Therapy for Problem Gambling at The Gambling Clinic
The Gambling Clinic provides services for those who are experiencing gambling-related harms. People use a variety of terms for such concerns, including:
- Problem gambling or gambling problems
- Gambling disorder
- Gambling addiction
- Compulsive gambling
The Gambling Clinic has developed an effective approach to helping people gain control of their gambling and make changes in their lives. On average, people who complete our program experience an 87% reduction in their gambling and near remission of their gambling-related harms.
If gambling is causing harm in your life or the life of someone you care about, The Gambling Clinic is here to help.
Treatment Model
Our treatment builds your ability to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors related to your gambling and the harm it has caused you. We use what is called cognitive-behavioral techniques—or CBT— that we know work for people who struggle because of gambling. We know this because we have done the research to demonstrate effectiveness. We have also worked with over 2,500 people who each in their own way furthered our understanding of how to help people make changes to their gambling and their lives.
We have seen that collaboration between the client and the therapist, a focus on the specifics of gambling, and an awareness of your motivations to gain control of your gambling are vital for making changes. That’s why we work with clients to:
We believe in the power of outpatient treatment. Not only is outpatient treatment less costly, it gives people a chance to engage in skills in the context of all the noise and challenges in life. Just like learning to ride a bike means you have to get on the bike, learning to control your gambling means you have to be able to use your skills in a real-life context, where opportunities to gamble are all around you. Someone can be there to hold the seat of your bike and not let you fall for a while as you build skills and confidence. Eventually, they let you go so you can ride on your own. Treatment for gambling is more complicated in some ways, but when it works, and it usually does, it’s like learning to ride that bike and feeling the freedom to move forward, whatever the terrain.
People often ask how long treatment takes. The length of treatment varies some from person to person, but we have found that 8 to 10 individual meetings with a trained member of our team works for most people. Typically, those meetings are weekly, though from time to time important things might mean you need to skip a week. That skipped week is not a problem if we keep moving the change process forward.
Our program is unique as it also includes the opportunity, if you choose it, to receive support from a peer recovery specialist, or peer for short. A peer is someone who has firsthand experience with addiction and can walk alongside you as you make changes in your life.
For Tennessee residents, there is no charge for treatment. People who live in other states and come to Tennessee for treatment are asked to pay a comprehensive fee of $800 if they can, which covers all the sessions they need. We recognize that funds are often tight for those who struggle with gambling, and we offer financial assistance to those who need it. Our fee is never a barrier to getting care at The Gambling Clinic. No one is turned away because they cannot pay.
What to Expect
It all starts by scheduling an appointment for those individual meetings. We can usually offer appointments within a few days of your first call to us. After that first call, we also connect you with a peer recovery specialist, and you can be in touch with them by phone or text between sessions with your therapist. Consider giving us a call to schedule that first appointment.
Working With Our Staff
Our treatment team is composed of doctoral students in clinical psychology who have extensive training in treating people with gambling problems. They work under the supervision of a clinical psychologist who is recognized as an expert in the field. Members of our team are among the most experienced professionals treating those with gambling problems.
You can set up an in-person meeting in Memphis, Nashville, or Johnson City. If traveling to our clinic is a problem or if you prefer to meet virtually, we can meet you online, also known as telehealth, from anywhere in Tennessee. You can use your computer, tablet, or phone for these meetings. We can walk you through how to do this.
Although the first meeting might be longer, most sessions last about 50 minutes.
Support From Your Peer Recovery Specialist
Peer recovery specialists, or peers, are Gambling Clinic staff members who know firsthand about overcoming addiction. Your peer recovery specialist will support you in your efforts to make changes as you get control of your gambling and build the life you want. If you’re struggling to resist the urge to gamble, you can reach out to your peer. If you want to self-exclude from sports betting sites, your peer can help you do that. If you need financial counseling to figure out how to manage your gambling-related debt, your peer can point you to community resources. Your peer can also help you with practical concerns, like logging into telehealth or rescheduling an appointment.
