Press Releases

Washington, DC - October 9, 1999 - Psychologist to Evaluate the Impact of Internet Addiction on Public Policy for Politicians and Business Leaders

Bradford, PA - July 30, 1999 - Online Brokerages Urged to Provide Treatment for Obsessed Day Traders to prevent future gruesome incidents

Bradford, PA - May 20, 1999 - Studies show that Parents Need to Monitor Children's Internet Use and Watch for Signs of Computer Addiction

New York, NY - March 11, 1999 - National Discount Brokers expands Educational Offerings with link to Center for Online Addiction

New York, NY - March 28, 1998 - Caught in the Net, the first recovery book for Internet addiction is released worldwide.

Bradford, PA - March 1, 1997 - The World's First Virtual Clinic for Cyber-Disorders Opens its Doors

Bradford, PA - January 1, 1995 - The First Research Center and Consultation Firm on Internet Addiction Opens

New York - March 31, 1998 - Caught in the Net, the first recovery book for Internet Addiction is released worldwide.

John Wiley & Sons releases Caught in the Net, the first and only available recovery book for Internet addiction.   In Caught in the Net, Dr. Kimberly Young shares the results of her three-year study of Internet abuse.  Often using the words of the Internet addicts themselves, she presents the stories of dozens of lives that were shattered by an overwhelming compulsion to surf the Net, play MUDs, or chat with distant and invisible neighbors in the timeless limbo of cyberspace.  Why is the Internet so seductive?   What are the warning signs of Internet Addiction?  Is recovery possible?   Dr. Young answers these questions and many more.  For a REVIEW COPY contact: Michelle Blankenship at John Wiley, New York 212-850-6625.    

Return to Index

March 1, 1997 - Virtual Clinic for Cyber-Disorders Opens

The Center for Online Addiction opens the first Virtual Clinic for those seeking help with Cyber-disorders and other psychological issues.  This is the first online service for people who suffer from Internet addiction, cybersexual disorders, obsessive online gambling or shopping, problem day trading, and other related mental illness.  Email consults, live chat sessions, and telephone counseling are available.  "The online delivery of mental health services is a growing means for clients to find quality healthcare at affordable prices," states Dr. Kimberly Young, founder and executive director of the Center. 

Many question the utility of offering on-line counseling to those addicted to the Internet. The common argument is "Isn’t it like holding an AA meeting at a bar."  Dr. Young refutes this claim, "First, that is a poor analogy as the primary focus of AA is abstinence, while treatment for Internet addiction is moderation and controlled use.  Further, it is important to realize that Internet addicts and their families complain that they have been unsuccessful in finding local treatment programs, support groups, or individual therapists who are familiar with Internet addiction.  Since this is a relatively new and unrecognized disorder, many therapists minimize the impact the Internet has on an individual and therefore do not address this issue as part of the treatment. Therefore, our Virtual Clinic makes access to knowledgeable professionals immediately available no matter where you live."

Use of the Internet is legitimate in business and home practice, therefore, traditional abstinence models are not practical interventions when they prescribe banned Internet use, especially if you need to use the Internet for work or school.  The Center for On-Line Addiction specializes in interventions to regulate Internet usage and how families can approach an addicted-loved one who is denial. Dr. Young, a clinical psychologist and University of Pittsburgh professor, states, "Counseling identifies the underlying emotional and behavioral triggers which compel compulsive use the Internet and teaches new ways of coping.  Therefore, our counseling service does not reinforce your need to be on-line but rather it helps to empower you to take control over your Internet habit."  Email
Dr. Kimberly Young or contact her by phone at 814-451-2405.  

Return to Index

January 1, 1995 - The First Research Center and Consultation Firm for Internet Addiction Opens its Doors

The Center for On-Line Addiction opens its doors as the first research center worldwide to specialize in online addiction and deviant online behavior.   "The fast paced virtual environment is dangerous for many families, and we need to further understand the dynamics of how this will impact our culture" states Dr. Kimberly Young, executive director and founder of the center.

The firm consults to leading corporations, educational institutions, and several law enforcement personnel. In addition to consultation, the firm provides continuing education training in the area of Internet addiction to mental health agencies.  "Most healthcare providers are unfamiliar with how to treat clients who suffer from Internet addiction.  It isn't like alcoholism, in that computers are a necessary part of a client's life. It is essential that therapists are competent in addressing the special needs of this client population", adds Dr. Young, a clinical psychologist and University of Pittsburgh professor.

Netaddiction.com serves as the web-based division of the firm.  The site features a comprehensive Resource Center, published research articles, an online bookstore, referral links, and a bibliography of reading materials on social aspects of computing.  The site is one of the first to offer an interactive message board where members discuss the latest trends in the area of online dating disasters, cyberporn addiction, cyberaffairs, gender differences, and much more!  Email
Dr. Kimberly Young or phone her at 814-451-2405

top | next 

home | about us | articles | tests | cyberwidows | virtual clinic | resources
books | send page