Find a Mental Health Professional for Compulsive Internet & Social Media Use

About Compulsive Internet & Social Media Use support

Compulsive internet and social media use involves spending more time online than intended, difficulty cutting down despite wanting to, neglecting responsibilities or relationships as a result, and using internet use to manage difficult emotions or boredom. Social media platforms are designed to be engaging in ways that can make moderation genuinely difficult, and for some people the pattern crosses into something that significantly affects daily life and wellbeing. Psychological support for compulsive internet use draws on approaches similar to those used for other behavioural addictions, including motivational interviewing, CBT, and ACT. Therapy helps people understand the functions of their internet use, develop healthier ways of meeting the needs it serves, and build more rewarding offline engagement. Addressing underlying anxiety, loneliness, or depression is often an important part of the work. In Australia, the National Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) can provide referral for related behavioural addiction concerns. Turning Point and other alcohol and drug services in some states also address behavioural addictions. A GP referral can connect people with psychologists through Medicare's Better Access initiative when symptoms meet the threshold for a mental health condition.