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

This training counts toward the MA PGS Certificate Clinical 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 CE(s): 1.5

Instructional Level: Introductory

Learning Objectives

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

Agenda

1. Introduction to screening for Gambling Disorder
2. Screening tools for Gambling Disorder
3. Activity: Selecting a screening tool
4. Best practices for screening for Gambling Disorder
5. 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: Heather Sumba, MS; Technical Assistance Coordinator for the Massachusetts Technical Assistance Center for Problem Gambling Treatment and Senior Manager on the Strategic Planning & Organizational Effectiveness team at Health Resources in Action. Ms. Sumba has over 18 years of experience in the non-profit sector, primarily in the areas of administration and operations supporting organizational growth; coalition-building and organizational development, including governance; providing capacity building assistance services, including training, technical assistance, and facilitation to clients and their stakeholders; and supporting community health improvement initiatives through qualitative data collection, data synthesis, planning, and report development. Ms. Sumba currently provides technical assistance for problem gambling treatment to multiple outpatient sites, which includes developing, promoting, and delivering trainings and problem gambling-related materials for Massachusetts-based 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 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.
• National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) – The Division on Addiction is a NAADAC Approved Distance Learning Provider (provider number 84058). Application for this specific program has been submitted. Please contact us at hgray@cha.harvard.edu for the status of application.
• National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – Application for social work continuing education credits has been submitted. Please contact us at hgray@cha.harvard.edu.edu for the status of social work CE accreditation.
• 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 collaborate to produce this 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.