Live Virtual Training via Zoom

Michael Eiden, LCSW, presents a live virtual professional training program on Treating Problematic Screen & Internet Use.

This 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, pornography, and online gambling. 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 training delves into evidence-based treatment modalities, including the utilization of a process addiction treatment model, 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 on the brain and social functioning, differential diagnoses with ADHD & ASD, 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.

This training is intended for mental health clinicians and pediatricians who are in positions to work with young people and their parents. This is a great resource for treatment program working in adolescent mental health or therapists in private practice. 

This program will be held live only; no on-demand recording will be available.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe and apply the current diagnostics available for assessment of compulsive screen and internet use
  • 2 Describe the physiological and neurological underpinning of screen compulsivity to inform clinical practice strategies
  • 3 Describe a conceptual framework of screen addiction treatment along with specific interventions
  • 4 Describe how to apply prevention efforts effectively with parents
  • 5 Describe the tools to create a safety plan for screen abstinence

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for professionals who work directly with young people and their parents, equipping them to address the growing challenges of problematic screen and internet use. It is particularly relevant for those supporting adolescents facing issues related to internet gaming, social media dependency, online pornography, and gambling, as well as associated mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, and social isolation. The training is a valuable resource for those seeking practical tools and evidence-based strategies to help youth and families build healthier digital habits and foster balanced relationships with technology.

    • Mental Health Professional
    • Pediatrician
    • Adolescent Therapist
    • Family Therapist
    • School Counselor
    • Social Worker
    • Adolescent Psychiatrist
    • Clinical Psychologist
    • Youth Program Clinician

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals and pediatricians seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in identifying, assessing, and treating problematic screen and internet use.
    Beginner: Participants may be new to the topic of screen and internet addiction, seeking foundational knowledge of assessment tools, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based treatment modalities.
    Intermediate: Participants may have some experience addressing digital media issues in clinical practice and are looking to deepen their understanding of neuroscience, developmental impacts, and advanced intervention strategies.
    Advanced: Participants may be experienced clinicians or program leaders aiming to refine their expertise in complex case conceptualization, differential diagnosis, and the integration of process addiction models and family-based interventions.

  • Practice Setting

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals and pediatricians seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in identifying, assessing, and treating problematic screen and internet use. - Beginner: Participants may be new to the topic of screen and internet addiction, seeking foundational knowledge of assessment tools, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based treatment modalities. - Intermediate: Participants may have some experience addressing digital media issues in clinical practice and are looking to deepen their understanding of neuroscience, developmental impacts, and advanced intervention strategies. - Advanced: Participants may be experienced clinicians or program leaders aiming to refine their expertise in complex case conceptualization, differential diagnosis, and the integration of process addiction models and family-based interventions.

    Examples of Practice Settings

    • Outpatient mental health clinics serving children, adolescents, and families
    • Pediatric or adolescent medicine departments within hospitals or health centers
    • School-based counseling offices or student wellness centers
    • Community mental health agencies and youth service organizations
    • Private therapy practices specializing in adolescent or family therapy
    • Residential or day treatment programs for youth with behavioral health needs
    • Nonprofit organizations offering youth and family support services

Presented By

Michael Eiden, LCSW, LCSW

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 process addiction 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.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Michael Eiden, LCSW

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • 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

  • Communicating with Clients and Trainees About AI

Live Event Policy

Registration for our live events is covered for one (1) person per purchase. If you would like to purchase for a group, please contact our group training team.

  • Event Communications

    When registering, use an email that is active and that you check regularly. We are not responsible for communications not being received; if you do not add [email protected] to your email safe sender list, our emails are likely to end up in your spam or junk folders.

  • Cancellation Policy

    This is a live program only and will not be made available on-demand. If you are unable to attend live please contact customer service 48 hours before the live event to request a refund.

  • Event Conduct

    Professional conduct is expected during our live programs. Our goal is to make our events as interactive as possible for all participants. We reserve the right to remove any participants who are disruptive, act unprofessionally, or who we are unable to verify their purchase.

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship/ provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.