Getting Started
To get started, give us a call at 833-TGC-TN00 (833-842-8600). You can also email us or submit the contact form below.
FAQs
We’ve provided answers to some frequently asked questions. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, you’re welcome to contact us.
Can I enroll my loved one in therapy?
We understand if you want to help a loved one get help for their gambling problem. You can contact us to find out more about our treatment and discuss how to talk with your loved one about getting the help they need. If they want to get help from The Gambling Clinic, we can make that appointment. If they do not want help right now, then we will talk with you about how to move forward. We are here to help.
How can I support a loved one who is in treatment for problem gambling?
Supporting a loved one involves being patient and encouraging. Sometimes those working to get control of their gambling may ask a loved one to help them in specific ways, like managing their finances for a while. But that’s not helpful or necessary for everyone. It can be a good idea to ask your loved one about the kind of support they would like and consider whether that’s something you’re open to.
If you have a loved one struggling with gambling, it can also be valuable to learn about problem gambling to better understand their challenges. You can read about gambling disorder and problem gambling on our website. You’re also welcome to call us with any questions you may have.
How much does treatment cost?
Treatment is free for residents of Tennessee.
Residents of other states who come to Tennessee for treatment are asked to pay one comprehensive fee of $800 if they can. This includes:
- All the one-on-one sessions you need (Most people need 8 to 10 sessions, but if you need more, they’re included.)
- Support from a peer recovery specialist
- Tools and resources to help you get control of your gambling
If it works better for you, you can pay the fee over time. If you need a reduced fee, we’ll work with you on that. If you can’t pay at all, that’s okay too. We want you to get the care you need. Your finances are never a barrier to working with The Gambling Clinic.
Where are you located?
We have locations in Memphis, Nashville, and Johnson City. You can also meet with us by telehealth (videoconference) from anywhere in Tennessee.
How long are sessions?
Sessions typically last about 50 minutes, although the first session may last a little longer.
How frequently will I meet with my therapist?
Most people meet with their therapist about once a week at first. As treatment progresses, some clients and their therapists decide to meet a little less frequently, like every two or three weeks. This lets you get more practice with your new skills in between sessions. You can talk with your therapist about what schedule would work best for you.
How long does treatment last?
There are five phases of The Gambling Clinic’s program. Most clients need about 8 to 10 meetings over a period of 3 to 4 months to complete the program. Some people finish the program a little sooner. It takes some people a little longer. That’s okay. We’re with you however long it takes. We will provide as many meetings as you need to complete your treatment with us and get control of your gambling.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. The treatment team adheres to strict confidentiality guidelines to ensure your privacy. We will provide more information about confidentiality before your first session, and your therapist can address any questions or concerns you may have.
Can I bring someone with me to my sessions?
Therapy for problem gambling is a personal process, so you’ll work individually with your therapist. Together, you’ll focus on understanding the place of gambling in your life and your reasons for gambling, and you’ll identify any changes you want to make in your life.
Even though therapy at The Gambling Clinic is individual, if you want your partner or another loved one to be involved in supporting you and providing accountability, you can talk with your therapist about that. Sometimes clients find it helpful for a significant other to participate in a portion of a session to discuss goals and accountability. You and your therapist can talk about how you could involve a loved one if that’s something you want to consider.
The Gambling Clinic can also provide support to your loved ones. We can talk with them to help them understand problem gambling, as well as ways they can support you. Some significant others have become clients of The Gambling Clinic themselves. They see a different therapist than their partner, and they receive therapy focused on their own experience as well as how they can support their loved one with a gambling problem.
What if I need support between meetings with my therapist?
As soon as you get started with us, you’ll be matched with a peer recovery specialist, a Gambling Clinic staff member who has lived experience with addiction and can walk alongside you as you get control of your gambling. If you need support or have questions between sessions, you can call or text your peer. You can also contact The Gambling Clinic with questions or concerns anytime. We’re with you.
