Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Taking the step to seek help for Gambling Addiction is a big one. This page explains the condition and helps you find local therapists in Amherst, with options that may fit your schedule, travel needs, and access to care.
Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC)
Remote only
Theresa Paul is a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) in undefined, undefined. They treat Gambling, Anxiety, Depression.
Expert-led counseling for gambling & other behavioral addictions (gaming, compulsive sexual behavior, pornography)
Psychiatrist
274 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016
Dana Wang is a Psychiatrist in New York, New York and has been in practice for 12 years. They treat Gambling, Physical Assault, Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform and Brief Psychosis.
Dana continues to be a passionate advocate for minority mental health and emotional wellness.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
185 Lincoln Street, Hingham, Massachusetts 02043
Jacob Szulak is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Hingham, Massachusetts. They treat Gambling, School Concerns, Sleep Concerns.
Hi! I'm Jake Szulak, and I welcome the opportunity to work with you!
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Remote only
Beth Burlingame is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Gambling, Learning Disorder, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma.
I welcome and affirm clients of all identities and backgrounds. I bring warmth, a collaborative and nonjudgmental stance to my work
Psychiatrist
Remote only
George Hartstein is a Psychiatrist in undefined, undefined. They treat Gambling, Avoidant Personality, Physical Stress.
Helps adults with anxiety, panic, and OCD understand their symptoms, shift patterns, and find relief through therapy and medication management.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
274 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10016
Rayna Friedman is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in New York, New York and has been in practice for 1 years. They treat Gambling, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife, Sexual Identity.
Compassionate care for trauma, anxiety, and depression—helping you uncover and embrace your potential.
Gambling Addiction is a recognized condition, not a personal weakness. It means a person has repeated trouble controlling gambling, even when it causes harm to their finances, relationships, work, or health. In simple terms, it is when gambling becomes hard to stop and starts affecting daily life.
Gambling Addiction can look different from person to person, and the signs can vary depending on the situation. Some people notice clear changes in behavior, while others may hide it for a long time.
Gambling addiction often develops from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental influences rather than a single cause. Some people are more vulnerable because of family history or brain-based reward pathways, while others are affected by stress, mood symptoms, or impulsive coping habits. Easy access to betting opportunities and repeated exposure to gambling cues can also make the problem more likely to start and harder to stop.
Getting professional help for gambling addiction can make it easier to develop coping strategies that fit your daily life. It can also help you make sense of your experiences and understand what may be driving the behavior. With support, many people find that the condition has less impact on work, school, relationships, and routines. In Amherst, telehealth may be a practical option when traffic, parking, or winter weather make travel harder. Progress can take time, but steady support can make change feel more manageable and realistic.
To find the right Gambling Addiction therapist in Amherst, start by searching specifically for therapists who work with Gambling Addiction so you can focus on providers with the right experience. Use filters for insurance, because insurance acceptance varies, and check availability early since housing demand during the academic year can affect scheduling flexibility. You can also narrow your search by approach to find someone whose style matches your needs. Personal fit matters, so look for a therapist you feel comfortable with and who understands your situation. In Amherst, traffic and parking pressures during the academic year, winter weather, and limited parking near campuses and downtown can make travel harder, so telehealth may be a practical option. MiResource makes comparing options easier.
In Amherst, getting therapy for gambling addiction can depend on where you live and how you travel. People in Amherst Center, North Amherst, South Amherst, East Amherst, and the Five Colleges area may face different access issues, especially during university semester peaks. Traffic and parking can be tight near campuses and downtown, so bus routes, walking, or telehealth may be easier than driving. If you are coming from the Pelham Road area or Orchard Valley, winter weather and icy roads can make appointments harder to keep. Scheduling can also be challenging around academic workloads, student housing changes, and end-of-semester stress. Choosing appointment times that fit work, classes, and commute time can help. Telehealth can reduce travel and parking burdens, while in-person care may take more planning if you live farther from central Amherst.
For someone in Amherst coping with gambling addiction, starting with 211 Massachusetts can help with referrals and basic navigation to local supports. Behavioral Health Network, Clinical & Support Options, and ServiceNet are examples of organizations that may help people look for treatment options or connected services. Because insurance acceptance varies and sliding-scale clinics can have waitlists, asking about cost before scheduling can save time. Telehealth may also help reduce travel and parking burdens.
For ongoing support, NAMI Western Massachusetts may be a useful place to look for peer and family support options. Students can also start with the Center for Counseling and Psychological Health at UMass Amherst for campus-based help. In Amherst, many students rely on bus transit and walking, which can make access easier than driving, especially when parking is limited near campuses and downtown. Winter weather and semester peaks can still affect travel and scheduling, so planning ahead can help keep support consistent.
Use emergency services right away if gambling addiction leads to thoughts of suicide or self-harm, severe panic, inability to stay safe, or a medical emergency. If the situation feels urgent or out of control, call 988 or 911 immediately. You can also reach Behavioral Health Network Crisis Services at (800-437-5922) or Clinical & Support Options Crisis Line at (800-562-0112) for urgent help. If travel is possible, go to the nearest emergency department, such as Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Baystate Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center, or Holyoke Medical Center.
Q: When should someone see a therapist for gambling addiction? A: It may help to see a therapist if gambling is causing stress, secrecy, debt, conflict, or trouble meeting responsibilities. In Amherst, it can also be useful to reach out early if travel, parking, or winter weather make it harder to keep up with in-person care. A therapist can help you sort out patterns and decide what support fits your situation.
Q: What should someone do if the first therapist is not a good fit? A: If the first therapist does not feel like a good fit, it is reasonable to try someone else. You can look for a therapist with experience in gambling addiction or related concerns, and ask more questions before scheduling again. Finding the right match can take time, and changing providers is a common part of the process.
Q: Can virtual therapy help with gambling addiction? A: Virtual therapy can help some people with gambling addiction, especially if getting to appointments is difficult. In Amherst, telehealth may reduce travel, parking, and winter weather barriers. It may not be the best fit for everyone, but it is often worth considering if it makes care easier to access.
Q: What should someone ask when choosing a therapist for gambling addiction? A: You might ask whether the therapist has experience treating gambling addiction and what approaches they use. It can also help to ask about session format, availability, insurance, sliding-scale options, and whether they offer virtual visits. In Amherst, asking about scheduling flexibility can be useful if academic-year traffic or limited parking may affect attendance.
Q: Does therapy for gambling addiction help over time? A: Therapy can help many people build skills for managing urges, stress, and triggers over time. Progress may be gradual, and setbacks can happen, but ongoing support often helps people notice patterns and make healthier choices. The most helpful plan is usually one that fits the person’s goals, access needs, and level of readiness.
MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Amherst, MA who treat Gambling Addiction. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.
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.
