How Counseling Can Help Children and Teens Struggling With Video Game Addiction

As a parent, it can be hard to know when video games are just a hobby—or when they’ve become something more concerning. Many parents come to counseling asking the same questions: Is my child addicted to video games? Are video games harming their mental health? And how can therapy help?

Video games themselves aren’t bad. In fact, for many kids and teens, gaming can be social, creative, and even calming. The concern arises when gaming starts to interfere with daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being. That’s where counseling can play a meaningful role.

Is Video Game Addiction a Real Mental Health Issue?

Internet Gaming Disorder is currently listed in the DSM-5-TR as a condition needing further research, meaning it is not yet a formal diagnosis. However, mental health professionals widely recognize that problematic gaming behaviors can closely resemble other behavioral addictions, such as gambling.

In counseling, the focus is not on labeling a child as “addicted,” but on understanding how gaming is affecting their functioning.

Key questions I explore with families include:

• Is gaming interfering with school, sleep, or hygiene?

• Has your child withdrawn from family or friends?

• Are responsibilities like homework, chores, or attending school being avoided?

• Does gaming seem to be the only place your child feels calm, safe, or successful?

When gaming begins to negatively impact these areas, counseling can help uncover what’s really going on.

When Should Parents Be Concerned About Video Games?

Many parents worry about screen time alone, but time spent gaming is not the best indicator of addiction. Some children can play for long periods and still function well socially, academically, and emotionally.

Red flags that may signal a deeper issue include:

• Declining grades or school refusal

• Poor hygiene or resistance to bathing

• Sleep disruption

• Increased irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Isolation from family or in-person friends

These signs often point to underlying emotional, relational, or developmental needs, not just a love of video games.

How Counseling Helps With Video Game Addiction

Counseling helps by looking beyond the behavior and addressing the root causes of excessive gaming. For many kids and teens, video games meet important needs—such as connection, control, confidence, or escape from stress.

In therapy, we work to:

• Understand why gaming feels so important to your child

• Identify emotional triggers that lead to excessive gaming

• Build healthier coping skills

• Improve communication between parents and children

• Develop realistic and sustainable limits around gaming

Rather than abruptly taking games away—which often increases conflict—therapy focuses on gradual change that your child can actually maintain.

Why Gradual Change Works Better Than “Cold Turkey”

One of the most effective approaches I use in counseling is slow, structured reduction instead of complete elimination. When expectations are too extreme, kids often experience failure and shut down emotionally.

Small, achievable goals:

• Build confidence

• Increase motivation

• Reduce power struggles at home

• Create long-term behavioral change

This approach helps children feel supported instead of punished.

The Role of Family in Gaming Addiction Counseling

Parental involvement can be incredibly valuable—but it must be done thoughtfully.

In counseling, parents may:

• Learn how gaming fits into their child’s emotional world

• Gain tools for setting boundaries without escalating conflict

• Improve connection instead of constant confrontation

• Understand when gaming is a symptom of something deeper

In some cases, I even encourage parents to engage in gaming with their child. This can open communication, build trust, and help parents understand why gaming feels so safe or rewarding to their child—especially for children who struggle socially or emotionally.

What If My Child Doesn’t Think Gaming Is a Problem?

Resistance is common. Many kids and teens don’t see gaming as an issue, even when parents do. Counseling helps by giving your child autonomy while still addressing real concerns.

Using motivational interviewing techniques, therapy focuses on:

• Helping your child recognize the impact gaming has on their life

• Exploring what they want (more freedom, better relationships, less conflict)

• Connecting change to what matters most to them

Therapy isn’t about forcing change—it’s about creating insight and motivation.

Counseling for Video Game Addiction at OMNI

At OMNI, we work with children, teens, and families to address problematic gaming in a way that is compassionate, practical, and individualized. Counseling doesn’t aim to eliminate video games—it aims to help kids develop balance, emotional resilience, and healthier coping strategies.

If video games are causing tension in your home, affecting your child’s mental health, or disrupting daily life, counseling can help your family move forward with clarity and support.