Andrew Fishman, LCSW (he/him) is a therapist in Chicago who specializes in video game-related issues in adolescents.
He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from New College of Florida, with areas of concentration in psychology and art. After graduating, he spent four years working at a therapeutic school for middle schoolers with emotional and behavioral disorders while pursuing a master’s degree in clinical social work at Loyola University Chicago. During this time, he completed a six-month internship at a facility for people with substance abuse-related concerns.
Since then, he has conducted individual and family therapy for adolescents with a variety of presenting issues and led groups for autistic teens and adults. Andrew is also certified by the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board to treat video game addiction.
Since he was a child, Andrew has also enjoyed playing video games and recognizes the many benefits they offer. because of this, Andrew founded the Chicago Nerd Therapist Alliance in 2021, bringing together a diverse group of therapists across Chicagoland who understand and value nerd culture such as anime, video games, cosplay, and comic books.
Andrew also understands that, for many, video games present a real challenge. Because video games are often designed to be as fun and habit-forming as possible, many young people find it challenging to balance their desire to play games with their chores, family time, homework, and other extracurricular activities.
By helping people identify and examine their values, he helps them to find balance in their lives and be the people they want to be.