Our mission is to evolve the mental health industry through evidence-based learning and professional development.

Why now

Young people are at the highest risk for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and ADHD, and the mental health industry at large is not fully equipped to deal with modern stressors that have emerged as a result of the digital age.

What we do

HG Institute helps build awareness around the unique mental health needs of the digital generation, and addresses current trends and gaps in the industry through professional development and cultivating community.

How we do it

Founded by Harvard-trained psychiatrist, Dr. Alok Kanojia, HG Institute brings on talents from all over the mental health space. As part of the digital generation themselves, our team is dedicated to evolving the future of mental health care.

Meet the team

Founded by Harvard-trained psychiatrist, Dr. Alok Kanojia, HG Institute brings on talents from all over the mental health space. As part of the digital generation themselves, our team is dedicated to evolving the future of mental health care.

Dr. Alok Kanojia

Dr. Alok Kanojia

He is widely regarded as the foremost expert on digital mental health, video game addiction, and most prominent mental health authority for young people. Dr. K’s credentials include research, policy, teaching, and clinical expertise. His work includes advising the United Nations, and other NGO’s regarding youth mental health.

His integrative medical and psychiatric training includes:

  • Harvard Medical School’s MGH/McLean Hospital's residential addiction treatment programs (Naukeag and Fernside)
  • Outpatient integrated care in addiction treatment through Massachusetts General Hospital and Kanojia Psychiatry.
  • Addiction based work with Veterans, Law Enforcement, and First Responders through McLean Hospital's LEADER Program
  • Addictions based work with vulnerable populations: Nashua Street Jail
  • Ran the Benson Henry's SMART-R program, which trained over 600 peer support professionals in resilience training.

His integrative medical and psychiatric training includes:

  • Harvard Medical School’s MGH/McLean Hospital's residential addiction treatment programs (Naukeag and Fernside)
  • Outpatient integrated care in addiction treatment through Massachusetts General Hospital and Kanojia Psychiatry.
  • Addiction based work with Veterans, Law Enforcement, and First Responders through McLean Hospital's LEADER Program
  • Addictions based work with vulnerable populations: Nashua Street Jail
  • Ran the Benson Henry's SMART-R program, which trained over 600 peer support professionals in resilience training.

Alexandra W.

Hi! I’m Alexandra (she/her). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Geek Therapist. I have worked in Community and School Based Mental Health for 10+ years. I’ve seen firsthand the lack of access to qualified therapists and mental health resources. I joined Healthy Gamer because the peer support coaching model we utilize is greatly needed in the field and has the potential to become an integral part of mental health care. When I log off (work/life boundaries!) I am probably curled up with my German Shepherd reading a book or playing a cozy game to relax.

Hannah D.

Hello, I'm Hannah, and I'm the driving force behind forging meaningful relationships as the Strategic Partnerships Manager at Healthy Gamer. My passion lies in crafting our competitive value proposition for partners, ensuring it resonates with the core of what we stand for. My expertise centers around defining the ideal partnerships and executing strategic plans that align Healthy Gamer with our partners' goals and objectives. From cultivating collaborative partnerships across various industries, including brand, gaming, medical, and mental health, to executing partnership programs, I am committed to creating successful alliances that leave a lasting impact. With a data-driven approach and a keen eye for detail, I ensure the growth and prosperity of our partnerships, turning our vision of a healthier world into a tangible reality.

Dragon D.

Hi, my name is Dragon (no, it's not my gamer tag). I've been with HG since February of 2020 and got involved after going on a whim to invite Dr. K to speak at an event I hosted for Boston University's Gaming Club (Go Terriers!). I do a bunch of things for HG, but am mainly involved in the hiring process for new coaches. I have two cats, Bilbao and Cordoba, my top personal achievements are that I can squat 275, bench 175, and my vertical is 2 inches (not actually...). I’m also currently studying counseling in hopes of becoming a mental health wiz like Dr. K one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the HG Institute Coach Certification entail?

The HG Institute Coach Certification is delivered in a 100% Virtual Learning Environment over 12 weeks. This includes live virtual sessions as well as self-directed learning. Our curriculums offer a variety of training modes to accommodate and interact with all different learning styles including group discussions, group and individual practice sessions, video modules with accompanying reading material, and instructor-delivered content to keep learners engaged and reinforce concepts.
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Our learning methods include:

  • Lectures + Workshops: Certifying Coaches will watch recorded modules and lectures on theories and skills, and then break out into small groups for workshops in which they will practice short roleplays with their peers and get feedback from veteran coaches.
  • Certifying Coaching: Certifying Coaches will be matched with several subsidized clients to meet one-on-one each week for a total of 40 hours.
  • There are also opportunities throughout the course for certifying coaches to attend Office Hours + Case Reviews and Roleplay Practice/Discussion.

