Therapy for Social Media Addiction, Anxiety, and Depression in New York & California

Helping Kids, Teens, and Adults Break Free from Social Media Stress

In today’s world, social media is an ever-present part of daily life. It connects us, informs us, and often entertains us. But it can also become a major source of stress, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. What may start as a quick scroll can easily turn into hours of comparison, pressure, and overstimulation. At Cornell & Associates Marriage and Family Therapy, we specialize in helping children, teens, and adults navigate and overcome social media addiction, social media anxiety, and social media-related depression through compassionate, evidence-based therapy.

We offer in-person therapy in New York City and San Diego, California, along with online therapy throughout New York State and California, so clients can access the support they need from anywhere.

Understanding Social Media Addiction

Social media platforms are intentionally designed to keep users engaged. Notifications, likes, comments, and algorithmic feeds encourage continuous scrolling and reward-seeking behavior. Over time, this can lead to a compulsive relationship with technology that negatively impacts mental health.

  • Common signs of social media addiction include:
  • Constantly checking apps or refreshing feeds
  • Difficulty focusing or sleeping due to screen time
  • Irritability, anxiety, or mood swings when disconnected
  • Comparing oneself to others, leading to lower self-esteem
  • Fear of missing out (FOMO) that interferes with daily life

For many children and teens, social media can feel like a social necessity, making it even harder to set healthy boundaries. For adults, especially in busy urban environments like Tribeca, Manhattan, constant digital connection can increase stress and reduce time spent on meaningful, in-person connections.

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The Link Between Social Media, Anxiety, and Depression

While social media itself is not inherently harmful, overuse or unhealthy engagement can lead to emotional distress. Many people experience social media anxiety and social media depression, often without realizing the source of their feelings.

Social media anxiety can show up as:

  • Feeling nervous, unsettled, or restless when away from social apps
  • Worrying about how posts are perceived or if others are judging
  • Comparing your appearance, achievements, or lifestyle to others
  • Overanalyzing interactions or fearing disconnection

Social media depression may look like:

  • Persistent sadness or low mood after scrolling
  • Feeling inadequate or “behind” in life compared to peers
  • Withdrawal from in-person relationships and activities
  • Hopelessness tied to online interactions or feedback

In fast-paced environments like New York City or the image-driven culture of California, these feelings can intensify. Online comparison culture often fuels feelings of isolation, even in communities surrounded by millions of people. Therapy offers tools to break these cycles and rebuild emotional resilience.

How Therapy Can Help

Our therapists address both the behavioral and emotional components of social media overuse. We help clients understand their triggers, create healthier digital habits, and work through the underlying emotional issues contributing to addictive or harmful use patterns.

Our therapeutic approach often includes:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying unhelpful thought patterns and replacing them with healthier perspectives.
  • Mindfulness and Stress-Reduction Techniques: Helping clients stay present and reduce compulsive scrolling.
  • Family Therapy: Guiding parents and children in establishing clear tech boundaries and communication strategies.
  • Support for Co-Occurring Issues: Addressing anxiety, depression, self-worth, or body image concerns that often accompany unhealthy social media use.

We work with teens facing issues like online bullying, peer pressure, and body image struggles, as well as adults dealing with burnout, FOMO, or constant pressure to “perform” online. Our goal is to help every client feel more grounded, confident, and in control of their digital lives.

Therapy Options That Fit Your Life

We understand that every individual’s needs are different, which is why we offer flexible therapy options:

In-Person Sessions: Available at our locations in Tribeca, New York City and San Diego. These sessions offer a quiet, comfortable space to process emotions and work through challenges face-to-face.

Online Therapy: Available throughout New York State and California, allowing clients to access professional help from the privacy and convenience of their homes.

Our process begins with an intake form or consultation call, followed by an initial session. From there, we create a personalized plan and schedule ongoing sessions at a pace that supports your goals.

Who We Help

Kids and Teens: We help young people understand their relationship with social media and build healthy digital habits early on.

Parents and Families: We support families in setting boundaries and improving communication around technology use.

Adults: We guide professionals, students, and individuals struggling with digital overwhelm, social media anxiety, or depression.

Many of our clients come to us because they’re tired of feeling like their lives revolve around a screen. Therapy provides a clear path back to balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

An eating disorder is a mental health condition involving unhealthy eating behaviors and concerns about weight, body image, or food. Common types include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and OSFED.

If your mood, self-esteem, or mental health is significantly affected by online interactions, or if you feel emotionally drained after being on social media, it may be time to seek support.

Yes. Therapy can help you recognize emotional triggers, set boundaries, and develop healthier habits that allow you to engage online without harm.

While we address anxiety and depression holistically, we also focus on the unique patterns associated with social media use, including comparison, online identity, and compulsive behaviors.

Absolutely. We work with teens and families to address both the emotional and practical sides of excessive screen time.

Not necessarily. Our goal isn’t to remove social media from your life but to help you create a balanced relationship with it.

Yes. We offer secure teletherapy throughout New York State and California.

Many people use social media professionally. We help clients establish boundaries and reduce emotional strain without impacting their careers.

Start Reclaiming Control Over Your Digital Life

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained by social media, you’re not alone. At Cornell & Associates Marriage and Family Therapy, we help kids, teens, and adults throughout New York and California address social media addiction, anxiety, and depression through personalized, evidence-based therapy.

In-Person Offices:

  • New York City, NY
  • San Diego, CA

Online Therapy: Available throughout New York State and California

Whether you join us in person in Tribeca or San Diego or prefer the flexibility of online sessions, we’ll help you build healthier habits and find balance again. Your time and mental well-being matter. Contact us today to take the first step toward a healthier relationship with social media.

Don’t wait: contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward a healthier relationship with social media — and with yourself.