Dr. Greenfield & CITA
Dr. David Greenfield was the founder of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction and a world-renowned expert on technology addiction.

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Dr. David Greenfield Contributions
Dr. David Greenfield’s career spanned several decades, during which he established himself as a pioneer in the field of digital addiction.
In addition to his media presence, Dr. Greenfield was a fellow and past president of the Connecticut Psychological Association and a member of the American Society for Addiction Medicine and The Sexual Medicine Society of North America.
Our Mission
The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction (CITA) is the leading online resource for individuals and families struggling with technology-related addictions.
CITA’s mission is to bring hope and change to those affected by internet and technology addictions in two ways:
1. Providing research-backed educational resources and content
2. Connecting individuals and families with the best treatment options available
Technology Addiction
Compulsive use of computers and phones.
Porn Addiction
Addiction to online porn and related sexual dysfunction
Video Game Addiction
Online video game addiction and gaming disorders
Social media addiction
Compulsive use of social media and the related challenges
Introduction
Dr. David Greenfield was the founder of The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction and a world-renowned expert on technology addiction. Recognized as one of the leading voices on internet, technology, and social media addiction, he made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of compulsive and addictive uses of technology.
Dr. David Greenfield and His Contributions
Dr. David Greenfield’s career spanned several decades, during which he established himself as a pioneer in the field of digital addiction. As early as 1999, he authored Virtual Addiction, a groundbreaking book that highlighted the emerging issue of technology overuse. He was instrumental in popularizing the concept of variable ratio reinforcement schedules in internet use and exploring the dopamine connection in tech addiction.
Dr. Greenfield’s expertise was sought after by numerous media outlets, including CNN, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS Early Show, Fox News, The O’Reilly Report, Anderson Cooper, NBC News, and HBO. His insights were also featured in leading publications such as U.S. News and World Report, Business Week, Newsweek, People, Time, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and The Economist.
In addition to his media presence, Dr. Greenfield was a fellow and past president of the Connecticut Psychological Association and a member of the American Society for Addiction Medicine and The Sexual Medicine Society of North America.
The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction
In 2002, Dr. Greenfield founded the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction (CITA) to support individuals and families struggling with compulsive technology use. CITA has since become the world’s leading organization dedicated to modern behavioral addictions, offering Out Patient Intensive Programs (OIPs) to patients globally. Today, CITA continues to provide free resources for individuals struggling with addiction and world-class clinical assessments to help patients find the best treatment options.
Focus Areas of Treatment
Technology Addiction
Technology addiction involves the compulsive or problematic use of technology. CITA specializes in assessing and providing the best support for individuals suffering from internet and technology addictions, helping them understand and overcome their dependence.
Porn Addiction
With the rise of internet accessibility, sexual addictions, particularly to online pornography, have become more prevalent. CITA helps patients assess and find support for problematic porn addiction, offering tailored treatment plans to address this issue.
Video Game Addiction
Video game addiction is characterized by a compulsive need to play video games, often to the detriment of personal relationships, academic performance, and career opportunities. CITA provides specialized clinical treatments to help individuals manage and overcome their gaming addiction.
Smartphone Compulsion
Phone addiction, marked by chronic distraction and an inability to disconnect from mobile devices, is a widespread issue in modern society. CITA helps individuals deconstruct their problematic technology use and develop actionable steps to improve their lives.
Geographic Reach and Impact
West Hartford, Connecticut
Dr. Greenfield’s office in West Hartford, Connecticut, was a hub for clinical intensives, attracting patients from around the world. His local impact included community involvement and support for those struggling with technology addiction in the area.
National and Global Influence
Beyond Connecticut, Dr. Greenfield’s influence extended nationally and globally. He was a sought-after speaker, frequently lecturing on the challenges of parenting in the age of technology addiction and other related topics, thereby raising awareness and educating the public on these critical issues.
Educational Outreach and Public Speaking
Dr. Greenfield was a dedicated educator and public speaker. His lectures and presentations on technology addiction and related topics were instrumental in spreading awareness and knowledge. His public engagements significantly impacted public understanding and the development of strategies to combat digital addiction.
Legal and Expert Witness Roles
Dr. Greenfield also played a vital role as an expert witness in legal cases involving addiction psychiatry. His expertise was crucial in informing legal decisions and contributing to a better understanding of the implications of technology addiction in various contexts.
Supporting Technology and Internet Addiction
CITA offers various resources for individuals seeking help with technology and internet addiction. These include referrals to therapists, treatment centers, and online resources. Understanding and identifying the signs of internet addiction is a crucial first step in seeking help and finding the right support.
Conclusion
Dr. David Greenfield’s impact on the field of addiction treatment was profound and far-reaching. His pioneering work and dedication have paved the way for a better understanding of technology addiction and its treatment. The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction continues his legacy, providing essential resources and support to those in need. As technology continues to evolve, the importance of addressing digital addiction will remain paramount, and CITA will be at the forefront of this critical work.
Our Story
West Hartford, Connecticut
The journey of Asklepios begins with a vision to revolutionize healthcare design and provide innovative solutions.
National and Global Influence
Over the years, we laid the foundations for our healthcare network, focusing on excellence in patient care and medical research.
Educational Outreach and Public Speaking
Asklepios expands its reach, opening multiple state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics, making quality healthcare accessible to more communities.
Legal and Expert Witness Roles
We celebrate a decade of remarkable achievements, from groundbreaking medical research to numerous patient success stories.
Supporting Technology and Internet Addiction
In the face of global challenges, Asklepios remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing healthcare, ensuring a healthier future for all.
Meet Our Team
Saya Des Marais
MSW, Ex-therapist

