PsychMed provides cognitive behavioural treatment for disordered video and Internet gaming for clients across the lifespan. Our treatment program provides practical information to individuals and their families to help understand the problem, instigate change, and provide long-term gaming reduction strategies. We are able to provide therapy for complex presentations, and are also able to treat depression, anxiety, mental illness, drug and alcohol misuse, and relationship difficulties.

We can also offer this service to those who may not have a problem themselves but are impacted by someone else’s gaming. PsychMed takes the psychological impact of a person’s gaming on their family, partner, and friends seriously and our program is offered to all those impacted by gaming.

These services are fee-free and confidential and are available to children, teenagers, and adults.

Signs of a problem

There are a number of signs that may indicate that a person is engaging in risky or problematic gaming, and there is no hard-and-fast rule for how much is “too much” time spent playing. A gaming problem often develops when someone is preoccupied with their gaming to the point that they take significant priority over important life activities – including school, work, and relationships – and that removing themselves from gaming causes distress and emotional withdrawals.

How problems develop

Developing an issue with gaming is the combination of complex biological, environmental and cognitive / behavioural factors. A psychologist can provide an individualised explanation of how an issue can arise from an interaction of these factors, and provide insight into how proactive strategies in light of them can create a healthier relationship with gaming.

Impact on others

Our program is not only offered to those who struggle with gaming themselves. Gaming often affects those surrounding the player. Adult relationships can become strained by the stress of someone’s gaming, and particularly preoccupying gaming can lead to financial dependence. In children, gaming can result in a divide between the parent and the child. Behavioural issues resulting from gaming withdrawal can also disrupt a family dynamic, and these can be a targeted component of therapy. It is important to know that if you are affected by someone else’s gaming, you are just as entitled to support from a mental health professional.

Assessment

PsychMed’s clinicians are experienced in taking a snapshot of a gaming issue to determine individual severity and the best course of action to take. Your first appointment with us will be a no-obligation session where we can map out how the problem has developed, its current status, and collaboratively setting goals for treatment.

Stages of Change

Psychological treatment of gaming is about developing a strong partnership between the clinician and the client (and their support network if possible). Therefore, the success of treatment will depend on the extent to which the client feels ready and motivated to make positive changes in their life. A therapist can help to talk about some of the mixed feelings and barriers to change in addressing a gaming problem. It is often easier to work toward goals for treatment when discussing these with someone you trust first.

Access to Help

PsychMed’s service is free to access, and does not require a referral from a third party. To get in touch with any of our locations about the service, and provide a referral for yourself or someone you know, please call the relevant numbers at the bottom of this page. PsychMed’s program policies guarantee that your first session will be within 72 hours of your call.