Video Gaming Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Help presented by Zachary Hansen, EdD, NCC, LADC, Associate Professor — Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School

Date & Time: Virtual over Zoom on Thursday, March 5th, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST | 2 CEHs

Price: $60 ($30 per CEU)

This presentation is expected to be approved for 2 hours of clinical content

Description of Presentation:

For many, playing video games is an enjoyable and harmless pastime. For others, gaming can become a problematic preoccupation. Increasing numbers of adolescents and adults are experiencing significant negative consequences as a result of excessive video gaming. 
Join educator and clinician Zachary Hansen, EdD, LADC, NCC, to learn about video gaming trends, technology advances that increase addictive potential, criteria for internet gaming disorder, and treatment approaches for problem gaming. Dr. Hansen will also discuss the potential co-occurrence of problematic gaming with other behavioral health issues. 

Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the criteria for internet gaming disorder

2. Identify trends in video gaming culture and technology that contribute to addictive behaviors

3. Learn strategies for conceptualizing and treating video game addiction

About the Presenter: Dr. Hansen is a counselor educator specializing in addiction counseling and treatment of co-occurring disorders. His academic and research interests include: process addictions, social media and video game disorders, clinical intuition, adolescent counseling, and existential psychotherapy. Dr. Hansen currently serves as an Associate Professor for the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School. Previously, he served as an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Alcohol and Drug Studies Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. His clinical experience includes adult and adolescent addiction counseling in inpatient and outpatient settings, and outpatient adult mental health counseling. Dr. Hansen is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and National Certified Counselor, and enjoys presenting on a variety of topics at regional and national conferences.