Understanding Problematic Video Gaming

When gaming interferes with daily life, relationships, or well-being, it may become problematic. While our network of specialists is growing, you can explore therapists who work with behavioural concerns and addiction.

Video games can be an enjoyable form of entertainment, but for some people, gaming can become problematic when it interferes with work, school, relationships, or overall well-being. Problematic gaming—sometimes called gaming disorder—is characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities, and continuation despite negative consequences.

Therapy can help you understand the role gaming plays in your life, identify underlying needs it may be meeting, and develop healthier patterns. Whether gaming has become a way to escape difficult emotions, avoid responsibilities, or cope with social challenges, a therapist can work with you to address the root causes and build more balanced habits. On First Session, you can explore therapists who work with behavioural issues, addiction, and related concerns.

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David Binger

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, BC, SK, YT, and NL.
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David Binger

David Binger

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Offers Free Consultation
$110/session
ADHD, Addiction, Adoption, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Depression, Early childhood, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Giftedness Issues, Imposter syndrome, Men's issues, Perfectionism, Performance anxiety, Problematic video gaming, PTSD, Relationships, Self Destructive Behaviour, Social anxiety, Trauma
ADHD, Addiction, Adoption, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Depression, Early childhood, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Giftedness Issues, Imposter syndrome, Men's issues, Perfectionism, Performance anxiety, Problematic video gaming, PTSD, Relationships, Self Destructive Behaviour, Social anxiety, Trauma
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Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Newfoundland and Labrador

Anh Duffy

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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Offers In-Person (London, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON, AB, SK, MB, NL, NU, YT, and NT.
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Anh Duffy

Anh Duffy

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Offers Free Consultation
$130/session
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), BIPOC, Anxiety, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Body Dysmorphia, Children/Teens, Cultural Challenges, Depression, Family Conflict, General Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Intergenerational trauma, LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative thinking and ruminating, Perfectionism, Problematic video gaming, Racism, Relationships, Social anxiety, Stress, Suicidal ideation, Trauma, Women's Health
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), BIPOC, Anxiety, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Body Dysmorphia, Children/Teens, Cultural Challenges, Depression, Family Conflict, General Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Intergenerational trauma, LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative thinking and ruminating, Perfectionism, Problematic video gaming, Racism, Relationships, Social anxiety, Stress, Suicidal ideation, Trauma, Women's Health
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Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, Yukon, Northwest Territories

Jordan Kritzinger

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
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Offers In-Person (Toronto, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Jordan Kritzinger

Jordan Kritzinger

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Offers Free Consultation
$140/session
ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Confidence, Depression, Emotional regulation, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration, Imposter syndrome, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Men's issues, Meaning and purpose, Mindfulness, Motivation, Pain management, Perfectionism, Problematic video gaming, PTSD, Relationships, Spirituality, Trauma
ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Confidence, Depression, Emotional regulation, Grief and Loss, Identity and Self-Exploration, Imposter syndrome, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Men's issues, Meaning and purpose, Mindfulness, Motivation, Pain management, Perfectionism, Problematic video gaming, PTSD, Relationships, Spirituality, Trauma
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Ontario

Joe Gentile

Registered Social Worker
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Offers In-Person (Bolton, ON)
Virtual Sessions in ON.
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Joe Gentile

Joe Gentile

Registered Social Worker
Offers Free Consultation
$125/session
Problematic video gaming, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger Management, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Behavioural Issues, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Competitive anxiety, Couples, Depression, Eating disorders, Familial and social relationships, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Men's issues, Negative body image, OCD, School challenges, Sports Performance, Stress, Grief and Loss
Problematic video gaming, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger Management, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Behavioural Issues, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Competitive anxiety, Couples, Depression, Eating disorders, Familial and social relationships, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Men's issues, Negative body image, OCD, School challenges, Sports Performance, Stress, Grief and Loss
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Ontario

Jason Bains

Registered Clinical Counsellor
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Offers In-Person (Nanaimo, BC)
Virtual Sessions in BC, ON, AB, SK, YT, and MB.
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Jason Bains

Jason Bains

Registered Clinical Counsellor
Offers Free Consultation
$140/session
Anxiety, Anger, Trauma, Attachment trauma, Couples Therapy, Addiction, Problematic video gaming, Familial and social relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, Life transitions, Relationships
Anxiety, Anger, Trauma, Attachment trauma, Couples Therapy, Addiction, Problematic video gaming, Familial and social relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, Life transitions, Relationships
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British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Manitoba
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About First Session
What is problematic video gaming?

Problematic video gaming occurs when gaming significantly impairs functioning in personal, family, social, educational, or occupational areas. Signs include difficulty controlling gaming time, prioritizing gaming over other important activities, and continuing to game despite negative consequences. It differs from simply enjoying games as a hobby.

What causes problematic gaming?

Various factors can contribute, including using gaming to escape stress or difficult emotions, social connection found in online games, reward systems built into games, underlying mental health concerns like depression or anxiety, or difficulty with real-world social situations. Understanding personal triggers is an important part of addressing the issue.

How can therapy help with problematic gaming?

Therapy can help you explore why gaming has become problematic, address underlying issues like anxiety or depression, develop healthier coping strategies, and create more balanced life patterns. Therapists may use cognitive-behavioural approaches to address thoughts and behaviours around gaming and help build motivation for change.

How do I find a therapist for gaming concerns?

On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and look for those who work with addiction, behavioural issues, or related concerns. While our network of gaming specialists is growing, many therapists can support behavioural challenges and underlying mental health concerns. Watch intro videos to find someone whose approach resonates.

Are there related areas of support I could explore?

Yes—if you're concerned about gaming, you might explore therapists who work with addiction, behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, or social challenges. These areas often connect to problematic gaming and addressing them can support healthier patterns.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session connects you with licensed therapists across Canada. Browse profiles, watch intro videos, and filter by specialty or availability. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding, making it easier to find qualified support.