Assessment Standards and Practice Guidelines for Treating Gambling Disorders

Course overview

Course Description: This course has been compiled from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive introduction to the screening for, assessment of and treatment of gambling-related disorders. The material is compiled from open-access articles. Given the high prevalence of disordered gambling (DG) among those with substance use disorders, screening for gambling disorder in substance abuse treatment settings is strongly advisable. Additionally, the prevalence of gambling disorder has been found to be at least 2 to 4 times higher among individuals diagnosed with other mental health disorders than among the general population. Significantly, in one large national epidemiological study, it was found that while nearly 50 percent of individuals who met criteria for gambling disorder had received treatment for another mental health condition, 0 percent had received treatment for their gambling disorder. This clearly points to the need to implement effective screening for gambling disorder in all behavioral health settings. This course is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather a quick guide describing best and accepted practices that are utilized in clinical settings. This course is intended to assist clinicians with the identification, assessment and treatment of disordered gambling. Specifically, there are practice guidelines for licensed and or certified behavioral health professionals who provide counseling for adults at-risk, affected by, or suffering from health-related gambling problems. In addition, this course addresses the following three areas of clinical concern: counseling issues with special populations; intervention strategies in differing practice settings; and the role of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of gambling disorders. This course on gambling disorders is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work. In addition, this course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to enhance their clinical skills in the screening, assessment and treatment of gambling disorders. The course material includes a literature review of assessment instruments, interventions and research. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. Authors: National Council on Problem Gambling and Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding the screening, assessment and treatment of gambling disorders. Specifically, a professional will: Identify the rates of co-occurrence of gambling problems with substance use and mental health disorders. Distinguish at least three evidence-based screens that can be used in behavioral health settings. Describe essential components to be addressed in conducting a through gambling disorder assessment. Distinguish psychological, and cognitive factors to be addressed in assessment of gambling disorders. Summarize cultural factors that impact gambling disorders. Distinguish evidence based treatment interventions for gambling disorders. Citation: DiDona, T.M. (2023). Assessment Standards and Practice Guidelines for Treating Gambling Disorders. CE-Classes.com Compiled from multiple sources published by National Council on Problem Gambling and Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling.