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Offered in-person & online

Our counselors offer services for internet addiction in Cambridge, MA

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

Get in-person or online care, and cover the majority of the costs with your insurance. Scheduling is easy — call our team and they’ll help you find your perfect match.

Connect with a therapist, psychiatrist or counselor near you
http://Thriveworks%20wins%20Yahoo!%20award%20for%20best%20online%20therapy%20services%20two%20years%20in%20a%20row.

686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting internet addiction counseling can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Cigna | Evernorth, +4 more
Narcissism, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Self Esteem, Stress, +16 more

As a trained physician, experienced oriental medicine practitioner, and PhD medical researcher, I believe in a holistic approach to physical, mental, ... As a trained physician, experienced oriental medicine practitioner, and PhD medical researcher, I believe in a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual health. Read more

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +24 more
Coping Skills, Stress, Women’s Issues, Life Transition, Anxiety, +3 more

I seek to understand the complexities of what it means to be human in a rapidly changing environment.

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +23 more
LGBTQIA+, Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, +14 more

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is key to your success in therapy, where you can expect to be free ... As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is key to your success in therapy, where you can expect to be free of judgment while trusting that I have the knowledge and expertise to help you work through the issues that brought you here. Read more

Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS, Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card), +24 more
Anger, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Infidelity, Self Esteem, +10 more

Starting Internet addiction counseling

What is internet addiction counseling?

Internet addiction counseling is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to address and alleviate problematic or compulsive internet usage. It offers individuals a structured and supportive setting to delve into the root causes of their excessive online behaviors, which may encompass activities like social media and gaming.

How does internet addiction counseling work?

Internet addiction therapists at Thriveworks in Cambridge, MA collaborate with you to identify and alter thought patterns and behaviors that drive your dependence, often employing cognitive behavioral techniques. The primary objective of this counseling is to assist you in regaining control over your internet use, establishing healthier online habits, and addressing any underlying emotional or psychological issues, ultimately fostering a more balanced relationship with the digital world and enhancing overall well-being.

Is internet addiction counseling conducted in person or online?

Thriveworks internet addiction counseling in Cambridge is conducted both in person and virtually through online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does internet addiction counseling last?

The length of internet addiction counseling can differ depending on the person’s particular requirements and the seriousness of their addiction. Typically, this form of counseling includes multiple sessions spanning from several weeks to several months. The precise number of sessions and overall therapy duration are determined through discussions with the counselor.

Need more help deciding?

Internet Addiction in Cambridge, MA—Therapy and Counseling

When people are addicted to the Internet they may have trouble regulating when, where, and how long they are online. They may also have difficulty controlling what they are doing online. In many ways, Internet addiction is very similar to other behavior-based addictions, like gambling and shopping. Those similarities include symptoms, but they also include treatments. Internet addiction is a serious mental health challenge, but there are treatments available.

Thriveworks Cambridge has helped many people who are struggling to unplug, and we have guided them toward the resources and support they needed to regain control. Reach out today for help.

Signs of Internet Addiction

Data plans are often unlimited, and Internet is often high-speed. Wifi is now on planes and in cars and pretty much anywhere and everywhere. Without question, people are online more and more. Internet addiction, however, is not always about access. Mental health professionals first introduced the idea that using the Internet could be addictive in the mid-1990s—in the days of dial-up. The criteria for recognizing compulsive Internet use was also developed in the late 1990s by Dr. Kimberly S. Young. She proposed that an individual who displayed at least five of the following signs may be addicted to the Internet. These signs overlap substantially with other types of addiction:

  • Risk: Jeopardizing one’s career, relationships, finances, and more in order to use the Internet or with what one does online.
  • Obsession: Being engrossed with the Internet and thinking about it constantly.
  • Lost Control: Staying online longer than one intended to be there—losing track of where one has been or how long one has been there.
  • Escalation: In order to reach a feeling of satisfaction, taking greater risk or spending more time online.
  • Deception: Lying about the Internet—when, where, and how much one is online; what one does online; minimizing the effects of one’s Internet use, et cetera.
  • Self-medication: Going online to adjust one’s mood or to numb hard feelings.
  • Difficult Emotions: Experiencing irritability, moodiness, or depression when not online.
  • Failed Attempts to Quit: Wanting to quit or curb one’s Internet use, but being unable to do so.

There are several sub-categories of Internet addiction. In can manifest in unique ways in each individual. For some, Internet can look like lost control over online gambling, day-trading, or shopping. For others, it may look like compulsive pornography use or video gaming. It may even look like thoughtlessly scrolling through websites and social media. Whatever form the compulsion may take, there are treatments available. Just as the addiction can manifest differently in each individual’s life, so the best treatment is often tailored to an individual’s need. That treatment often includes a form of therapy, medication, and/or support group.

Internet Addiction at Thriveworks Cambridge: Scheduling an Appointment

If you are struggling to control when you are online and what you do there, you are not alone. Other people are having a hard time as well, and there are a number of resources available. Often, the first step toward healing is to work with a mental health professional. Skilled therapists can often help people find the right treatment that meets their unique needs.

When you call Thriveworks Cambridge, one of our scheduling specialists will answer. They will help you make an appointment, and you may be meeting with your counselor within the week. We do not put our clients on a waitlist, but we do offer them weekend and evening appointments. Our therapists are also credentialed with many different insurance companies and able to accept many different insurance plans. Let’s work together. Contact us 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 Cambridge therapists and counselors accept 23 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS Medicare Advantage (HMO | PPO)

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts | BCBS

  • Carelon

  • Carelon | Medicare Advantage

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Compsych

  • Fallon Health | Medicare Advantage

  • Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network

  • First Health Network

  • Harvard Pilgrim

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Self-pay costs at Cambridge
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

4.6 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
The therapist asked thoughtful questions and her responses were thoughtful and professional. It showed her understanding of mental health issues
Sharon Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
She listened to me. The first time we met she asked me all sorts of questions and then sat back and let me talk. She was THE FIRST to really listen and diagnose me. Once I had the diagnosis, my best friend and I said finally. I'm now on medication and feel like I'm functioning fully for the first time in years.
Read more She listened to me. The first time we met she asked me all sorts of questions and then sat back and let me talk. She was THE FIRST to really listen and diagnose me. Once I had the diagnosis, my best friend and I said finally. I'm now on medication and feel like I'm functioning fully for the first time in years.
Nicole Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Very good attention to detail and caring about my life. I really appreciate everything.
Pierre Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I love my provider (Karissa Peoples). She is very thoughtful, professional and understanding. She has done wonders for my mental health and inner peace. 10/10
Joseph Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
My provider has given me tools to work through my challenges.
Alicia Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Marissa does great work, especially given that our appointments are just 30 minutes
Benjamin Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The patient can talk to his/her doctor using Zoom. It saves time and traveling.
Joseph Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
The honesty of my therapist and how I am always excepted with them.
Robert Apr 2025
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Cambridge is located off of Massachusetts Ave, on the north side of the Charles River. Our office is in the Cambridge Tower next to Apollo Travel and Tours, Tanjore, and Cambridge Premier Realty. The closest bus stop is Massachusetts Ave opp Lee St. If you have trouble finding our office or have any questions about how to get here, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Phone number

(617) 380-4651

Languages spoken by MA providers

  • English
  • Spanish
  • Creole
  • French
  • Japanese
  • Mandarin
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Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm

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