Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025If gambling is taking up more of your time, energy, or money than you want it to, you're not alone—and you're not out of options. With the right therapist for gambling addiction, recovery is possible. Whether you’re trying to stop or just wondering if your gambling is becoming a problem, there is help available.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
1626 North Litchfield Road, Goodyear, Arizona 85395
Cooper Buranen is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Goodyear, Arizona. They treat Gambling, Sexual Assault, Work/Life Balance.
I am passionate about working with both individuals and partners to achieve realistic goals. I'm here to help you figure out your next step.
Sport Psychologist
Remote only
Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Gambling, Peer Difficulties, Medication Concerns.
Licensed clinical sports psychologist, specializing in mental health treatment and performance enhancement in elite athletes
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
595 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102
Todd Frickey is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Saint Paul, Minnesota and has been in practice for 2 years. They treat Gambling, Sexual Concerns, Personal Growth.
I tailor the therapeutic process to create a safe setting to heal and facilitate growth through an exploration of emotions, experiences and relationships.
Counselor, Pre-Licensed Professional
1882 Capital Circle Northeast, Tallahassee, Florida 32308
Tia Stephens is a Counselor in Tallahassee, Florida and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Gambling, Social Anxiety, School Concerns.
“Providing affirming, inclusive therapy for individuals, young adults, and LGBTQIA+ clients in a safe space to heal, grow, and thrive.”
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
4182 North Viking Way, Long Beach, California 90808
Patrick Cleveland is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Long Beach, California and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Gambling, Infertility, Aging.
Greetings! I am the founder & clinical director of Daybreak Counseling Center. We provide psychotherapy in Long Beach, Cerritos, & Online in all of CA.
Primary Care Physician, Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC), Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC), Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
725 Front Street, Santa Cruz, California 95060
Depinder Singh is a Primary Care Physician in Santa Cruz, California and has been in practice for 15 years. They treat Gambling, Trauma, Suicidal Ideation.
Join The Key Addiction Treatment Center where we meet in community at our Residential Rehab facility or our Intensive Outpatient Program.
Each day offers a chance to start again. You're not alone in this—support can help you regain control.
— Gabriela Asturias, MD
Gambling is any activity where you risk something of value (usually money) in the hope of gaining something more. This includes:
Not all gambling is problematic. But for some, the excitement turns into obsession, and what started as entertainment becomes a harmful habit. That’s where gambling addiction support becomes essential.
Gambling addiction—also known as gambling disorder or compulsive gambling—is a behavioral addiction. It’s marked by a loss of control, despite increasing negative consequences. If you find yourself:
You may benefit from talking to a gambling addiction therapist. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to stop the cycle.
Gambling addiction can be hard to recognize—especially in yourself. It doesn’t always look dramatic or destructive at first. Over time, though, it becomes harder to hide and harder to stop.
Common signs include:
If any of this feels familiar, a licensed gambling counselor can help you understand what’s going on and what recovery could look like.
The American Psychiatric Association defines gambling disorder as a persistent and recurring gambling behavior that leads to significant distress or problems in life. To receive a diagnosis, a person must meet at least four out of nine criteria over a 12-month period, including:
Diagnosis isn’t about judgment. It’s a tool to identify what kind of gambling addiction support is needed. A licensed gambling addiction psychologist can help assess your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan.
Diagnosis begins with an open conversation. Your provider may ask about:
They may use screening tools like the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) or DSM-5 criteria to better understand your experience. If you’re not ready to stop yet, that’s okay—a good therapist will meet you where you are.
Gambling addiction isn’t caused by greed or poor willpower—it’s a complex condition influenced by many factors:
Gambling addiction can happen to anyone. Fortunately, with professional help and support, it’s treatable.
Gambling addiction is highly treatable, and many people make lasting changes with the right combination of therapy, education, and support. Treatment doesn’t just focus on stopping the behavior—it helps you understand why gambling became a problem and gives you tools to take back control of your life.
