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

Discover how starting therapy with a internet addiction counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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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 Lynchburg, VA 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 Lynchburg 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?

Lynchburg, VA—Internet Addiction Counseling

Going online is almost as easy as breathing. For some people, easy access to the Internet is not a problem—they can unplug without a second thought.

For others, easy access to the Internet is a problem—they may have trouble controlling what they do online or how much time they spend there. They may have an Internet addiction. The therapists at Thriveworks Lynchburg treat Internet addiction.

We have seen more and more clients who are struggling with compulsive Internet use, but we have also seen more and more clients learn how to regain control. Schedule your session with Thriveworks Lynchburg to get the help you deserve.

Using the Internet Compulsively

Even when the Internet was not so easily accessible, mental health professionals were seeing behavior online that looked addictive. When people display in their lives at least five of the following, they may be addicted to being online:

  1. A dependency or obsession with going online.
  2. Failed attempts to stop or limit one’s Internet use.
  3. Being online longer than one planned or desired.
  4. Taking personal or professional risks while online or in order to be online.
  5. Managing one’s emotions and mood with one’s Internet use.
  6. Escalating how much one is online or the risks one is taking online in order to feel fulfilled.
  7. When unable to go online, feeling depressed, moody, and/or irritable.
  8. Deceiving others about what one is doing online or how much one is using the Internet.

Mental health professionals also realized that Internet addiction may take a number of different forms. Dr. Kimberly Young also devised subcategories of Internet addiction, such as…

  • Cyber-relationship addiction: Having online relationships that are over-involved.
  • Cybersex addiction: Going to the Internet for pornography and/or sex in a compulsive way.
  • Net compulsions: Compulsively gambling, day-trading, and/or shopping on the Internet.
  • Information addiction: Searching databases, social media, and/or websites compulsively.
  • Computer addiction: Obsessively playing online video games.

Emotional and Physical Effects of Compulsive Internet Use

Any compulsion can cause significant harm to an individual, and Internet addiction is no different. What happens online has consequences in real life. In particular, people often experience emotional and physical effects.

The emotional side effects of an Internet addiction can include…

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

The physical side effects of an Internet addiction can include…

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

Treatment at Thriveworks Lynchburg: Appointments for Internet Addiction

It is clear from the emotional and physical signs of Internet addiction that it can cause significant harm both to an individual and to their loved ones. If you are experiencing some of those severe effects, know that help is available. Internet addiction has treatments. Thriveworks Lynchburg offers appointments for compulsive Internet use, and we are committed to giving each client the personalized care that they deserve.

When you call our office for an appointment, a scheduling specialist will answer and help you make an appointment. We do not have an automated response or voicemail. We also do not keep a waitlist, but we do offer weekend and evening sessions. Our new client also may have their first appointment within 24 hours of their first call. Let’s get to work.

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 Lynchburg therapists and counselors accept 29 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • AmeriHealth Administrators

  • 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)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Lynchburg
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

