Virtual Therapy Missouri

Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for Missouri indicates that over 1 million in the state – approximately 16% of the population – have a diagnosed mental health condition. The actual figure is decidedly larger when the number of residents who have not received an accepted diagnosis is accounted for. Furthermore, an estimated 39% of adults report having symptoms of anxiety and depression. Missouri is also unfortunately unique when compared to other U.S. states. For instance, the Missouri Veterans Commission recently reported that Missouri leads the entire nation in veteran suicides. Sadly, Missouri’s next generation is also on a concerning path. The Behavioral Health Barometer for the state reports that almost 16 percent of those aged 12-17 have experienced a Major Depressive Episode (MDE). which is one of the highest rates in the southern USA. A comparison to other states in the Kindbridge service area is also worth examination – the barrier to access to sufficient help. NAMI reports that 31% of all residents live in a community that does not have adequate access to mental health professionals, much less those needed to address an emerging public health concern which we explore further below.

Using Technology to Overcome Tech Addictions

Problematic behavior regarding engagement with web-enabled activities is an emerging mental health concern in the “Show Me State”. This is verified by the growth in online search for “technology addiction treatment near me” in Missouri. Related issues include the following:

• Problematic online gambling behavior: Research confirms one out of 25 adults in Missouri meet the criteria for having a gambling disorder, and that 20% of Missouri adults meet the criteria for being “at risk” gamblers.
• Problematic use of pornography: National studies suggest that 7% of people have an unhealthy relationship with online pornography, equating 434,000 adult Missourians.
• Problematic online trading behavior: National studies suggest that 8% of investors meet the criteria for compulsivity regarding online trading.
• Unhealthy video gaming: Research provided by the University of Missouri-Columbia suggests that unhealthy video gaming isn’t just a concern for youth, but for Missouri’s adult population as well. The study found that “escapism” has been the biggest risk factor for problematic gaming among adults, where individuals use games to get away from their daily lives. Gaming as a coping mechanism for mental health distress is an unhealthy practice. In one famous case from 2024, a lawsuit was filed a 24-year-old Missouri woman who claimed addiction to popular games like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft, claiming that addictive play resulted in brain damage, cognitive impairment, and subsequent unemployment.
• Problematic online shopping behavior: Approximately 5% to 8% of the general population may be affected by an online shopping problem at some point in their lives. If the national average holds true for Missouri, up to 496,000 residents may need to reevaluate their online shopping behavior.
• Dependencies on artificial intelligence: While more research needs to be done as the ubiquitous use of AI in daily life evolves, early indicators suggest that Missourians need to be more mindful of their 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 Missouri 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