Gambling Counselor Core Training

The Not So Basic, Problem Gambling Basic Training Overhaul

The total 30 hours have been divided into two segments, the first 10 hours in an asynchronous self-directed/self-paced learning format (Part 1), the next 20 hours will be in a live-learning format (Part 2: in-person in summer, online in winter).  Completion of both parts will be required for a Certificate of Completion for 30 CE hours in the Gambling Counselor Core Training program.  Ideal for those who wish to obtain Certification, it covers scope and prevalence of problem gambling, DSM-5 criteria of Gambling Disorder, treatment modalities, screening, assessment, treatment planning skills practice, and more.  Those who are not interested in pursuing a Certification in Gambling Counseling but wish to improve their understanding of problem gambling and treatment options as a whole, are welcome to sign up for the training as well.  Gambling Counselor Core Training is not the only requirement for either state or international Gambling Counselor Certification.

For those seeking to become Washington State Certified Gambling Counselors, please familiarize yourself with the Certification Requirements , including education and licensing requirements, to verify your eligibility and ability to complete the Certification program.  The Gambling Counselor Core Training is open to all, but only those who qualify are eligible to complete the Gambling Counselor Certification program.

Scholarships

Thanks to partnerships with Washington State Health Care Authority and Recovery Café Network, ECPG is able to offer a limited number of scholarships to attend our conferences and trainings.  Scholarships include full registration fee and hotel stipend ($75 per night, up to three nights at the conference hotel).  Treatment providers also receive support for their Washington State Gambling Counselor Certification application fee.  Scholarships are also available for Prevention Specialists, Peer/Recovery Coaches, and undergraduate/graduate students or professors/counselors in accredited Washington State college and university behavioral health, addictions, and counseling programs.  

Up to 30 CE hours available; Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is an Approved Provider of Continuing Education by The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), and the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB). Our workshops have also been approved for continuing education by the Mental Health Addictions Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO), and the American Academy of Healthcare Providers in the Addictive Disorders (AAHCPAD).

To apply for a scholarship, click here.

click here to be added to the email distribution list for upcoming trainings.

What learners can expect

The Self-Directed portion (Part 1) of the GCCT program opens to registrants with ample time for them to complete the 10-hours prior to the 20-hour live-webinar portion (Part 2).  Part 1 provides foundational knowledge about gambling, recreational gambling, problem gambling, Gambling Disorder, screening and treatment best-practices, legal issues, and more.  Learners watch recorded presentations of the material with the ability to download the slides and follow along with the speaker and answer some learning quiz questions to help retain key points.  The modules also contain handouts, treatment tools, worksheets, and links to a host of online resources.  The self-directed learning system also serves to provide all the handouts needed for Part 2.  If learners wish to print everything out to create a binder, they can, or just keep it all saved in their own digital files.  This program basically gives counselors a full set of materials to start a practice in treating problem gambling and Gambling Disorder and affected loved ones.  The number of materials received usually surprises people.

10-Hour Self-Directed training includes:

• Intro to Problem Gambling and Gambling Disorder – Tana Russell, SUDP, NCTTP, WSCGC-II
• Problem Gambling in Washington State – Maureen Greeley
• Health Considerations for Gambling Disorder – Timothy Fong, MD
• Neurobiology and Genetics – Timothy Fong, MD
• Introduction to Screens – Lori Rugle, PhD, ICGC-II, BACC, ICGD
• Treatment Planning Best Practices – Tana Russell, SUDP, NCTTP, WSCGC-II
• Co-Occurring Tobacco issues and Curriculum Resources – Tana Russell, SUDP, NCTTP, WSCGC-II
• Treating Families: Rules, Roles, and Motivations – Tana Russell, SUDP, NCTTP, WSCGC-II
• Client Rights – Lori Rugle, PhD, ICGC-II, BACC, ICGD
• Legal Issues and Therapeutic Justice – Judge Cheryl Moss, JD and Denise Quirk, MA, MFT, LCADC, BACC, ICGC-II, CPGC-S

20-Hour Live training includes:

• Screening: Skills Practice
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Assessment/Supervision Role Play and LOC Placement
• Treatment Planning: Skills Practice
• Domestic Violence, Trauma, PTSD, and Suicide
• Co-occurring Disorders and Problem Gambling
• Treating Families: Therapeutic Interventions
• Engaging Clients in Treatment
• Wellness and Recovery Planning
• Cultural Competence and Gambling Disorder
• Financial Therapy
• Washington State Problem Gambling Program
• Counselor Certification
• Multiple Pathways to Recovery
• Self-Care for Gambling Counselors