Do I have to quit gambling?
It’s up to you whether to quit gambling completely or to set moderation goals and limit the amount of money or time you spend gambling. You will work with your therapist to set goals in the first phase of your treatment. You can change your goals along the way if you decide to. We’re here to help you make the changes that you want to get control of your gambling, whether that means quitting or moderation.
What if I slip up?
Sometimes people slip up. They may gamble when they didn’t intend to, or spend more money or time gambling than they planned. If you have a setback, we’re here to help you. By working together, even when things aren’t going well, we can help you build skills to face future challenges. If you have a slip up, we encourage you to contact your peer or call the Gambling Clinic office at 833-842-8600. It’s also important to tell your therapist about your setback at your next session. We’re here for you.
Is treatment effective?
Treatment at The Gambling Clinic is effective. Most people who complete our program reduce their gambling and have near remission of their gambling-related harm. Some people also see a decrease in depression or anxiety. It is possible to overcome gambling problems, especially with help from caring, skilled clinicians like those at The Gambling Clinic.
Why should I choose The Gambling Clinic?
Evidence-Based Therapy: Our motivationally enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach is backed by extensive research and has proven to be effective in treating gambling addiction.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Every client’s therapy plan is customized to meet their personal needs and goals.
Experience: The Gambling Clinic has helped more than 2,500 people get control of their gambling and make changes in their lives. We know what works and have a vision of success.
Flexible Scheduling: We offer both in-person and virtual appointments, including daytime and evening hours to fit your schedule.
Affordable Care: Treatment is free for Tennessee residents. For out-of-state residents coming to Tennessee for treatment, our $800 treatment fee covers all necessary sessions, and we offer financial accommodations to ensure no one is turned away.
Comprehensive Support: Our team provides ongoing support outside of therapy sessions to help you stay on track.
How do I get started?
Contact us to get started making the changes you want in your life.
Therapy for Problem Gambling at The Gambling Clinic
The Gambling Clinic provides services for those who are experiencing gambling-related harms. People use a variety of terms for such concerns, including:
- Problem gambling or gambling problems
- Gambling disorder
- Gambling addiction
- Compulsive gambling
The Gambling Clinic has developed an effective approach to helping people gain control of their gambling and make changes in their lives. On average, people who complete our program experience an 87% reduction in their gambling and near remission of their gambling-related harms.
If gambling is causing harm in your life or the life of someone you care about, The Gambling Clinic is here to help.
Treatment Model
Our treatment builds your ability to manage your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors related to your gambling and the harm it has caused you. We use what is called cognitive-behavioral techniques—or CBT— that we know work for people who struggle because of gambling. We know this because we have done the research to demonstrate effectiveness. We have also worked with over 2,500 people who each in their own way furthered our understanding of how to help people make changes to their gambling and their lives.
We have seen that collaboration between the client and the therapist, a focus on the specifics of gambling, and an awareness of your motivations to gain control of your gambling are vital for making changes. That’s why we work with clients to:
We believe in the power of outpatient treatment. Not only is outpatient treatment less costly, it gives people a chance to engage in skills in the context of all the noise and challenges in life. Just like learning to ride a bike means you have to get on the bike, learning to control your gambling means you have to be able to use your skills in a real-life context, where opportunities to gamble are all around you. Someone can be there to hold the seat of your bike and not let you fall for a while as you build skills and confidence. Eventually, they let you go so you can ride on your own. Treatment for gambling is more complicated in some ways, but when it works, and it usually does, it’s like learning to ride that bike and feeling the freedom to move forward, whatever the terrain.
People often ask how long treatment takes. The length of treatment varies some from person to person, but we have found that 8 to 10 individual meetings with a trained member of our team works for most people. Typically, those meetings are weekly, though from time to time important things might mean you need to skip a week. That skipped week is not a problem if we keep moving the change process forward.
Our program is unique as it also includes the opportunity, if you choose it, to receive support from a peer recovery specialist, or peer for short. A peer is someone who has firsthand experience with addiction and can walk alongside you as you make changes in your life.
For Tennessee residents, there is no charge for treatment. People who live in other states and come to Tennessee for treatment are asked to pay a comprehensive fee of $800 if they can, which covers all the sessions they need. We recognize that funds are often tight for those who struggle with gambling, and we offer financial assistance to those who need it. Our fee is never a barrier to getting care at The Gambling Clinic. No one is turned away because they cannot pay.
What to Expect
It all starts by scheduling an appointment for those individual meetings. We can usually offer appointments within a few days of your first call to us. After that first call, we also connect you with a peer recovery specialist, and you can be in touch with them by phone or text between sessions with your therapist. Consider giving us a call to schedule that first appointment.
Working With Our Staff
Our treatment team is composed of doctoral students in clinical psychology who have extensive training in treating people with gambling problems. They work under the supervision of a clinical psychologist who is recognized as an expert in the field. Members of our team are among the most experienced professionals treating those with gambling problems.
You can set up an in-person meeting in Memphis, Nashville, or Johnson City. If traveling to our clinic is a problem or if you prefer to meet virtually, we can meet you online, also known as telehealth, from anywhere in Tennessee. You can use your computer, tablet, or phone for these meetings. We can walk you through how to do this.
Although the first meeting might be longer, most sessions last about 50 minutes.
Support From Your Peer Recovery Specialist
Peer recovery specialists, or peers, are Gambling Clinic staff members who know firsthand about overcoming addiction. Your peer recovery specialist will support you in your efforts to make changes as you get control of your gambling and build the life you want. If you’re struggling to resist the urge to gamble, you can reach out to your peer. If you want to self-exclude from sports betting sites, your peer can help you do that. If you need financial counseling to figure out how to manage your gambling-related debt, your peer can point you to community resources. Your peer can also help you with practical concerns, like logging into telehealth or rescheduling an appointment.
Getting Started
To get started, give us a call at 833-TGC-TN00 (833-842-8600). You can also email us or submit the contact form below.
FAQs
We’ve provided answers to some frequently asked questions. If you have questions that aren’t answered here, you’re welcome to contact us.
Can I enroll my loved one in therapy?
We understand if you want to help a loved one get help for their gambling problem. You can contact us to find out more about our treatment and discuss how to talk with your loved one about getting the help they need. If they want to get help from The Gambling Clinic, we can make that appointment. If they do not want help right now, then we will talk with you about how to move forward. We are here to help.
How can I support a loved one who is in treatment for problem gambling?
Supporting a loved one involves being patient and encouraging. Sometimes those working to get control of their gambling may ask a loved one to help them in specific ways, like managing their finances for a while. But that’s not helpful or necessary for everyone. It can be a good idea to ask your loved one about the kind of support they would like and consider whether that’s something you’re open to.
If you have a loved one struggling with gambling, it can also be valuable to learn about problem gambling to better understand their challenges. You can read about gambling disorder and problem gambling on our website. You’re also welcome to call us with any questions you may have.
How much does treatment cost?
Treatment is free for residents of Tennessee.
Residents of other states who come to Tennessee for treatment are asked to pay one comprehensive fee of $800 if they can. This includes:
- All the one-on-one sessions you need (Most people need 8 to 10 sessions, but if you need more, they’re included.)
- Support from a peer recovery specialist
- Tools and resources to help you get control of your gambling
If it works better for you, you can pay the fee over time. If you need a reduced fee, we’ll work with you on that. If you can’t pay at all, that’s okay too. We want you to get the care you need. Your finances are never a barrier to working with The Gambling Clinic.
Where are you located?
We have locations in Memphis, Nashville, and Johnson City. You can also meet with us by telehealth (videoconference) from anywhere in Tennessee.
How long are sessions?
