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Our therapists offer help for video game addiction in Marietta, GA

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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 Marietta, GA 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 Marietta 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?

Video Game Addiction in Marietta, GA—Therapists and Counselors

Many people use the term “video game addiction” to refer to what The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) labels “internet gaming disorder.” The DSM-5 calls for more study of the disorder, but several things are known:

  • Many people struggle to control when, where, how, and how long they play video games.
  • Many people are neglecting real-world personal and professional connections and forming an attachment to gaming.
  • Many people are benefitting from interventions traditionally used to treat addictions: 12-step programs and mental health therapy.

Thriveworks Marietta offers counseling for adolescents and adults who are having a hard time controlling their video game use. We are worked with many clients as they establish healthier gaming habits. Reach out today for help.

Video Game Addiction: What Is It?

Not all addictions are dependent upon a chemical or drug—some are impulse control disorders such as gambling. The DSM-5 has not officially labeled internet gaming disorder as such, but it gives diagnostics for it that overlap greatly with behaviors that other addictions display. Many mental health professionals are studying video game use to understand if it could fit the strict definition of an addiction.

People may have internet gaming disorder if they cannot control their gaming as displayed by the following behaviors:

  • Tolerating gaming more and more—playing video games for longer times to feel satiated.
  • Alleviating challenging emotions by playing video games (guilt, loneliness, sadness, boredom, anxiety, or depression).
  • Thinking obsessively and excessively about the games.
  • When not gaming, feeling withdrawal—moodiness, irritability, restlessness, or depression.
  • Attempting to stop gaming but without success.
  • Spending more time, attention, and/or money on gaming than friends, family, career, or education.
  • Escaping from life’s challenges and/or problems by playing video games.
  • Lying about game use.
  • In preteens and teens, parents should look for these additional signs:
    • Dropping enjoyable activities (clubs, sports, et cetera).
    • Drowsiness, fatigue, lethargy (In particular, falling asleep during the day).
    • Low grades.
    • Unfinished school assignments.
    • Gaming by themselves.

The DSM-5 acknowledges that people can have severe, moderate, or mild internet gaming disorder depending upon how many symptoms they exhibit.

How Does Internet Gaming Disorder Start?

There are many factors that can lead to compulsive gaming, but one may be compulsion loops that are written into the narratives of many games. Core or compulsion loops are an interlocking series of challenges and rewards that draw players further into the game. Massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG), mobile games, and social networking games utilize these loops.

Core loops present players with a challenge. When players complete the challenge, they are rewarded, and their prize leads into the next challenge. With each reward, dopamine is also released in a player’s brain, solidifying a connection between pleasure and the game.

Life Challenges from Impulsive Gaming

Like other impulse control disorders, internet gaming disorder can create many problems in people’s lives. Many of these problems are similar to the challenges that addicts face, including physical, emotional, and relational difficulties:

  • Physical difficulties may include Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, acute headaches, dry eyes, irregular eating habits, back pain, sleep disturbances, and relaxed personal hygiene habits.
  • Emotional difficulties often result from mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, being unaddressed and growing worse.
  • Relational difficulties may include the consequences of choosing video games over loved ones, irresponsible spending on gaming equipment and fees, and/or lying about gaming habits.

Treating Compulsive Gaming Interventions at Thriveworks Marietta, GA

If you video game use is out of control in your life, you are not alone. If your child is struggling because of video games, help is available. The therapists at Thriveworks Marietta have formulated a holistic and individualized treatment plan for many clients, and they are ready to help you.

When you call our office, know that a person will answer your call and help schedule your appointment. We provide same-week appointments, offer evening and weekend sessions, and also work with many insurance companies. We want each client to receives the mental health care they need, when they need it. Are you ready to get started? Call Thriveworks Marietta 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 Marietta therapists and counselors accept 25 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | BCBS - HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | BCBS - PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia | Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Marietta
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

Thriveworks Marietta has no reviews yet, but check out these reviews from locations in Georgia.

4.5 Thriveworks Marietta reviews are collected through Thriveworks.com.
★★★★★
Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Read more Thriveworks helped me realize that I do believe people can change. I’m not the person I was three months ago, broken and fearful. I’m healthy and happy and for the first time being kind to myself. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Anonymous Thriveworks Client
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Marietta is located at 25 Whitlock Pl SW UNIT 101, Marietta, GA 30064, just off Whitlock Ave. NW

Phone number

(404) 905-1064

Languages spoken by GA 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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