Introduction to Gambling Disorder Treatment Best Practices

This training counts toward the MA PGS Certificate Clinical Core Competency Coursework

This training will introduce participants to two treatment best practices for Gambling Disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, followed by a discussion about recovery as it relates to Gambling Disorder. Participants will also leave with concrete return to use prevention techniques that can be used in their own practice. This training is interactive. We expect participants to come to the training prepared to engage in creative discussion, ideally with cameras on and microphones functioning.

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual

Number of CE(s): 1.5

Instructional Level: Introductory

Learning Objectives

• Learn most empirically supported treatments for Gambling Disorder.
• List examples of ways to use CBT and/or MI strategies to treat Gambling Disorder in your own practice.
• Identify strategies to promote recovery among your clientele who are experiencing gambling-related problems.

Agenda

• Introduction to Gambling Disorder
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Treatment Q&A + Best Practice Discussion with Experienced Provider
• Gambling Disorder and Recovery
• Gambling Disorder Resources

Instructor Bios

Instructor #1: Elizabeth Bice, BA; Program Coordinator for the Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment and Program Coordinator at Health Resources in Action. Ms. Bice has developed and facilitated online training on a variety of topics pertaining to Gambling Disorder (including promoting problem gambling services) for Massachusetts social workers, mental health and addiction specialists, and healthcare specialists.

Instructor #2: Nakita Sconsoni, MSW; Community Health Educator at the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance. Ms. Sconsoni completed her graduate level internship at the Center for Life Management in Derry, NH where she worked as a mental health therapist for adults comorbidly diagnosed with an developmental disability and a mental health condition. She has also developed and facilitated in-person and online trainings on a variety of topics pertaining to Gambling Disorder (including treatment best practices) for Massachusetts social workers, mental health and addiction specialists, healthcare specialists, and peer recovery specialists and support staff.

Instructor #3: Deborah Rodriguez, LICSW. Ms. Rodriguez is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience working with at-risk populations and co-occurring disorders in the Greater Springfield area. She is a doctoral candidate from Simmons University in Boston and earned her Master’s Degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work. Her varied professional experience with behavioral heal ranges from community mental health services and advocacy to extensive relationship-building with community members and leaders. Ms. Rodriguez is an adjunct professor for Our Lady of Elms Social Work Program, and is providing direct care through her private practice Faros Counseling.

Approval Statements

• American Psychological Association (APA) – The Division on Addiction is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Division on Addiction maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This program offers 1.5 continuing education credits.
• National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) – This course has been approved by the Division on Addiction, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 1.5 CEs. NAADAC Provider #84058, the Division on Addiction is responsible for all aspects of the programing.
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW) –This program has been approved for 1.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for relicensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D 92275-2.
• Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – The Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment is authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to sponsor, conduct or approve continuing education programs for alcohol and drug counselors/assistants (LADCs). This program offers 1.5 continuing education credits.

Funding Statement: The Division on Addiction and Health Resources in Action collaborated to produce this M-TAC training/course, which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling Services. The instructors have no financial interests that might create a conflict of interest in the development or delivery of this training. Click here to access our full list of our funders and conflict of interest/grievance policies and procedures.