Fundamentals of Gambling and Gaming

Course overview

Course Overview: The rise of gambling and gaming addiction has created new challenges for mental health professionals. With the increasing accessibility of online gambling, sports betting, and gaming platforms, more individuals are experiencing negative financial, emotional, and psychological consequences. This course provides mental health professionals with a comprehensive understanding of gambling and gaming disorders, equipping them with essential knowledge and evidence-based interventions to support affected individuals. Learners will explore the psychological, neurological, and behavioral aspects of gambling and gaming, as well as key risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and co-occurring disorders. The course will also cover effective screening tools, treatment approaches, ethical considerations, relapse prevention strategies, and the broader societal and family impacts of these disorders. Course Objectives: At the end of the course, you will learn to: identify the key differences between gambling and gaming behaviors and their psychological impacts; determine the signs and symptoms of problematic gambling and gaming disorders; explain the neurobiological and psychological mechanisms underlying gambling and gaming addiction; analyze risk factors, comorbidities, and the impact of gambling and gaming on mental health; assess clients for gambling and gaming-related concerns using validated screening tools; apply evidence-based therapeutic approaches to treat gambling and gaming disorders, and observe ethical and legal considerations in working with clients affected by gambling and gaming.