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 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

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 utilize a 12 step and relapse prevention approach to treating addiction. I also focus on confronting the addictive thinking through the use of CBT to help increase a person's insight into how their thinking is contributing to their addictive behavior. To achieve recovery, abstinence is only part of it. A person needs to work on improving their mind, body, and spirit to feel whole. Once this occurs, a desire to gamble begins to diminish.

— frank vecchiano, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Using CBT and talk therapy.

— Donn Yeager, Mental Health Counselor

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 Certified Gambling Addiction specialist. I have been working in the field for over 20 years when gambling first came to Detroit. I have spoken and trained on the topic at a national level. The cycle of addiction can be broken, you can recover, your relationships can be restored.

— SABRINA BLACK, Licensed Professional Counselor in Detroit, MI

If gambling is ruining your life, I will give you the skills and support to get your life back on track.

— Denise Delph, Counselor in Brooklyn, NY
 

I am an International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC). I have over 5 years of experience working with individuals and family members who are affected by problem gambling.

— Jeremy Jenkins, Licensed Professional Counselor in Edmond, OK

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
 

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 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
 

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

Gambling is an activity that is widely and generally accepted in society. Statistics indicate individuals who become addicted to gambling are more likely to commit suicide than any other addiction. Financial desperation, isolation, shame, guilt and lost of hope are some common symptoms of gambling addiction. In session, a combination of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy will be used. Individuals will receive assistance to achieve financial stability, change their thinking & behaviors and fulfill life connections with family and friends.

— Tracey Little, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ny, NY