CSWMFT Board

To demonstrate competency to treat gambling disorder, PGNO recommends a clinician obtain 30 hours of gambling-specific education. This is based on standards of gambling certification from the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB) and the OCDP Board.

Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselors, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Licensed Social Workers all are subject to developing competency for disorders they treat or what they could potentially treat in practice. This includes gambling disorder. Studies have shown that clients with alcohol, other drugs, and/or mental health diagnosis are susceptible to developing problem gambling or may already have a gambling disorder.

You can now establish competence in gambling disorders to the CSWMFT board and be able to treat clients with gambling disorders. There is no formal submission or documentation of hours. PGNO recommends 4 hours of gambling-specific supervision after developing competency and obtaining future continuing education related to and/or including gambling disorder.

Yes! Social workers and counselors that also have an active LCDC II, LCDC III, or LICDC are able to apply for the Gambling Endorsement through the OCDP Board. This is preferred in order to establish competency in treating gambling disorder.

IGCCB requires clinicians to have 30 hours of gambling-specific education approved by IGCCB along with 100 hours of clinical experience treating gambling disorder. Applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree in a recognized behavioral health field. Supervision must be provided by an International Gambling Counselor Board Approved Clinical Consultant (BACC). Applicants must also pass an examination.

PGNO is a Preferred Provider of IGCCB.

*Those who are interested in obtaining their International Certified Gambling Counselor Certification (ICGC-I or ICGC-II) can find more information on IGCCB’s website.

Clinicians who complete the Stages Training Series, or who demonstrate they have obtained 30 hours of gambling-specific education are able to submit a Referral Agreement with PGNO that will place their agency on the state-wide gambling provider referral list.

In addition to being on the statewide referral list, you are encouraged to work with your agency on promoting the gambling services that your agency offers, developing appropriate screening procedures, and informing all staff, including the front desk, of the internal process for problem gambling clients.