Bradford, PA – April 26, 2000 – The Center for On-Line Addiction announced today that it will offer couples counseling as part of its Counseling Services to improve its range of consumer services. The Center, a leading consultation firm for corporations and healthcare companies dealing with Internet abuse, has been offering individual email, chat room, and telephone counseling sessions since March of 1997. Due to the overwhelming number of marital problems tracked in the clinic, the company initiated a new healthcare program specifically designed for couples.

"Cyberaffairs and cybersexual addiction severely impact marital stability and can even result in separation and divorce", states Dr. Kimberly Young, President of the Center for On-Line Addiction. Dr. Young explains, "The clinic brings confidential, knowledgeable, and high quality care to couples in need and serves as a useful adjunct to face-to-face psychotherapy." Storm King, Past-President of the International Society of Mental Health Online adds, "The online delivery of mental health services is a growing means for clients to find quality healthcare at affordable prices."

Many might raise concern that a Counseling Services to treat Internet-related problems is akin to holding an AA meeting at a local bar. "That is a poor analogy," argues Dr. Young, author of "Caught in the Net" the first recovery book on Internet addiction. She explains, "The goal of treatment in alcoholism is abstinence, but Internet addiction recovery focuses on moderation and control similar to treating eating disorders. Therefore, using the Internet as a first step toward recovery is the best place to learn how to make healthy choices about online usage. Many practitioners are unfamiliar with how to approach its recovery and prevention, therefore, our Counseling Services now makes it possible for individuals and families seeking treatment to find professional help and support no matter where they live."

Headquartered in Bradford, Pennsylvania, the Center for On-Line Addiction is the first consultation firm and web-based resource network to specialize in cyber-related problems. Netaddiction.com offers e-consumers self-evaluation tests, research articles, referral links, an e-newsletter, and an online bookstore. Our professional services include personal coaching, corporate seminars, healthcare training, program development, and forensic evaluations. Dr Kimberly Young, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, founded the company in January of 1995. Today the Center for On-Line Addiction is internationally recognized and continues to expand its clientele of corporations, school systems, government agencies, and healthcare institutions.