Gambling Treatment

I provide gambling addiction treatment and gambling counseling for eligible California residents through the CalGETS program.

What is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling, sometimes referred to as gambling addiction or compulsive gambling, can affect people from all backgrounds and often becomes progressively more difficult to control without support. It involves persistent gambling behavior that leads to negative consequences in daily life, including financial strain, emotional distress, secrecy, and relationship conflict. Gambling-related concerns can occur in many forms, including casino games, sports betting, online gambling, lottery play, fantasy sports, cryptocurrency betting, or gaming apps with gambling-like features.

How Gambling Affects Individuals & Families

People gamble in many settings, including casinos, online gambling platforms, sports betting, fantasy sports, poker rooms, bingo halls, lotteries, cryptocurrency betting, esports wagering, social clubs, cruise ships, and private games.

While gambling may begin as entertainment, it can gradually lead to financial strain, emotional distress, relationship conflict, secrecy, and a loss of control. Family members and loved ones are often affected as well, experiencing stress, confusion, broken trust, and a sense of helplessness as they try to cope with the impact of gambling on the family.

Eligibility

No-cost treatment is available for:

• Individuals struggling to control their gambling
• Individuals affected by someone else’s gambling
• California residents seeking support for gambling-related concerns

You are eligible if you answer “yes” to any of the following:

• Have you tried to reduce or control your gambling?
• Are you affected by someone who cannot control their gambling?
• Have you lied about gambling losses or time spent gambling?
• Do you make excuses for a gambler or help bail them out financially?
• Do you think about gambling for extended periods of time?

What to Expect in Gambling Therapy

Gambling-related concerns can affect not only the person gambling, but also partners, family members, and close friends. Therapy provides a supportive space to understand the impact of gambling, develop healthier coping strategies, and work toward greater stability and well-being.

Treatment may incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, relapse prevention, financial recovery planning, and other evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs.

• Understand triggers, urges, and gambling patterns
• Build coping skills to manage cravings and high-risk situations
• Reduce harm and create greater financial and emotional stability
• Strengthen decision-making and relapse prevention strategies
• Improve communication and rebuild trust within relationships
• Process shame, guilt, stress, and other emotional impacts of gambling
• Develop healthier ways to manage difficult emotions
• Support for spouses, partners, family members, and friends affected by someone else’s gambling

Problem gambling is treatable. You deserve support, stability, and a path forward. If you are struggling with gambling or are affected by a loved one’s gambling, contact me to discuss eligibility for no-cost treatment through CalGETS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CalGETS pay for treatment?
Yes. Eligible California residents may receive no-cost gambling treatment through the CalGETS program.

Can family members receive treatment?
Yes. Spouses, partners, family members, and friends affected by someone else’s gambling may also qualify.

Do I need a referral?
No. Contact me directly to discuss eligibility and next steps.

Can I receive treatment if I gamble online or bet on sports?
Yes. Treatment is available for concerns related to online gambling, sports betting, casino gambling, lottery play, and other forms of gambling.