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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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 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
 

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

— kandee love, Sex Therapist in Oswego, IL
 

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 worked with people dealing with gambling addiction since 2013. Most recently supervising an outpatient and residential treatment program for people navigating recovery from PG. Gambling disorder is different from other addictions, and it's these differences that are important to your treatment if you want it to be successful. We will explore issues like: money, dreamworld, shame, stigma.

— Julio Iñiguez, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Portland, OR
 

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

I use motivational interviewing to assess client’s readiness for change. Some topics covered are identifying triggers and urges, creating a relapse prevention plan, feelings of guilt/shame, and addressing interpersonal impacts that are caused by addictions.

— Susan Song, Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, IL
 

I am an internationally certified gambling counselor and treat gamblers and their family members. Screening, treatment options and family support are important parts of recovery from problem gambling and its negative consequences. I have assisted many clients with long term recovery outcomes! Contact me today to begin the healing process.

— VIVIAN FREAR, Counselor

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 completed 30 continuing education credits in gambling addiction in order to have specialized training in this area. I am currently an approved provider through the Michigan problem gambling hotline and see clients for individual sessions to address issues of unhealthy gambling behaviors.

— Alaina Smith, Licensed Professional Counselor in Grand Rapids, MI
 

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 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