Gambling Addiction Treatment: A Brief Review (2 Clock Hours) -Pennsylvania

This targeted 2 clock hour course provides a clinical overview of Gambling Disorder, the first "process addiction" to be formally classified alongside substance use disorders in the DSM-5. Designed for Pennsylvania counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers (LPC, LMFT, LCSW, LSW, and LBSW), this training bridges the gap between the neurobiology of addiction and practical clinical strategies. Participants will explore the diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5-TR, the use of screening instruments like the SOGS, BBGS, and PGSI, and evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). The curriculum also covers Pennsylvania problem gambling resources (the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board self-exclusion, and DDAP-funded treatment), scope of practice for each license level, telehealth, financial boundaries with clients, and confidentiality and duty-to-warn standards under 49 Pa. Code Chapters 47, 48, and 49, along with the integration of financial recovery into treatment planning.

This home study course is designed around the continuing education requirements of the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors but is not approved or endorsed by the Board. Dr. Paulson Professional Counseling LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7987. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Dr. Paulson Professional Counseling LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

The 2 clock hours of child abuse recognition and reporting training required by Act 31 come from a provider approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services or Department of State.