Treating Problematic Screen and Internet Use

This 4-hour continuing education (CEU) training provides mental health professionals with a comprehensive framework for identifying, assessing, and treating problematic screen and internet use, which includes internet gaming, social media dependency, and compulsive browsing behaviors. As screen time continues to increase across all age groups, excessive or problematic use has emerged as a prevalent issue associated with mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, and social isolation.

The course delves into evidence-based treatment modalities, including cognitive-behavioral techniques, attachment-focused strategies, and behavioral interventions designed to help clients regain control over their digital habits. Participants will explore the neuroscience of screen addiction, developmental impacts, and the role of family dynamics in perpetuating or mitigating problematic use. Through case studies, treatment planning exercises, and interactive discussions, attendees will leave equipped with practical tools to support clients in building healthier relationships with digital media and achieving a balanced, purposeful digital lifestyle.

Course outline:
-Overview of relevant diagnostic information and assessment tools
-Cultural relevance of the problem
-Explanation of neuroscience and physiology of the problem
-Developmental attachment issues implicated in screen compulsivity
-Discussion of related behaviors including gambling, pornography, gaming, and social media use
-Conceptual framework for treatment provided
-Specific examples of clinical strategies to treat screen addiction
-Case examples exploration to apply clinical strategies learned

Objectives:
1) Understand and apply the current diagnostics available for assessment of compulsive screen and internet use
2) Explore the physiological and neurological underpinning of screen compulsivity to inform clinical practice strategies
3) Apply a conceptual framework of screen addiction treatment along with specific interventions

Approved by: KY Board of Social Work, Alcohol and Drug Counseling Board, Licensed Professional Counselors Board

Course Information

Estimated Time: 4 hr CE

Course Instructor

Michael Eiden Author

Mike Eiden is a licensed clinical social worker, licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, board certified sex therapist, and certified sex addiction therapist who is a graduate of the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work. Mike has worked in mental health and substance abuse treatment for the past 12 years in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Mike is currently a PhD candidate & his dissertation is focused on educating parents to improve their abilities to address internet addiction in their children. Mike works full-time in private practice, specializing in cases of traumatic bonding, process addictions, and complex trauma. He also facilitates professional CEU trainings on screen addiction, trauma treatment, and sexual addiction, while educating parents, teachers, and school administrators about internet addiction.