Sessions typically last about 50 minutes, although the first session may last a little longer.
How frequently will I meet with my therapist?
Most people meet with their therapist about once a week at first. As treatment progresses, some clients and their therapists decide to meet a little less frequently, like every two or three weeks. This lets you get more practice with your new skills in between sessions. You can talk with your therapist about what schedule would work best for you.
How long does treatment last?
There are five phases of The Gambling Clinic’s program. Most clients need about 8 to 10 meetings over a period of 3 to 4 months to complete the program. Some people finish the program a little sooner. It takes some people a little longer. That’s okay. We’re with you however long it takes. We will provide as many meetings as you need to complete your treatment with us and get control of your gambling.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. The treatment team adheres to strict confidentiality guidelines to ensure your privacy. We will provide more information about confidentiality before your first session, and your therapist can address any questions or concerns you may have.
Can I bring someone with me to my sessions?
Therapy for problem gambling is a personal process, so you’ll work individually with your therapist. Together, you’ll focus on understanding the place of gambling in your life and your reasons for gambling, and you’ll identify any changes you want to make in your life.
Even though therapy at The Gambling Clinic is individual, if you want your partner or another loved one to be involved in supporting you and providing accountability, you can talk with your therapist about that. Sometimes clients find it helpful for a significant other to participate in a portion of a session to discuss goals and accountability. You and your therapist can talk about how you could involve a loved one if that’s something you want to consider.
The Gambling Clinic can also provide support to your loved ones. We can talk with them to help them understand problem gambling, as well as ways they can support you. Some significant others have become clients of The Gambling Clinic themselves. They see a different therapist than their partner, and they receive therapy focused on their own experience as well as how they can support their loved one with a gambling problem.
What if I need support between meetings with my therapist?
As soon as you get started with us, you’ll be matched with a peer recovery specialist, a Gambling Clinic staff member who has lived experience with addiction and can walk alongside you as you get control of your gambling. If you need support or have questions between sessions, you can call or text your peer. You can also contact The Gambling Clinic with questions or concerns anytime. We’re with you.
Do I have to quit gambling?
It’s up to you whether to quit gambling completely or to set moderation goals and limit the amount of money or time you spend gambling. You will work with your therapist to set goals in the first phase of your treatment. You can change your goals along the way if you decide to. We’re here to help you make the changes that you want to get control of your gambling, whether that means quitting or moderation.
What if I slip up?
Sometimes people slip up. They may gamble when they didn’t intend to, or spend more money or time gambling than they planned. If you have a setback, we’re here to help you. By working together, even when things aren’t going well, we can help you build skills to face future challenges. If you have a slip up, we encourage you to contact your peer or call the Gambling Clinic office at 833-842-8600. It’s also important to tell your therapist about your setback at your next session. We’re here for you.
Is treatment effective?
Treatment at The Gambling Clinic is effective. Most people who complete our program reduce their gambling and have near remission of their gambling-related harm. Some people also see a decrease in depression or anxiety. It is possible to overcome gambling problems, especially with help from caring, skilled clinicians like those at The Gambling Clinic.
Why should I choose The Gambling Clinic?
Evidence-Based Therapy: Our motivationally enhanced cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach is backed by extensive research and has proven to be effective in treating gambling addiction.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Every client’s therapy plan is customized to meet their personal needs and goals.
Experience: The Gambling Clinic has helped more than 2,500 people get control of their gambling and make changes in their lives. We know what works and have a vision of success.
Flexible Scheduling: We offer both in-person and virtual appointments, including daytime and evening hours to fit your schedule.
Affordable Care: Treatment is free for Tennessee residents. For out-of-state residents coming to Tennessee for treatment, our $800 treatment fee covers all necessary sessions, and we offer financial accommodations to ensure no one is turned away.
Comprehensive Support: Our team provides ongoing support outside of therapy sessions to help you stay on track.
How do I get started?
Contact us to get started making the changes you want in your life.
