Introduction to Gambling Disorder Treatment Best Practices

This training will provide participants with a brief introduction to Gambling Disorder before we discuss two empirically-supported treatment interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Following this discussion of treatment interventions, participants will be given an opportunity to engage in a brief Q&A with a practicing clinician. We will then wrap up the training with a discussion about recovery as it relates to Gambling Disorder. Participants will 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. You must stay the full length of the training to receive CE credit.

Cost: Free

Location: Virtual

Number of CE(s): 1.5

Instructional Level: Introductory. This training has not breakout groups but includes an open time for Q&A that encourage participants to engage in. This training counts toward the MA PGS Certificate Core Competency Coursework. 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the most empirically supported treatments for Gambling Disorder.
• List examples of ways to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and/or Motivational Interviewing 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
• Gambling Disorder and Recovery

Instructor Bios:

Instructor #1: Anupria Davenport, MPH, CHES: is a Senior Manager for Training & Education on the Strategic Planning & Organizational Effectiveness team. In this role, she will support HRiA’s problem gambling projects – M-TAC and PBU. Prior to joining HRiA, Anupria worked as a Consultant for the Center for Research & Evaluation at the University of Mississippi. Anupria is passionate advancing public health, committed to improving outcomes with data-driven solutions, and interested in creating innovative pathways to systems change. Based in Houston, TX, Anupria is a Certified Health Education Specialist and currently pursuing her Doctor of Public Health at The University of Texas. She has a master’s degree in epidemiology from Jackson State University.

Instructor #2: Nakita Sconsoni, MSW: Ms. Sconsoni is a Community Health Educator at the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance and is part of M-TAC’s Training and Education team. She has 3+ years of experience working in the field of addiction, with a focus on gambling. Ms. Sconsoni has developed and facilitated live trainings and online courses, and created educational materials for allied health professionals, recovery and support providers, and others. She is also a Content Manager of the Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS; https://basisonline.org/) research blog. Ms. Sconsoni has also worked as a mental health therapist for adults comorbidly diagnosed with a developmental disability and a mental health condition. Ms. Sconsoni is particularly interested in the intersectionality between addiction and other social identities. She earned her MSW from the University of New Hampshire.

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, Cambridge Health Alliance is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Division on Addiction, Cambridge Health Alliance maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

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 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 trainings/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.