Gambling Disorder Training Stages

      PGNO offers three stages of training for anyone interested in learning more about the current climate of gambling and problem gambling in Ohio and across the country. The first two stages take an individual from the basics of gambling availability and the foundations of problem gambling such as rates, risks, and warning signs to the plentiful services in Ohio and evidence-based screening, assessment and treatment approaches to recovery principles, and clinical acumen. The advanced stage offers specialty topics that change annually but have provided areas of gambling-related expertise on cultural competency, co-morbidity, mindfulness, and emerging trends.

      All three courses may be taken individually and offer great information for anyone interested in learning more about problem gambling and gambling services in Ohio. Counselors interested in obtaining their GAMB endorsement can obtain nearly all of the required CE hours through these three courses. To learn more about the process of becoming GAMB endorsed, visit the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professional Board.

Stage I: Gambling, Problem Gambling, and Ohio's Service System

      Stage I provides 12 continuing education hours of gambling specific education and serves as an introduction to the world of gambling and problem gambling, with a focus on Ohio's current service system. Participants will hear from experts in the field of prevention and treatment, recovery advocates, and partners in regulation and operation. Topics covered include:

• Current climate of gambling and gambling expansion
• Problem gambling risks and warning signs
• At-risk populations and co-morbidities of problem gambling with substance abuse and mental illness
• Introduction to screening and assessment
• Current treatment models, including Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• New and emerging trends in gambling and gaming
• Legislative updates and how to work with and engage your agency, board, and community

Stage II: Approaches and Application in Treating Gambling Disorder

      Stage II provides 12 continuing education hours of gambling specific education that will increase participants’ knowledge and understanding of how to treat Gambling Disorder. This training is more clinically focused and will discuss at length evidence-based treatment approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. This training utilizes case examples and other activities and has an emphasis on participation. Other topics covered include:

• Treatment planning
• Inpatient vs outpatient care
• Individualized and group settings
• How to effectively discuss finances with clients and families

Advanced: Specialty Topics

      Advanced trainings provide 4-6 continuing education hours and topics change annually. These trainings utilize nationally renowned researches, clinicians and presenters to bring their experience and expertise to Ohio’s workforce. Previous topics have included:

• The Comorbidity of Problem Gambling with Substance Use Disorders and Adult Onset ADHD
• Gambling Disorder and other Behavioral Addictions
• Cultural Competency in Treating Gambling Disorder
• Emerging Trends in Gambling Forms
• Mindful Self Compassion in the Treatment of Gambling Disorder