Is the HG coach position a full time or part time position?

Neither, there are no minimum hours that one must work to be considered for the position. Coaches are contractors and considered self-employed, they have the autonomy to set their own hours and availability. Coach contracts are under no obligation to renew.

Do I need a certification to become an HG Coach?

All coaches must possess a coach certification. We accept ICF, NBHWC, and OAS certifications, and will evaluate any other coaching certifications from reputable third-party entities. If you do not already possess a coach certification, you may obtain one through the Coach Curriculum, offered through the HG Institute. Learn more here. Note: The price of our certification may change in the future as we pursue further accreditation.

Is the HG Institute Coaching Certification paid?

No. The curriculum and supervised coaching period are both unpaid.

Can I receive the HG Institute Certification without becoming a coach?

The HG Institute is diligently working to bring the Coach Certification program to the public. Stay tuned for updates on this initiative, expected to be announced by the 4th quarter of 2024. Be the first to know when the certification becomes accessible to all by joining our waitlist today!

What type of Payments do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards.

Do I need to be licensed to take a course?

You do not have to hold a license in order to take our courses. HG Institute is for all individuals interested in learning about Mental Health for the Internet generation. Whether you are a licensed mental health provider, physician, teacher, coach, parent, or simply interested in learning more about this topic, our courses provide valuable insights and practical skills that can be applied in a variety of settings.

Is HG Institute an approved CE provider for my state and license type?

We are actively pursuing Continuing Education accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) for our courses. Last updated 08/2023.

What is your refund policy?

HG Institute does not provide refunds for on-demand courses.

Who do I contact for support?

How do I access my course certificate(s)? How long will my certificate(s) be available?

You can access your course completion certificates from the Certificates section of your Dashboard. You can download a PDF version of each certificate for your records.

Course completion certificates will only be generated after you complete each section of a course, including the quiz and Course Evaluation. We keep records of all course completions for at least 5 years. During this time, you can access your certificates from your HG Institute account.

How can I become presenter for HG Institute?

Please submit a topic proposal to hgisupport@hg-institute.com

How do I provide feedback?

To provide feedback please contact our support team at hgisupport@hg-institute.com

What is your complaint or grievance policy?

HG Institute is dedicated to conducting all activities in strict conformance with the ethical principles of professional associations that approved our organization to be a provider of continuing education.

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HG Institute will comply with all legal and ethical responsibilities to be non-discriminatory in promotional activities, program content and in the treatment of program participants. The monitoring and assessment of compliance with these standards will be the responsibility of the HG Institute Program Administrator in consultation with the members of the Healthy Gamer Scientific Advisory Board Continuing Education Committee.

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While HG Institute goes to great lengths to assure fair treatment for all participants and attempts to anticipate problems, issues may arise which require intervention or action on the part of the staff of HG Institute. This written grievance policy guides its response in a timely and ethical manner to complaints.

  • If the grievance concerns a speaker, the content presented by the speaker, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put their comments in written format. HG Institute will then pass on the comments to the speaker, assuring the confidentiality of the grieved individual.
  • If the grievance concerns content, level of presentation, or logistical or technical problems, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put their comments in written format. HG Institute will review and resolve appropriately.
  • If the grievance concerns the HG Institute CE program, in a specific regard, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put his/her comments in written format. HG Institute will review and the Program Administrator in consultation with the Continuing Education Committee will provide appropriate arbitration.
  • Refunds will be managed in compliance with the policy associated with the specific activity.

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Program Administrator: Alexandra Waxer, LCSW

Email: hgisupport@hg-institute.com‍

Alternative Contact: Dragon Ding

Email: dragon@healthygamer.gg

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Do you provide disability accommodations?

HG Institute will take reasonable steps to respond to requests for disability accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Examples of reasonable accommodations include written transcripts of audio or video components of courses, and large-type or audio versions of printed materials.

To submit a request for disability accommodations, please contact our support team at hgisupport@hg-institute.com

What are the requirements for passing a course quiz?

A score of 75% or higher on a course quiz is required to advance to the satisfaction survey and complete your course.

What happens if I fail a course quiz?

If you don’t earn a passing score, you can retake the quiz. Course quizzes can be retaken multiple times.

You must successfully pass the course quiz to receive CE credit

What are the minimum requirements for accessing the course player?

To access our course player, you need a reliable internet connection and an updated browser.

The following web browsers are supported:

  • Chrome (preferred)
  • Safari
  • Firefox
  • Microsoft Edge
  • On mobile devices (iOS or Android), the following mobile web browsers are supported:
  • iOS Safari
  • Chrome
  • Samsung Internet