4.8 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Read more My therapist has helped me a lot and I'm going to continue with my session to approve myself even more
Natasha Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
It was so difficult to find a therapist my daughter liked. So glad I made the initial call to Thriveworks. She was matched to a therapist that she finally talks to! She liked her so much that now my oldest daughter and I use her therapist as well. We love Lora!
Read more It was so difficult to find a therapist my daughter liked. So glad I made the initial call to Thriveworks. She was matched to a therapist that she finally talks to! She liked her so much that now my oldest daughter and I use her therapist as well. We love Lora!
Shannon Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
It been comforting talking to someone who understands what you are going through.
Holly Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Lynn Lemmon is a wonderful therapist! I feel so comfortable with her!
Amy Dec 2023
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Kim is the absolute best counselor! She is very kind and caring and adapts to whatever works best for you personally. She does not use the typical counselor answers or “by the book” responses. She talks to you like you are a real person. She always make me feel like the things that I am going through are important and the feelings are valid. She provides a completely judgement free zone to talk about anything that is needed. She understands that things take time and she does not force you to talk about anything. She allows you to process in your own time. She has a way of working with me that allows me to fully trust her. Kim has a heart of Gold! You can tell throughout your sessions with her that this is more than just a job for her. You feel legitimately cared for by her. You can tell that she genuinely wants to help you to move through the things that are holding you back in life. She’s very encouraging and reassuring. Her genuine compassion and encouragement helps me feel like I am actually important and deserving of growth. I would highly recommend Kim as your counselor if you are looking for someone who will make you feel valued and heard and not like you are just another name on their client list! She has definitely made a huge impact on my life!
Read more Kim is the absolute best counselor! She is very kind and caring and adapts to whatever works best for you personally. She does not use the typical counselor answers or “by the book” responses. She talks to you like you are a real person. She always make me feel like the things that I am going through are important and the feelings are valid. She provides a completely judgement free zone to talk about anything that is needed. She understands that things take time and she does not force you to talk about anything. She allows you to process in your own time. She has a way of working with me that allows me to fully trust her. Kim has a heart of Gold! You can tell throughout your sessions with her that this is more than just a job for her. You feel legitimately cared for by her. You can tell that she genuinely wants to help you to move through the things that are holding you back in life. She’s very encouraging and reassuring. Her genuine compassion and encouragement helps me feel like I am actually important and deserving of growth. I would highly recommend Kim as your counselor if you are looking for someone who will make you feel valued and heard and not like you are just another name on their client list! She has definitely made a huge impact on my life!
Lynchburg Jul 2022
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Working with Dr. Tiffany Stephens has been so helpful! She is very approachable, easy to talk to, and genuinely cares about concerns and circumstances. She can help think through problems and works toward a better outlook and teaching real skills that help toward calmness and strength in the midst of complicated issues. She helps teach courage to be vulnerable in the moment, so I can learn patterns and work at replacing them with more healthy ones— her style of preparing clients to approach things differently makes all the difference when difficulty arises. I feel safe and confident (but not tight and overly-clinical) when talking with her. I absolutely recommend working with her if you are working toward a better you!
Read more Working with Dr. Tiffany Stephens has been so helpful! She is very approachable, easy to talk to, and genuinely cares about concerns and circumstances. She can help think through problems and works toward a better outlook and teaching real skills that help toward calmness and strength in the midst of complicated issues. She helps teach courage to be vulnerable in the moment, so I can learn patterns and work at replacing them with more healthy ones— her style of preparing clients to approach things differently makes all the difference when difficulty arises. I feel safe and confident (but not tight and overly-clinical) when talking with her. I absolutely recommend working with her if you are working toward a better you!
Lynchburg Dec 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Dr. Tiffany Stephens is an amazing therapist. She is engaging as well as empathetic. I highly recommend Tiffany for anyone looking for a highly skilled and compassionate therapist.
Read more Dr. Tiffany Stephens is an amazing therapist. She is engaging as well as empathetic. I highly recommend Tiffany for anyone looking for a highly skilled and compassionate therapist.
Lynchburg Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Bryan Hunsley has been a great help in providing counseling to myself and my husband! He begins our ZOOM sessions on time. Bryan is great at his job in that he is easy to talk to and nonjudgmental. His feedback is even tempered (appropriate, positive and welcoming), plus clear and easy to understand. My husband and I feel that Bryan provides sensitive care and treats us both with ultimate respect! He is flexible in that he can easily switch gears according to the urgency of our needs for any particular session and is quick to offer any needed support between sessions. He provides a professional high quality of care that is also relaxing and informative. I am more than satisfied with his services being provided and find myself looking forward to the next session! Bryan has and continues to strengthen our marital wellness with his superb counseling expertise!
Read more Bryan Hunsley has been a great help in providing counseling to myself and my husband! He begins our ZOOM sessions on time. Bryan is great at his job in that he is easy to talk to and nonjudgmental. His feedback is even tempered (appropriate, positive and welcoming), plus clear and easy to understand. My husband and I feel that Bryan provides sensitive care and treats us both with ultimate respect! He is flexible in that he can easily switch gears according to the urgency of our needs for any particular session and is quick to offer any needed support between sessions. He provides a professional high quality of care that is also relaxing and informative. I am more than satisfied with his services being provided and find myself looking forward to the next session! Bryan has and continues to strengthen our marital wellness with his superb counseling expertise!
Lynchburg Sep 2021
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Child Therapy Lynchburg is located on Jefferson St. in the heart of the downtown area. The James River runs directly behind our building, which we share with Zola’s Beauty Studio and Stimulus Adverstising and Web Design.

Phone number

(434) 771-0495

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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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