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Offered in-person & online

Our therapists offer help for video game addiction in Chesterfield, VA

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

All Chesterfield services

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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 Chesterfield, VA 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 Chesterfield 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 Counseling – Counselors and Therapists in Chesterfield, VA

Mental health professionals are still exploring whether video games meet the strict criteria of an official addiction, but one thing is abundantly clear—many people struggle with when, where, and how long they play video games and online games. Many people also experience similar symptoms and effects with video games as with other behavior based addictions such as gambling.

Another key similarity exists: many people who are struggling with compulsive video game use are benefitting from therapies traditionally used to heal addiction. Twelve-step groups modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous cater to gamers, and many people are also finding help from therapy.

The counselors at Thriveworks Chesterfield have seen many people struggling to control their video game use, and our professionals have helped many people learn how to regain that control. Contact us today if you need help.

Internet Gaming Disorder: Definition and Diagnostics

People may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder if they struggle controlling how often or how long they game. The symptoms of internet gaming disorder may include:

  • Deceiving loved ones about when and how much one games.
  • Thinking constantly about games.
  • Developing tolerance—playing for a longer time period to feel the same level of satisfaction.
  • Soothing challenging emotions like loneliness, guilt, shame, sadness, grief, anxiety, or fear with video games.
  • Going into withdrawal when curbing game play—possibly experiencing moodiness, restlessness, irritability, or depression.
  • Using video games as a distraction from real-world problems.
  • Attempting to quit without success.
  • Giving up time with friends and family or passing on educational/professional opportunities in order to game.
  • Guardians and parents, in addition should look for the following signs in their children:
    • Lethargy and sleepiness during the day.
    • Incomplete school assignments.
    • Poor/declining grades.
    • Quitting/losing interest in sports and activities.
    • Playing video games alone.

When people become addicted to video games or develop internet gaming disorder, they may develop an emotional attachment to the video game. They may look to the experience that the video game offers for their need to connect.

What Leads to Internet Gaming Disorder?

The exact causes of internet gaming disorder are still being studied, but one theory is that core loops may make gaming an addictive activity for some people. Core loops, also known as compulsion loops, are a series of challenges and rewards that beckon people further into a game’s narrative. Massively multi-media online role-playing games (MMORPG), mobile games, and social media games use these loops extensively in gaming narratives.

With each challenge that players successfully complete, the game rewards them in some way, and with each reward they receive from the game, their brain also releases dopamine. Each reward is tied into the next challenge so that the cycle continues.

Scheduling Therapy for Internet Gaming Disorder at Thriveworks Chesterfield

Are you experiencing any of these difficulties as a result of your gaming? Are you ready for help to regain control of your video game habit? If you or your child needs help, Thriveworks Chesterfield is ready. We have therapy appointments available for video game addiction.

If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional, know that when you call our office, a person answers our phone. Many new clients have their first appointment within the same week of their call. We offer evening and weekend sessions. We also accept many forms of insurance.

Call Thriveworks Chesterfield to get started.

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 Chesterfield therapists and counselors accept 28 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • 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)

  • CareFirst Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

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Self-pay costs at Chesterfield
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
★★★★★
Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Read more Sarah Hawkins is a very compassionate person. She always encouraged me to try my hardest to solved my problems using her advise. I am bless for having her as my therapist.
Sarah Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
Read more Ms. Brenda, is a outstanding MHP, she takes times to listen and gives outstanding advice. She always give suggested reading and the reading has helped tremendously.
ROBERT Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Read more I had reached out to several therapists to find one that would fit. My therapist Noel, reached out and explained on what methods she uses to help with certain issues. She is a great fit for me and I am looking forward with working with her.
Lynn Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Read more I have looked so long for a new counselor and finally found a wonderful therapist through thrive works… Rhiannon Price has been working with me and has helped me so much
Michelle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Read more I really like my therapist Patricia Colby. She is so easy to talk to, and has a flexible schedule. She is understanding and really puts you at ease.
Danielle Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My view with Dr. Young was a real eye opener.
Randy Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Read more I was very satisfied with first session/consultation with my therapist. I feel confident she will address my needs and look forward to working with her.
Marjorie Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Across the street is Simple Intervention and Huff Poole & Mahoney PC legal services. Next door is Branches of Life and the office of dentist Sasala Albert. There is also a Starbucks in the parking lot, as well as First Watch restaurant and TowneBank.

Phone number

(804) 375-5195

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
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