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, 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 completely appropriate. Understanding what you are observing, learning how to have productive conversations, and getting guidance on next steps are all things we can work on with you directly. Your involvement matters enormously, regardless of whether your loved one is ready to engage.

How do I know if what I am seeing is a real problem or just a phase?
That is exactly the question this service is designed to help you answer. Frequency, intensity, impact on daily functioning, and changes in mood or behavior are all factors we consider. You do not need to be certain before reaching out. Uncertainty is often the reason families come to us.

Do you treat the person with the addiction directly?
Depending on the situation, we may provide outpatient therapy to the individual as part of a broader treatment plan. Our primary focus in this service, however, is on assessing the situation and providing support to the family. When a higher level of care is indicated, we will help coordinate that referral.

What types of addiction does this service cover?
We address the full range of addictive behaviors: alcohol, substances, gambling, gaming, pornography,screens, nicotine, and co-occurring behavioral and mental health concerns. We take a comprehensive view, as more than one concern is often present at the same time.

Is this service only for parents of teenagers?
No. While adolescents and young adults are a significant focus, we work with any family member who is concerned about a loved one of any age. This includes parents of adult children, partners and spouses, and adult children concerned about a parent.

What happens after the assessment?
You will leave with a clear understanding of the nature and severity of the behavior, what level of carewe recommend, and a concrete plan for next steps. If your loved one needs treatment beyond what we provide, we will help identify and connect you with the appropriate resources and continue to support you throughout the process.

Photo by Filip Kominik on Unsplash