For many young people, playing video games is a fun hobby and a way to connect with friends. But when gaming starts to take over a person’s life—impacting school, relationships, and mental health—it may be more than just a pastime. The World Health Organization recognizes gaming disorder as a legitimate mental health condition, marked by compulsive use of video games despite negative consequences.
At Ascend Behavioral Health in Fresno, California, we provide specialized video game addiction treatment for adolescents and young adults who are struggling to find balance. Our treatment center in Fresno offers evidence-based therapies, family support, and practical tools to help teens and young adults regain control of their daily lives. Whether the problem is online gaming, internet gaming disorder, or excessive screen time, our programs are designed to help young people heal and move toward long-term well-being.
Call us today at 559-336-8867 to learn how our programs can help your loved one.
Gaming disorder—sometimes referred to as internet gaming disorder—is a type of behavioral addiction. Like substance use disorders, it changes the brain’s reward system, leading people to crave longer play sessions, struggle with self-control, and continue gaming even when it causes harm.
Signs of unhealthy gaming behavior may include:
Left untreated, gaming addiction can harm self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. At Ascend, we help young people break free from harmful patterns while teaching them healthy coping strategies for real-world challenges.
Our video game addiction treatment center in Fresno supports adolescents and young adults struggling with excessive gaming, internet addiction, or related mental health issues. We welcome:
By focusing on the unique needs of young people in California, our treatment programs address both the addiction itself and the mental health disorders that often come with it.
At Ascend, we know every gamer’s story is different. Some adolescents may spend hours online to escape bullying or social anxiety, while others may struggle with co-occurring disorders like depression or substance use. That’s why our addiction treatment programs are built on personalized treatment plans tailored to each person’s life, goals, and challenges.
Through one-on-one therapy sessions, our clinicians help teens and young adults understand the root causes of their gaming behavior. Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we challenge unhealthy thought patterns, explore emotional triggers, and build healthier coping mechanisms for stress, sadness, or boredom.
Isolation is a common outcome of video game addiction. Group therapy helps adolescents and young adults connect with peers, share experiences, and practice healthier social interactions in a safe environment. These sessions reduce stigma, build accountability, and promote positive peer support.
Video game addiction affects more than just the individual—it often impacts the entire household. Our family therapy sessions bring parents and teens together to improve communication, set boundaries, and develop strategies for managing gaming habits at home. Families learn how to support their loved one’s recovery process while creating a healthier home environment.
For some young people, gaming addiction is linked to mental health disorders such as ADHD, depression, or anxiety. When needed, our psychiatric team provides careful medication management to support mental health treatment alongside therapy.
To help replace excessive gaming, we incorporate experiential therapy, life skills training, and recreational activities. These practices give young people new ways to cope, build confidence, and reconnect with the real-world joys outside of gaming.
Every adolescent or young adult requires a different level of care, depending on the severity of their gaming addiction and co-occurring issues. Our Fresno rehab center offers a continuum of care including:
By tailoring each treatment program to the individual, Ascend ensures effective treatment that addresses both gaming behaviors and underlying mental health conditions.
Many parents underestimate the seriousness of video game addiction, dismissing it as a phase or harmless pastime. But for some adolescents and young adults, the negative consequences are significant:
With the right addiction treatment options, young people can learn balance, rebuild self-esteem, and thrive both online and offline.
Video game addiction treatment doesn’t end when a program is completed. At Ascend, we prioritize aftercare planning and relapse prevention strategies to ensure progress continues. Teens and young adults leave with:
Our goal is to prepare adolescents for long-term recovery and equip families with the tools they need to support ongoing growth.
We know that asking for help takes courage. Getting in touch is the first step. We’re here for you, no matter what. Once submitted, our admissions team will be in touch within 24 hours.
Or call us directly to get started: 559-472-3371
At Ascend Behavioral Health, we believe that video game addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible. By providing personalized treatment plans, professional interventions, and compassionate care, we help adolescents and young adults in Fresno and across California build healthier relationships with technology and reclaim their lives.
If your loved one is struggling with gaming disorder, online gaming, or internet addiction, don’t wait. Call us today at 559-336-8867 to learn more about our video game addiction treatment programs near you.
Video game addiction, or gaming disorder, occurs when gaming habits interfere with school, relationships, and daily life. If your teen or young adult spends excessive time gaming, neglects responsibilities, or shows mood swings when not playing, it may be time to seek professional help.
We offer a full range of treatment programs, including residential treatment, PHP, IOP, and outpatient therapy. Each level of care is designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents and young adults struggling with internet gaming disorder.
We use evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and group therapy, combined with family involvement and holistic approaches. Our goal is to address both the behavior and the underlying mental health disorders contributing to excessive gaming.
Yes. Many young people with gaming addiction also struggle with co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, ADHD, or substance use. That’s why we provide dual diagnosis treatment to address all aspects of a person’s health.
Many insurance providers cover behavioral health services, including addiction treatment programs for gaming disorder. Our admissions team helps families navigate insurance verification and find the best options for care.
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