Emily Warning is an amazing therapist. She is very professional and knows how to listen and respond to my concerns. She really makes me feel heard. Thank you Emily, you are great!
Grand Rapids May 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cassie personally and professionally for over 10 years. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person. She is an excellent listener, she is very thoughtful, organized and you can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help. She’s an excellent communicator and I would highly recommend her as a counselor any day!
Read more I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Cassie personally and professionally for over 10 years. She is an extremely kind and compassionate person. She is an excellent listener, she is very thoughtful, organized and you can tell she genuinely cares about her clients and wants to help. She’s an excellent communicator and I would highly recommend her as a counselor any day!
Grand Rapids Mar 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Read more Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Grand Rapids Jan 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Read more Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Sep 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Read more My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Grand Rapids Jul 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Read more I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Grand Rapids Mar 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Grand Rapids is located off of Kenmoor Ave SE. We share an office with Paper Plane Therapies, and are located near the ClearChoice Dental Implant Center.

Phone number

(616) 421-9387

Languages spoken by MI 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

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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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