Andrew Fishman is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and the Owner of Video Game Health, a platform that helps parents and adolescents understand and manage the impact of video games on mental health. He works with teens and young adults in individual, family, and group therapy on balancing gaming habits and promoting overall well-being. Andrew is certified by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board for treating video game addiction.

Is your child’s love for video games a harmless pastime or a sign of something more serious? Many parents struggle to know when gaming is simply a fun social activity and when it crosses the line into unhealthy territory. How can you recognize the difference and guide your child toward balance?

According to Andrew Fishman, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in gaming and mental health, most kids who play video games are not at risk for addiction and enjoy the same level of life satisfaction as non-gamers. Concerns arise when gaming becomes a coping mechanism for depression or when kids want to stop but feel they can’t. Recognizing the difference between normal teenage power struggles and signs of true addiction is key to protecting mental health and relationships. Andrew also highlights the importance of creating real-world connections and teaching emotional regulation.

In this episode of The Coping Podcast, Dr. Leigh Weisz sits down with Andrew Fishman, Owner of Video Game Health, to talk about how parents can identify gaming addiction versus healthy gaming. They discuss warning signs such as withdrawal symptoms and a loss of interest in other activities, how to set practical boundaries, and why online gaming can be a positive social outlet. Andrew also shares strategies for building emotional regulation and balance in kids’ lives.