Gambling Problems: An Introduction for Behavioral Health Services Providers

Course overview

Course Description: This course provides an introductory-level overview for behavioral health services providers on the topic of gambling problems such as pathological gambling, gambling disorder, and problem gambling. After presenting DSM criteria for diagnosis, the course discusses prevalence and epidemiology, as well as the links between gambling problems and other behavioral health conditions. Tools for screening, assessing, and diagnosing are discussed, as are treatment strategies. Resources for providers, clients, and families are listed. This course is based upon material published in the Advisory series from SAMHSA and is available as an open access article. This course on behavioral health and gambling problems is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of gambling as a behavioral health concern. The course material includes a review of treatment strategies. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal. Authors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Knowledge Application Program Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding behavioral health assessment, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals for whom gambling has become problematic. Specifically, a professional will: •Describe the DSM criteria for diagnosis of gambling disorder •Identify the links between gambling disorders and other behavioral health concerns •Recognize strategies useful in treating gambling problems Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2014). Gambling Problems: An Introduction for Behavioral Health Services Providers. Advisory, Volume 13, Issue 1. Visit us online for a full year of unlimited online CEUs.