The Gaming Disorder Service based at Fiona Stanley Hospital is a specialist statewide service providing consultation, screening, assessment and care for people experiencing emerging, problematic or dependent gaming and other disordered internet-use behaviours.

The service provides both outpatient and community-based support, working collaboratively with individuals, families and referring services to improve wellbeing and everyday functioning. We also partner with Jobs and Skills services, The University of Western Australia, TAFE and local charitable organisations to support education, volunteering placements and employment pathways.

In addition to individual assessment and treatment, the service offers a self-help group, a parent and carer support group, screening for other online addictive behaviours, and education and training for health professionals and other agencies. We work closely with a broad range of stakeholders including health services, education providers, community organisations and police to promote coordinated care and improve responses to gaming-related harm across Western Australia.

Services provided include:  

• Assessment and treatment planning 

• Assistance with identification of client-centred goals towards reduction of gaming technology and use, and support towards client-identified outcomes or alternate activities 

• Education around the effects of gaming and technology use 

• Identifying triggers to gaming use 

• Learning coping skills to assist with the causes of disordered gaming 

• Assessment of and treatment of underlying conditions 

• Relapse prevention strategies 

• Group therapy services 

• Digital disengagement co-planning and assistance 

• Intervention/education for carers or parents.

The clinic primarily provides services to people aged 16 years and over. Referrals for younger people may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Case management and acute care services must be provided by the referring services. 

We recognise that problematic gaming rarely occurs in isolation. Where appropriate, we work with families, general practitioners, psychiatrists, paediatricians, schools, community mental health teams and other services to support coordinated and person-centred care.

The Gaming Clinic is not a crisis or emergency service. People requiring urgent assistance because of immediate concerns about harm to themselves or others should contact emergency or crisis mental health services.