Are you concerned about a loved one’s relationship with substances, screens, gambling, or other behaviors? You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Something has shifted. Maybe it’s the amount of time your teenager spends gaming or on their phone. Maybe it’s discovering that your college student has been drinking more than you realized, or gambling on sports. Maybe the pornography use you stumbled upon feels like something more than curiosity. Maybe a family member you love deeply has been struggling with substances for a while, and you aren’t sure what kind of help they actually need.
Whatever you are seeing, the questions are often the same: Is this a problem? How serious is it? Where do we even begin?
At M Kim O’Connor & Associates, Genevieve Weber, PhD, LMHC, provides dedicated assessment and consultation services for families facing these concerns. Our goal is to help you understand what you are looking at, develop a clear picture of what your loved one needs, and connect your family with the right level of care. We work with families across the full range of addictive behaviors, including:
● Alcohol and substance use (marijuana, prescription drugs, stimulants, and others)
● Gambling and sports betting
● Pornography and compulsive sexual behavior
● Gaming and screen addiction
● Nicotine and vaping
● Co-occurring concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, that often accompany addictive patterns
Our primary clients are the concerned family members: parents, partners, spouses, and adult children who need guidance, support, and a clear plan. While our focus is often on adolescents and young adults, we work with families navigating concerns about a loved one at any age.
What this service includes:
● A thorough consultation to understand your concerns, your family’s history, and the behaviors you are observing
● Structured screening and assessment to help clarify the nature and severity of the presenting concern
● A clear clinical picture of what level of care is appropriate: whether that is outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient, residential, or something in between
● Guidance on how to approach your loved one and begin the conversation
● Referral coordination to connect your family with the right treatment resources when a higher level of care is needed
● Ongoing therapy and case management support for family members throughout the process
You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out. Often, the most important first step is simply talking with someone who can help you see the situation clearly.
Did you know? Behavioral addictions, including gambling, gaming, and compulsive pornography use, activate the same neural reward pathways as substance use disorders. Early assessment and family intervention are among the most effective tools for changing the trajectory, particularly for adolescents and young adults whose brains are still developing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my loved one refuses to come in?
Many families begin this process on their own, and that is often the best place to start. You do not need your loved one to agree to treatment for change to begin. We help families better understand what they are observing, communicate more effectively, set healthy boundaries, and care for themselves while encouraging positive change.
How do I know if what I am seeing is a real problem or just a phase?
Our counseling support is designed to help you determine exactly that. We consider the behavior's frequency, intensity, and impairment, along with changes in mood, relationships, and daily functioning. You do not need to be certain before reaching out. Many families seek guidance while they are still trying to understand what they are seeing.
Do you treat the person with the addiction directly?
Depending on the situation, we may provide counseling support directly to the individual. Our primary focus, however, is assessing the situation, supporting the family, and guiding next steps. If a higher level of care is needed, we will coordinate appropriate referrals.
What types of addiction does this service cover?
We assess substance use and behavioral addictions, including alcohol, drugs, gambling, gaming, pornography, nicotine, and problematic technology or screen use. We also assess co-occurring mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma), as these often occur together.
Is this service only for parents of teenagers?
No. While we frequently work with adolescents and young adults, we support families concerned about loved ones of any age, including spouses, partners, siblings, parents, and adult children. Families can play an important role in encouraging change while maintaining their own well-being.
What happens after the assessment?
You will leave with a clearer understanding of the concerns, recommendations for the appropriate level of care, and practical next steps. We also provide guidance on how your family can support change through healthy communication and boundaries. If treatment beyond our practice is recommended, we will help connect you with the right resources. We maintain strong professional relationships with inpatient and outpatient treatment programs across New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, allowing us to make individualized referrals and collaborate throughout the transition.
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