Class Description
To effectively provide treatment for gambling disorders, a clinician needs to first screen and assess for the disorder. Several screening instruments will be discussed during this workshop that have been used for such purposes, as well as a review of the DSM-5 Criteria for Gambling Disorder.
For successful recovery, the goals of treatment are the goals of the client, not the clinician. Some clients are looking for a harm-reduction model, where they can continue gambling, but in a modified, less harm-producing method. Others are seeking abstinence. The client’s treatment goal informs the overall treatment plan.
The presenter will use a 6 x 5 treatment matrix, as developed by the late Joanna Franklin, to develop a client-centered treatment plan that addresses six domains of the client’s life. The matrix allows each life domain to be assessed and prioritized. Resources are discussed for the development of action steps for the client to work toward recovery in the limited time allowed by health care companies and limited treatment sessions.
Important Note
Legal, employment, tax, restitution, and debt issues discussed in this class should be addressed within the clinician’s scope of practice. When a client faces possible criminal, civil, employment, or financial consequences, clinicians should encourage appropriate legal, financial, tax, or professional consultation before the client takes action that could affect legal rights, employment, or safety.
Learning Objectives
- Name three screening instruments used to determine if a person may have a gambling disorder
- Describe at least three behavioral changes to reduce the harm of gambling if a client chooses to follow a harm reduction model of treatment
- Identify six components of person-centered treatment planning
- Name the six domains addressed in the 6 x 5 treatment planning matrix and identify at least one client problem that may arise in each domain
Educational Goals
- Strengthen clinician understanding of evidence-informed screening tools used to identify gambling disorder and related risk
- Improve the ability to translate assessment findings into effective, person-centered treatment plans
- Increase clinician confidence in applying harm reduction and abstinence-based approaches based on client goals
- Promote comprehensive treatment planning using a multidimensional framework that addresses psychosocial, financial, legal, and spiritual domains
- Support consistent evaluation and follow-up practices to enhance treatment engagement and outcomes
Outline
- Screening vs. Assessment in Gambling Disorder (10 min.)
- Gambling Disorder Screening Instruments (15 min.)
- Treatment Planning Foundations and Person-Centered Care (10 min.)
- Harm Reduction and Abstinence Models (10 min.)
- The 6 × 5 Treatment Planning Matrix (15 min.)