Saya is a former therapist-turned-mental health writer who specializes in making dense psychological research more digestible for mental health consumers. She graduated with her Master in Social Work degree, with a concentration in mental health, from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2010. As a therapist, she worked with children, teens, and adults in community clinics, public schools, and a digital mental health app. Saya is also a behavior change expert, and has delivered dozens of training on Motivational Interviewing, an evidence-based method designed to help people break addictions (including behavioral addictions).
Dr. Jenni Jacobsen
PhD in Psychology

Dr. Jenni Jacobsen has a PhD in Psychology and a Master of Social Work, with an emphasis on mental health and substance abuse. She has taught courses at the university level for the last five years, including courses on addiction counseling, in addition to writing college curriculum on addiction psychology. In addition to her experience in academia, Dr. Jacobsen is a licensed clinician. She provides services to patients in the hospital setting, including those with addictions. She has over ten years of experience writing website content related to addiction. She hopes that by raising awareness for addiction-related concerns, she can help to reduce stigma, increase treatment access, and empower people to reach out for help.
Grady Shumway
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Grady Shumway is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with a passion for helping individuals overcome behavioral addictions. He obtained his Master of Social Work from Arizona State University and holds an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Utah State University. With over 9 years of experience, Grady specializes in utilizing evidence-based therapeutic modalities to address behavioral addictions including gambling addiction, internet addiction, gaming addiction and more. In his practice, Grady strives to create a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore the underlying causes of their addictive behaviors, develop coping strategies, and ultimately reclaim control over their lives.
Video
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CBS Early Show 2012- NOMOphobia-Fear of Losing Cell Phone- Dr David Greenfield
Celling Your Soul April2016 HD
CNN The Science Behind Why You Can’t Put Down Your Phone
DISCONNECT Conversation in the Digital Age – 2016
Distracted drivers feel addicted to behind the wheel cellphone use, AT&T survey finds CBS News
Distracted Driving Dr. David Greenfield HD
Dr David Greenfield, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
Dr. David Greenfield early work on on Internet Addiction For the Record 1997
Dr. David Greenfield video game addiction treatment
Dr. David Greenfield video game addiction treatment
Dr. David Greenfield: Are All Addictions the Same?
Dr. David Greenfield: How Big is Addiction and Technology
Evan’s Story HD
HBO’s Thought Crimes Dr Greenfield
HouseSmarts KidSmarts Tech Addiction
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Interview with Dr. David Greenfield on Internet and video game addiction
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel (2019): Video Gaming Addiction (Clip) | HBO
Tech and Screen Addiction: Dr. David Greenfield
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Video game addiction a real thing
Video Game Addiction with Dr. David Greenfield | Connecting Point | Sept. 25, 2019
Why am I addicted to my smartphone?






