Development of an integrated intervention model for internet addiction in Hong Kong

In response to the severe lack of indigenously developed preventive and counseling services for young people displaying internet addiction problem, the Community Chest of Hong Kong funded a pioneering project entitled "Youngster internet addiction prevention and counseling service". Besides provision of preventive services at the community, school, family and individual levels, individual-based and family-based counseling services were developed for young people displaying Internet addiction problem. In this chapter, the major features of the counseling model are outlined, including emphases on controlled and healthy use of the internet, understanding the change process in adolescents with Internet addiction problem, use of motivational interview methods, adoption of a family perspective, multi-level counseling at the individual, peer and family levels, and the use of both case and group approaches. The process of intervention in this counseling model is also described. Evaluation findings provide support for this integrated intervention model.