Mental Health at Good Game

Join us for some great discussion of mental health in the world of gaming, stigma and “moral panic” associated with gaming within families, and some of the positive ways gaming can be used in our everyday world! 

Mental Health Programs at Good Game Fest 2022

More than 90% of children in America play video games. Regardless of age, gender, platform, or device, almost every child loves games! 

This certainly has its implications, but do we really know the impact that gaming has had on our youngest generation? With the rumors, stigmas, and “moral panic” surrounding gaming habits among children and adolescents, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Join us for candid discussion of gaming and how it affects us. Some topics to be discussed include:

  • Gaming benefits
  • Impact of peer influence
  • Social norms introduced and reinforced in gaming
  • How to be a mindful digital citizen
  • Digital culture and the importance of the online space
  • Benefits of gameplay
  • “Moral panic” and “addiction” concerns
  • Engaging in co-play
  • Healthy gaming and socialization habits within the context of games

Workshops

Saturday, November 5
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Take This is a nonprofit organization battling stigma in gaming and providing resources for gamers, game enthusiastic, streamers, and creators alike. They have developed a small series of workshops for our Good Game Fest participants. Join us in the Panel Area starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5 to participate in an interactive workshop and discussion about gaming within your life and family.

Panel Discussion

Saturday, November 5
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Our panel discussion is for individuals, students, adults, parents, content creators, streamers — from the most competitive to the totally casual, anyone and everyone who plays games will benefit from this talk with two mental health professionals with an expertise in gaming. They’re here to answer any questions or concerns you might have about video games and how they’re impacting us and the world around us. The discussion will begin at 4:00 p.m. in the Panel Area.

MEET OUR SPEAKERS

Rachel Altvater

Dr. Rachel Altvater (she/her) is a Licensed Psychologist, Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She specializes in play therapy, child and adolescent mental health, and trauma. Dr. Altvater also works with adults and families and provides supervision, consultation services, and training opportunities to professionals.

Kayla Balensiefer

Kayla Balensiefer is a clinically licensed social worker in Virginia and Washington, DC who works with children, adolescents, and adults who are struggling with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and crisis including grief and loss. Kayla frequently works with clients who are affected by social and generalized anxiety, depression, neurodivergence, and those who want to improve their confidence and relationship with others.