Gambling and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

Gambling rarely exists on its own. Beneath the surface are powerful links to depression, anxiety, substance use, and even suicidality that can intensify harm and complicate recovery. This session uncovers the deeper mental health dynamics driving gambling behavior and why they matter.

Price: $22.50

Credit

1.5 CE

Prerequisite

None

Class Instructor

Class Description

This class examines the complex relationship between gambling disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. Participants will learn how mood disorders, substance use, trauma histories, and other psychiatric challenges intersect with gambling behavior, complicating diagnosis and treatment. The training highlights the importance of integrated, person-centered approaches to assessment and care for individuals at risk of relapse, suicide, or severe functional impairment.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify at least 3 common mental health conditions that frequently co-occur with gambling disorder
  • Describe 2 major challenges in diagnosing co-occurring gambling and psychiatric disorders
  • Recognize at least 3 warning signs of suicidality among individuals with gambling disorder

Educational Goals

  • Increase awareness of the high prevalence of mental health comorbidities in individuals with gambling disorder
  • Enhance clinicians’ ability to accurately assess and differentiate co-occurring psychiatric conditions
  • Promote understanding of the role of trauma, substance use, and impulsivity in gambling behavior
  • Encourage adoption of integrated, person-centered treatment planning
  • Support suicide prevention through improved risk identification and clinical response

Outline

  • Introduction to Gambling Disorder and Comorbidity (20 min.)
  • Diagnosing Co-occurring Disorders (20 min.)
  • Key Co-occurring Conditions (25 min.)
  • Suicidality and Risk Assessment (15 min.)
  • Integrated Treatment Strategies (10 min.)
     

Topics: Gambler, Treatment Techniques, At-Risk, Required for CCGC

Class Content