Introduction to Screening & Assessment for Gambling Disorder: Part I (Screening)

This training counts toward the MA PGS Certificate Core Competency Coursework

This interactive training will introduce participants to screening and assessment for Gambling Disorder among clients seeking mental health or addiction treatment. This training is Part I of a two-part series. Part I focuses on screening for Gambling Disorder. In this training, participants will be introduced to various Gambling Disorder screening tools and learn how to select a tool that best fits their organization’s needs. Participants will also learn how to initiate conversations with clients about gambling and how to effectively screen for Gambling Disorder. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to practice screening for Gambling Disorder.

Although it is not required, we strongly encourage participants to attend both Part I and Part II of this training series. Register for Introduction to Screening & Assessment for Gambling Disorder: Part II (Assessment).

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual

Number of CEs: 1.5

Instructional Level: Introductory

Learning Objectives

• Explain the importance of screening clients seeking mental health or addiction treatment for Gambling Disorder.
• Identify two Gambling Disorder screening tools and describe their differences.
• Recognize important factors to consider when choosing between Gambling Disorder screening tools.
• Articulate and apply best practices in screening for Gambling Disorder.

Agenda

• Introduction to screening for Gambling Disorder
• Screening tools for Gambling Disorder
• Activity: Selecting a screening tool
• Best practices for screening for Gambling Disorder
• Skills practice: Role play activity

Instructor Bios

Instructor #1: Kira Landauer, MPH; Technical Assistance Coordinator for the Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment  and Community Health Educator Supervisor at the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance. Ms. Landauer has developed and facilitated in-person and online training on a variety of topics pertaining to Gambling Disorder (including screening for Gambling Disorder) for Massachusetts social workers, mental health and addiction specialists, and healthcare specialists; Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline staffers; peer recovery specialists and support staff; and members of support groups for family and friends of loved ones experiencing addiction. Ms. Landauer manages Gambling Disorder Screening Day – an international grassroots movement started by the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance to support and encourage providers to screen clients for Gambling Disorder.

Instructor #2: Elizabeth Bice, BA; Program Associate 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 and Gambling Disorder treatment best practices) for Massachusetts social workers, mental health and addiction specialists, and healthcare specialists.

Instructor #3: Deborah Rodriguez, LICSW, PhD. 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 health 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.
• NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals – This course has been approved by the Division on Addiction, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. 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 92179-1.
• 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.