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Offered in-person & online

Our counselors offer services for internet addiction in Knoxville, TN

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

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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

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Hello, I am glad that you are here! As you work with me, you will see that I am very liberal, non-judgmental, and inclusive to all cultural and racial... Hello, I am glad that you are here! As you work with me, you will see that I am very liberal, non-judgmental, and inclusive to all cultural and racial identities. Clients often want to work with me because I have a holistic approach to therapy and teach a wide variety of skills. I am of the LGBTQIA + community and specialize in issues that arise in this population, including religious persecution. Read more

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS

Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee | BCBS, +17 more
Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, Women’s Issues, +5 more

As an individual who has experienced anxiety and depression, I understand the value of having support to help you navigate through these issues. I wo... As an individual who has experienced anxiety and depression, I understand the value of having support to help you navigate through these issues. I would love to be that support for you and walk alongside you as you become the best version of yourself! Read more

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 Knoxville, TN 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 Knoxville 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?

Melinda reluctantly got in the car to go to therapy. Her parents had set up the appointment, and they were coming with her. Melinda had been spending a lot of time online, but she felt fine about it. Her parents, however, were concerned. When they sat down with the counselor, Melinda’s parents started. They pointed out how she had lost weight and interest in school and after-school activities. They noted how little she sleeps, and they said they worry about her safe: who is she talking to and meeting? Melinda was irritated. The counselor invited her to share how she saw things differently. Melinda did not want to talk. The counselor asked her parents to give them a few minutes alone. Melinda has had a lot of changes at school. Her closest friends had been excluding her, and she told the counselor about being bullied. Online, she has friends to get it. Melinda spends so much time talking to them because no one else understands. This first appointment was a big step for Melinda. The counselor believes that she does have an Internet Addiction, but her counselor also knows that there are a number of resources and treatment options available to help Melinda recover.

“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

More and more, people are struggling to regulate their Internet use. Internet and computer addiction are increasingly causing trouble and disrupting people’s lives. With so much access, it can be difficult to keep the Internet a servant—not a master. And yet, there are effective treatments for Internet addiction. Just like other behavioral addictions (like gambling or shopping), Internet can change an individual’s brain, and treatments work to rebalance the brain.

Thriveworks Knoxville offers appointments for Internet addiction. We are seeing more and more clients who compulsively go online, and therapy has been a part of their treatment plan to regain control.

What Is an Internet Addiction?

The idea that someone could be addicted to the Internet was first suggested by Dr. Ivan Goldberg in 1995. The idea was received as a joke, but as more and more mental health professionals study how people use the Internet compulsively, the condition is no longer seen as a joke but as a serious mental health problem.

By 1998, Dr. Kimberly S. Young had developed criteria for recognizing Internet addiction. An individual who exhibits five of the following symptoms, they may have an addiction to the Internet:

  1. Being preoccupied with the Internet.
  2. Increasingly needing to spend time online to feel the same level of satisfaction.
  3. Repeated but failed attempts to stop or curb Internet use.
  4. Feeling depressed, moody, or irritable when not online.
  5. Using the Internet longer than one planned to use it.
  6. Taking personal or professional risks in order to be online.
  7. Lying about Internet use.
  8. Regulating one’s mood through Internet use.

Dr. Young also outlined several ways to use the Internet compulsively that can be considered subcategories of Internet addiction:

  • Cybersex addiction: Using adult websites for sex and porn compulsively.
  • Cyber-relationship addiction: Being overly involved in online relationships.
  • Net compulsions: Gambling, day-trading, or shopping online obsessively.
  • Information addiction: Surfing the web or searching databases compulsively.
  • Computer addiction: Obsessive online gaming.

Symptoms for Internet Addiction

The signs that someone has an Internet addiction are very similar to the signs for any addiction. There can be emotional and physical symptoms.

Emotional signs that someone may be using the Internet compulsively include:

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

Physical signs that someone may be using the Internet compulsively include:

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

Treatments for Internet Addiction at Thriveworks Knoxville, TN

There are in-patient facilities dedicated exclusively to treating teens and adults who use the Internet compulsively; however, not everyone needs in-patient care and not everyone can afford in-patient care. Thriveworks Knoxville offers treatment for Internet addiction. Our therapists have worked with many clients who were struggling with their Internet use. We offer holistic treatment. Each client receives a personalized treatment plan that may include Cognitive Behavior Therapy—a form of treatment that explores negative, untrue thought patterns that fuel the addiction and replace them with positive, true thought patterns. Clients may also need a form of group support and medication. Our therapists are dedicated to giving each client personalized care.

Are you ready to get started? When you contact our office, know that a scheduling specialist will answer your call and help you make an appointment. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and new clients often meet with their counselor within 24 hours of their call to schedule an appointment. However, we do not keep a waitlist. Our goal is to get our clients the help they need as they need it. We also work with many insurance companies and accept a variety of plans. Let’s work together to fight Internet addiction. 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 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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