Virtual Therapy Kentucky

Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for Kentucky indicates that nearly 750,000 adults in the state – approximately 16% of the population – have a diagnosed mental health condition. The factual number is even higher when the number of residents who have not received an official diagnosis is taken into consideration. In addition, approximately 44% of adults report having symptoms of anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, Kentucky’s youth are headed for a similar fate. The Behavioral Health Barometer for Kentucky reports that over 12% of those aged 12-17 have experienced a Major Depressive Episode (MDE). While the statistics are not so different from the other U.S. states counted in the Kindbrdge service area, it’s the traditional lack of access to adequate help that is especially troubling. NAMI reports that an estimate 70% of all residents live in a community that does not have adequate access to mental health professionals. Kentuckians are in need of greater mental health support, and that need is growing with the emergence of a new challenge to the wellness of the Bluegrass State.

Using Technology to Overcome Tech Addictions

Problematic behavior regarding the use of internet technologies is a growing mental health concern in Kentucky. As of 2026, Google’s keyword research tool reports exponential growth in online search for “technology addiction treatment near me” in Kentucky. Primary issues include the following:

• Problematic online gambling behavior: The Northern Kentucky Tribune reports that approximately 47,000 to 64,000 Kentucky adults suffer from a gambling addiction, with another 100,000+ exhibiting problem gambling traits. In the first 2-year span following the legalization of sports betting in the state, helpline calls quadrupled. Key issues include significant financial distress, with 33% of addicts reporting robbery and 19% considering suicide.

• Problematic use of pornography: National data suggests that 7% of people have an unhealthy relationship with online pornography, equating 196,000 adult residents of Kentucky.

• Problematic online trading behavior: National studies suggest that 8% of investors meet the criteria for compulsivity regarding online trading.

• Unhealthy video gaming: While concern about unhealthy video gaming is often concentrated on adolescents, recent studies indicates that roughly 15% to 19% of university students and young adult gamers display symptoms of video game disorder (VGD), characterized by excessive, addictive-like consumption. Studies, including insights from experts at the University of Kentucky (UK), highlight that this addiction is strongly correlated with lower mental health, poor sleep, and increased stress.

• Problematic online shopping behavior: The Addiction Center reports that online shopping addiction, or Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD), affects an estimated 5% of the U.S. population, with rates spiking to 12% among college students. That’s about 140,000 and 336,000 people in Kentucky, respectively. The issue is fueled not just by 24/7 digital access and targeted ads, but by microtransactions which are closely linked to mental health concerns.

• Dependencies on artificial intelligence: While more research needs to be done as statewide use of AI in daily life evolves, early indicators suggest that Kentucky needs to be more mindful of its dependency on AI.

As a virtual counseling platform, Kindbridge leverages technology to treat all of the above. Counseling specific to each issue are available to any Massachusetts resident with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Click or call to connect right now.

Successfully Treating Cooccurring Issues

A number of mental health concerns are comorbid with technology addictions. Whether you struggle with one or more of these as cooccurring (w/ problem tech use) issues:

Anxiety	ADHD
Bipolar Disorder	Chronic Anger + Irritability
Depression	OCD
PTSD	Substance Use Disorder