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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 Columbia, SC 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 Columbia 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?

Interventions for Video Game Addiction in Columbia, SC—Therapy and Counseling

Mental health professionals are studying what people commonly call video game addiction. While there is much more to learn, many things are clear: a significant amount of people struggle to regulate their video game play. The signs and symptoms they display with their gaming is similar to other impulse control addictions like gambling.

Just as there are support groups and therapies for addictions, interventions are being developed to help people who struggle with gaming. Twelve-steps programs such as Computer Gaming Addicts Anonymous and Online Gamers Anonymous are based upon Alcoholic Anonymous. Counseling practices are also seeing more and more clients, helping them develop the skills to control their gaming habits.

Thriveworks Columbia sees many clients who know that video games are taking over their lives. Our therapists have guided them to take back control from gaming. If you need help with a video game addiction of your own, reach out to Thriveworks Columbia today to schedule your first session.

Video Game Addiction: Signs and Symptoms

When people talk about video game addiction, they are often speaking of the official diagnosis of internet gaming disorder. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) gives signs and symptoms for internet gaming disorder, but it also calls for more study officially calling it an addiction.

The following list outlines the DSM-5’s diagnostics for internet gaming disorder. In each sign, there is a common theme: control. The main question is whether people can control their video game use or whether video game play control their lives. How can people know the difference? If they display the following behaviors, they may have lost control of their gaming. They may have mild, moderate, or severe internet gaming disorder:

  • Trying to curb use or quit playing but being unable to sustain control.
  • Deceiving family members, friends, employers, and/or counselors about one’s game use.
  • Being consumed, obsessed, and preoccupied with gaming, both when playing and when not.
  • Feeling withdrawal symptoms such as moodiness, irritability, aggressiveness, depression, or restlessness when unable to game.
  • Seeking relief from difficult emotions (sadness, loneliness, depression, guilt, shame, anxiety, disappointment, and more) though video game play.
  • Prioritizing gaming over real-world opportunities to connect with loved ones or to advance one’s career or education.
  • Developing a tolerance to gaming—playing longer to feel the same level of satisfaction.
  • Distracting oneself from life problems or responsibilities with video games.

Compulsive Online Gaming and Real-life Disruptions

Just as a gambling addiction can lead to devastating consequences in a person’s life, so can internet gaming disorder. If left untreated, emotional, physical, and relational difficulties may result:

  1. Physical – Compulsive video game play may result in Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, neglected hygiene, headaches, irregular sleeping habits, dry eyes, and irregular eating habits.
  2. Relational – When people lie about their video game use or choose time gaming over time with loved ones, they can cause great relational harm to their friends and family.
  3. Emotional – If a person numbs difficult emotions with video games, these emotions are not resolved. Instead, they may grow worse the longer they are unaddressed.

Internet Gaming Disorder Counseling at Thriveworks Columbia

As you read through the symptoms and signs of internet gaming disorder, did you recognize any? Maybe you are struggling. Maybe your child is. Men, women, boys, and girls can struggle with their impulse control regarding video games. It affects the lives of many people, but many people are also finding support and help from mental health professionals. You are not alone.

If you are ready to talk with a counselor, our professionals are ready to listen. We work with teens and adults. Our office has done what we can to make scheduling an appointment as easy as possible.

When you call our office, you may be meeting with your therapist the same week. We also accept many forms of insurance. Let’s work together to take back control of your or your child’s video game habits. Call Thriveworks Columbia 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 Columbia therapists and counselors accept 24 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

  • Humana Exchange

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Self-pay costs at Columbia
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
★★★★★
Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Read more Samer has done a great job getting to know our son and providing best practices to help him. He is personable and professional. We look forward to seeing our son make progress and move in the right direction.
Crystal Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★
I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Read more I had a good therapist for 3 sessions and unfortunately, she had to leave the area for family reasons. I met for the first time with my new therapist and it went well, so all is good. So far, Thriveworks has been wonderful !
Roger Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My counseling has been caring and professional
Cynthia Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have only had great appointments with Melissa. She CARES about her patients and LISTENS to my concerns and follows up at each appointment.
Read more I have only had great appointments with Melissa. She CARES about her patients and LISTENS to my concerns and follows up at each appointment.
Susan Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have been seeing a therapist via Thriveworks every other week for several months and I couldn't be happier. The intake form was easy to fill out and somehow managed to put me with someone who works perfectly with me. She works at my pace, she understands and works towards our goals, and she helps me to see things more clearly as we process the issues at hand. She never 'tells me' what the issue is or how to solve but instead she leads me there so I can see it on my own as that is much more effective. I was very nervous about online therapy but after this experience with Kristen, I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. Kristen is a true professional and can ebb and flow as I am ready to process things. She has been a game changer for me, my family, and my colleagues.
Read more I have been seeing a therapist via Thriveworks every other week for several months and I couldn't be happier. The intake form was easy to fill out and somehow managed to put me with someone who works perfectly with me. She works at my pace, she understands and works towards our goals, and she helps me to see things more clearly as we process the issues at hand. She never 'tells me' what the issue is or how to solve but instead she leads me there so I can see it on my own as that is much more effective. I was very nervous about online therapy but after this experience with Kristen, I would recommend it to everyone, regardless of the severity of their issues. Kristen is a true professional and can ebb and flow as I am ready to process things. She has been a game changer for me, my family, and my colleagues.
Tar Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Counseling from counselor Barron has helped me in my day struggles of dealing with my trailer apartment burn-out, 9/11 (VCF) Washington DC [DOJ] claim, relationship of the future, and bear facts about how to handle family members who feel they can control your sexual, your income, your employment, and your future success.
Read more Counseling from counselor Barron has helped me in my day struggles of dealing with my trailer apartment burn-out, 9/11 (VCF) Washington DC [DOJ] claim, relationship of the future, and bear facts about how to handle family members who feel they can control your sexual, your income, your employment, and your future success.
Meshelle Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I have been having Having my counseling sessions with Melissa Pate for grief counseling. She has been fantastic helping me thru the grief process since my husbands passing. I never thought it would be so hard but with her help I am starting to make progress. She gives me advice on references, books, and gives encouragement. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and Thriveworks. Lesley
Read more I have been having Having my counseling sessions with Melissa Pate for grief counseling. She has been fantastic helping me thru the grief process since my husbands passing. I never thought it would be so hard but with her help I am starting to make progress. She gives me advice on references, books, and gives encouragement. I am so grateful to have found Melissa and Thriveworks. Lesley
Lesley Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Read more Mr Sachs has been outstanding with his handling of our sessions. Personally, I believe that therapy/counseling is truly a personal experience and the therapist needs to be matched to the patient as much as the patient with the therapist. I feel like he was a perfect fit for what we needed with our sessions.
Bill Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Columbia is right next to Boyd Plaza, and in a shared office building with TD Bank. We are at the corner of Main and Hampton Street, across the street from Wells Fargo.

Phone number

(803) 882-3401

Languages spoken by SC providers

  • English
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
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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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
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm

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