In today’s modern world of unfettered access to the Internet, it’s not uncommon for people to colloquially state that they are “addicted” to their smartphones, tablets and computers. However, internet addiction isn’t something to joke about. It’s a very real disorder that affects one in every eight Americans, as per The Center for Internet Addiction Recovery.
Internet addiction affects the brain in a similar way to the addictions that plague drug and alcohol abusers. Although Internet addiction has yet to become a recognized behavioral condition on the DSM list, it’s a prevalent disease that will only affect more as people become accustomed to non-stop connectivity.
Mental Health Network (or MHNet) is a behavioral health division of Coventry Health. MHNet covers more than two million Americans and deals solely with mental health issues. Because of this, Mental Health Network Internet addiction coverage is more of a priority than it would be at other insurance companies. The specialization of this group means that more attention is paid to lesser-known afflictions such as Internet addiction.
Although MHNet may have a more progressive view of Internet addiction than other insurances, it’s not a guarantee that the treatment of Internet addiction is covered. The particulars of what is and what is not covered depends on the individual’s unique policy, which can be governed by their employer group. Additionally, coverage may be restricted based on policy maximums, such as lifetime maximum payouts and caps on the number of visits to mental health professionals that can be made in a given year.
However, Mental Health Network Internet addiction coverage doesn’t have to be specifically mentioned for an individual to get help. Internet addiction can be diagnosed and treated by any mental health professional in the MHNet provider network. While the provider might not specialize in Internet addiction, they can still help identify the underlying conditions that may be causing the addiction. Additionally, a variety of treatments, such as individual therapy, group therapy and even inpatient treatment may be covered.
Internet addiction might not be well-known at present time, but it’s a disease that will surely affect many more lives in the near future. Fortunately, Mental Health Network Internet addiction coverage can help those in need of help to break the cycle of addiction and reclaim their lives.