Confidential Treatment Process
Who is eligible?
Any West Virginian who is concerned that he/she has a gambling problem, OR that a loved one has a gambling problem, may call.
What do they get?
Information and self-help materials about problem gambling and a referral for a free two-hour consultation with a trained clinician.
How?
Through a 24-hour, toll-free help-line (1-800-GAMBLER) that offers a confidential telephone screening intake, therapeutic intervention and referral.
Then what?
Where indicated, a recommendation/referral for outpatient treatment will be made.
Where needed, clients will be referred to area Consumer Credit Counselor for free assistance. Consumer Credit Counselor can coordinate payment arrangements with creditors in order to relieve financial pressure on the gambler.
Where available, clients will be referred to area Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meeting and/or other related self-help, support group.
Case management will be provided by the Problem Gamblers Help Network.
We periodically offer special programs throughout the state, like Intensive Out-patient Therapy and the Retreatment Weekend. Call for more details.
Who are the counselors?
Callers to the 1-800-GAMBLER help-line are offered a free appointment with a counselor in their local area. These counselors have all received a minimum of 35 hours of specialized training in how to help problem gamblers. Most counselors have a Masters Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or Counseling. All are professionally licensed. Many have other certifications and credentials for treating addictions and emotional issues. Several of them are Nationally Certified Gambling Counselors. The map below shows the locations of 1-800-GAMBLER counselors.
Map of Trained Gambling Treatment Providers2009.pdf
What is the cost to caller?
The call is toll-free, and the initial two-hour assessment/consultation is free. For those who qualify, payment for any follow-up treatment may be paid for by the network.