Access Self-Help Groups: A Clinical Provider Training

Recovery doesn’t have to happen alone, but taking that first step into a group can feel overwhelming. This session pulls back the curtain on peer support, exploring the real barriers, the different paths available, and what makes connection such a powerful force in recovery. It reframes support as something accessible, personal, and life-changing.

Price: $18.75

Credit

1.25 CE

Prerequisite

None

Class Instructor

Marc Lefkowitz

Class Description

This training equips clinical providers with practical guidance on accessing and integrating self-help and peer-support groups into treatment for individuals with gambling problems and affected others. Participants will learn how to identify major peer-support options, match clients to appropriate programs based on clinical needs and barriers, prepare clients for first meetings, and integrate peer support into treatment planning using evidence-informed practices. Emphasis is placed on engagement, readiness, harm reduction, and follow-up to support continuity of care.

Important Note

Peer-support and self-help programs discussed in this class are provided as examples for education and referral planning. CalPG does not require or endorse any single recovery pathway. Clinicians and clients should select supports based on individual needs, goals, safety, accessibility, privacy, culture, language, and fit.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify at least 4 peer-support program options for gambling recovery and affected individuals, including their primary features and access points
  • Match at least 3 client characteristics or needs to an appropriate peer-support option using clinical matching criteria
  • List at least 5 common barriers to first meeting attendance and describe one strategy to address each barrier

Educational Goals

  • Increase provider competence in identifying and accessing appropriate self-help and peer-support resources for gambling-related concerns
  • Improve client engagement and follow-through with peer-support referrals through effective preparation and matching
  • Support integration of peer support into treatment planning as an adjunct to clinical care
  • Strengthen continuity of care through effective documentation, follow-up, and adjustment of referral strategies

Outline

  • Role of Peer Support in Gambling Recovery (10 min.)
  • Overview of Self-Help and Peer-Support Options (20 min.)
  • Referral Readiness and Clinical Matching (10 min.)
  • Preparing Clients for First Meetings (10 min.)
  • Follow-Up, Documentation, and Integration into Treatment Planning (10 min.)

Topics: Treatment Techniques, Gambler, Affected Other, External Resources, Required for CCGC

Class Content