One of the most effective approaches is therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps you recognize the thoughts, feelings, and situations that lead to gambling, and teaches you how to change your response. For example, many people with gambling addiction believe things like “I’m due for a win” or “I can earn it back if I keep playing.” CBT works to challenge and reframe those beliefs. A therapist for gambling addiction can also help you identify triggers, manage urges, and build healthier coping skills.
Psychoeducation is a key part of treatment. This means learning about how addiction works in the brain, why gambling becomes compulsive, and how it interacts with emotions like stress, boredom, or loneliness. Understanding the science behind your behavior can reduce shame and help you feel more empowered. A gambling addiction therapist can walk you through how the reward system in your brain gets hijacked by gambling and what steps you can take to break the cycle.
Support networks are another critical piece. Many people benefit from group therapy, 12-step programs like Gamblers Anonymous, or family therapy that helps loved ones heal and support recovery. You may also work with a gambling counselor to set financial boundaries or create accountability systems that help keep you on track.
In some cases, medication may be part of the plan—especially if you’re also dealing with depression, anxiety, or impulse control issues. There’s no single “gambling pill,” but certain medications can reduce urges or treat co-occurring conditions that make gambling worse.
Environmental changes matter too. This can mean limiting access to gambling websites or apps, giving someone else control of your finances temporarily, or building a structured routine that leaves less time and space for gambling.
Every recovery plan looks a little different. A licensed gambling addiction psychologist or counselor will work with you to develop a treatment approach tailored to your needs, values, and goals.
You don’t have to go through this alone. With the right knowledge and support, change is not only possible—it’s sustainable.
Treatment may come from:
Whether in person or via online therapy for gambling addiction, it’s important to work with someone who understands the emotional and financial layers of this disorder.
Gambling addiction rarely goes away on its own. It often worsens over time, especially without support. Left untreated, it can lead to:
On the other hand, recovery can bring:
The sooner you start, the easier it is to change direction. Even if things feel out of control now, help for gambling addiction is always available.
While gambling doesn’t involve a substance, it activates the brain’s reward system in a similar way. Both gambling and substance use disorders involve:
But gambling is a behavioral addiction, meaning it’s tied to actions rather than substances. Treatment is similar—often involving cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, and emotional skill-building.
Gambling addiction frequently co-occurs with other mental health challenges, such as:
Treating the addiction and underlying conditions together often leads to better outcomes. A licensed gambling addiction psychologist can help identify and address all contributing factors.
No. While casinos are common triggers, many people develop problems with:
It’s not the format that matters—it’s the impact gambling has on your life. If it causes distress or disrupts your well-being, it’s worth addressing.
No. In fact, big wins can make the addiction worse. They may reinforce the belief that gambling will solve financial problems or create excitement that’s hard to resist later. Even after winning, many people continue gambling until the money is gone.
Sustainable recovery focuses on changing the behavior, not chasing a better outcome. A therapist for gambling addiction can help shift your focus from chasing wins to building long-term peace.
Gambling addiction isn’t just about money. It’s about control, time, secrecy, and emotional distress. Even if you aren’t in debt, gambling may still be harming your:
If gambling feels like something you can’t stop—even when you want to—it’s a problem worth addressing.
It’s not about frequency—it’s about impact. Some people gamble daily without addiction. Others gamble once a month but feel completely consumed by it.
If gambling causes emotional distress, financial trouble, secrecy, or relationship problems, it may be time to seek help. You don’t need to “hit bottom” to start recovering.
Gambling laws vary by state. Some forms—like sports betting or online poker—are legal in some areas and restricted in others. Regardless of legality, gambling can still be addictive.
Even legal and socially accepted forms of gambling can become a problem. If you're struggling, gambling addiction support is available—no matter where or how you gamble.
Gambling addiction is real—but so is recovery. Whether you're looking for a gambling counselor, starting therapy for gambling addiction, or just curious about what’s next, you're not alone. The first step is reaching out—and you’ve already started.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
