Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction, sometimes called compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is the inability to curb or stop gambling, in spite of the damage it causes. Similar to substance abuse, gambling can stimulate the reward center of the brain, leading to addiction. If you find yourself always thinking about gambling, including how to get more money to gamble with, using increasing amounts of money to feel the same thrill, being unable to cut back on gambling, gambling to relieve other feelings, or lying to others about what you're doing with your time, you may have a gambling addiction. A therapist trained in gambling addiction will strive to learn more about your gambling habits to understand the patterns that trigger a gambling episode. They will work to help you identify unhealthy or irrational beliefs that may be contributing to this behavior, and teach you tools to replace gambling with healthy behaviors. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s gambling addiction specialists today.

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Meet the specialists

 

I am a CalGETS provider for the State of California. I studied with the Gambling Studies Program at UCLA. I offer no cost gambling services to gamblers and affected individuals (spouses, parents, siblings, co-workers, etc) for those who qualify. Contact me for a consult.

— Michelle North, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Encinitas, CA

The availability of casinos, sports betting, internet gaming, slot machines, and lotteries are easier, faster and more wide-spread. We can develop a unique plan to cope with urges and create lifestyle balance. We will work together to identify and maintain your motivation to stay focused on your goals.

— Stephanie Phillips, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Catonsville, MD
 

I have specialized training in gambling addiction and am a certified Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor.

— kandee love, Sex Therapist in Oswego, IL
 

I hold the International Certified Gambling Counselor, Level 1 (ICGC-I) certification to treat gambling addiction and problem gambling behavior.

— Kristen Haflett, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado Springs, CO

I am the only Chinese speaking authorized provider of the California Gambling Education and Treatment program. If you are a gambler or someone impacted by gambling, you may quality for NO COST counseling service. Call me and we will do a phone screening to see if you qualify.

— Hiedi Chan, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA
 

Gambling can be a very fun, bonding experience for friends and family to enjoy together. So how does one know if they’re still enjoying one a famous American pastime or if they’ve ventured into dangerous territory? Only Nevada and Louisiana are the only two states where casino gambling is legal state-wide. With such relatively limited access, why in the world has gambling addition been surging in the past decade? Two Words: Easy Access. Online and Sports Gambling apps

— Stephanie Zepeda, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Houston, TX

I am a certified Problem and Compulsive Gambling Counselor. I work with gamblers to help them reduce or quit gambling. I also can help those affected by gambling addiction via education, coping strategies, and assistance in how to approach and help the gambler in their life.

— Christine Treski, Psychotherapist
 

I am a nationally certified gambling counselor. I offer no cost services to any individual (or family member of the individual) struggling with compulsive gambling in the state of New Jersey

— Kerry Sullivan, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Linwood, NJ

I have been working with individuals experiencing Problem Gambling and Gambling Disorder in both outpatient and residential clinical settings over five years. As the son of a parent with Gambling Disorder I have personal insight into how destructive the disease can be both to the individual and the family.

— Les Waite, Clinical Psychologist
 

Services available for individuals and concerned others that are impacted by gambling in any way. Types of gambling activities include, but are not limited to: video poker, scratch tickets, sports betting, raffles, card games, table games, BINGO, some micro-transactions and in-app purchases, loot crates, stock market involvement, and animal races.

— Jessica Ferrante, Licensed Professional Counselor in Beaverton, OR

I am an authorized CalGETS provider, which means I offer free (CA State-funded) outpatient treatment for individuals struggling with problem gambling or those affected by them.

— Carson Jaffrey, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in San Diego, CA