Find a Therapist for Gambling Addiction in Boulder

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

If you’re in Boulder and dealing with Gambling Addiction, deciding to seek help is a big step. This page explains the condition and can help you find local therapists who may fit your needs.

  • Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC, Sport Psychologist

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

    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, Learning Disorder, Athletic Performance.

    Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement

    View profile
  • Lisa Saponaro, Psychotherapist

    Lisa Saponaro

    Psychotherapist, Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), Psychologist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)

    7820 Peters Road, Plantation, Florida 33324

    Lisa Saponaro is a Psychotherapist in Plantation, Florida and has been in practice for 24 years. They treat Gambling, Physical Assault, Intimacy Concerns.

    Planting the seeds for personal growth. At our practice, WE NOURISH the growth of individuals, couples and families so YOU FLOURISH!

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  • Jacob Cooper, Sport Psychologist

    Jacob Cooper

    Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Jacob Cooper is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined. They treat Gambling, Paranoid Personality, Personal Growth.

    Dr. Cooper is an authentic and relational sport psychologist with 10+ years of experience with professional athletes, olympians, and US. special forces.

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  • Shelly Reed, Psychologist

    Shelly Reed

    Psychologist

    1845 South Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona 85202

    Shelly Reed is a Psychologist in Mesa, Arizona and has been in practice for 17 years. They treat Gambling, Chronic Illness/Pain, Phobia.

    Don't be shy...I've heard it all ;) I offer a warm and non-judgmental space to work through the things that have been holding you back.

    View profile
  • Scott Goldman, Sport Psychologist

    Scott Goldman

    Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Scott Goldman is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined. They treat Gambling, Conflict Resolution, Self-Esteem.

    Performance and Clinical Psychology is about understanding and amplifying human behavior and human interaction.

    View profile
  • Lynn Luna Jones, Counselor

    Lynn Luna Jones

    Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Licensed Psychological Examiner-Independent

    9826 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023

    Lynn Luna Jones is a Counselor in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Gambling, Insomnia, Career.

    I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in assessment. I am able to administer many types of psychological tests.

    View profile

Understanding Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is a recognized condition that affects a person’s ability to control gambling behavior. It is not a personal weakness. It is usually defined by ongoing gambling despite harm, trouble cutting back, and gambling becoming hard to stop. In simple terms, it means gambling is no longer just a choice or habit, but a condition that can interfere with daily life.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Gambling addiction in Boulder often shows up as a repeating pattern of thinking about gambling, planning for it, or recovering from it instead of just an occasional bet. Day to day, a person may seem restless, irritable, distracted, or unusually secretive when they are not gambling, and they may keep going even after it starts causing stress at home, work, or with money.

  • Spending more time than intended on gambling, sports betting, casino visits, or online betting
  • Repeatedly checking odds, scores, apps, or accounts throughout the day
  • Becoming irritable, tense, or withdrawn when unable to gamble
  • Lying about where money, time, or attention has gone
  • Missing work, school, meals, errands, or family plans because of gambling
  • Chasing losses by trying to win back money after a bad outcome
  • Borrowing money, hiding spending, or having bills go unpaid because gambling comes first

Why This Happens

Gambling Addiction often develops from a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental influences rather than a single cause. People may be more vulnerable when impulsivity, stress, or reward-seeking tendencies overlap. Life changes, mental health concerns, and repeated exposure to gambling can all make the behavior harder to control. Support, early recognition, and treatment can help even when several risk factors are present.

  • Biological factors
  • Family history of addiction or impulsive behavior
  • Differences in brain reward and decision-making systems
  • Co-occurring conditions such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD
  • Psychological factors
  • Using gambling to cope with stress, loneliness, or low mood
  • Strong cravings for excitement or quick relief
  • Poor impulse control or difficulty tolerating losses
  • Environmental factors
  • Easy access to gambling opportunities, including online platforms
  • Social circles where gambling is common or encouraged
  • Financial stress, boredom, or major life changes that increase risk

How Treatment Works

Getting professional help for Gambling Addiction can make it easier to develop coping strategies that fit your day-to-day life. It can also help you make sense of your experiences and understand the patterns that keep the problem going. With support, you may reduce the impact on work, relationships, and other responsibilities. In Boulder, it may take some planning to get to appointments because of traffic congestion during peak and university periods, limited parking near downtown and campus, and bus service that varies by neighborhood. Costs can also be a factor, since private pay rates are higher than average and insurance acceptance varies by provider, but finding the right support can still be a meaningful step forward.

Finding the right provider in Boulder

To find the right Gambling Addiction therapist in Boulder, start by searching for providers who specifically list Gambling Addiction as an area they treat. Then use filters to narrow by insurance, availability, and the therapy approach that best fits your needs. Because insurance acceptance varies by provider and private pay rates can be higher than average, checking costs early can save time. It also helps to consider practical factors like traffic congestion during peak and university periods, bus service that varies by neighborhood, and limited parking near downtown and campus. Personal fit matters too, so look for someone you feel comfortable talking to and who understands your goals. MiResource makes comparing options easier so you can choose more confidently.

Local Care Logistics in Boulder

In Boulder, getting to care can be easier if you plan around traffic and campus schedules. Appointments near Pearl Street, Central Boulder, Whittier, and 29th Street may be harder to reach during peak and university periods, and parking can be limited near downtown and campus. Bus service varies by neighborhood, so travel from places like Table Mesa, South Boulder, Gunbarrel, East Boulder, North Boulder, or NoBo may take different amounts of time. Many residents bike or drive to appointments, which can help if you need flexible timing. Session times outside busy commute windows may reduce delays. If you live in Mapleton Hill, Newlands, Chautauqua, The Hill, University Hill, Martin Acres, Pine Brook Hills, Wonderland Lake, or NoBo Art District, telehealth can be a practical option when schedules are tight or travel is inconvenient.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Boulder

For Gambling Addiction in Boulder, CO, a good place to start is Mental Health Partners or Boulder County Public Health for local navigation and community-based support, and NAMI Boulder County for peer support and family resources. If you are a student, University of Colorado Boulder and University of Colorado Counseling and Psychiatric Services can be a starting point for campus counseling and student support services. Clinica Family Health may also be an option to ask about behavioral health connections and broader care access. Because bus service varies by neighborhood and parking can be limited near downtown and campus, many people find it easier to bike or drive to appointments.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Emergency services are necessary if gambling problems lead to immediate danger, such as thoughts of self-harm, inability to stay safe, or a crisis that you cannot manage on your own. In that situation, call 988, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency department, such as Foothills Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Longmont United Hospital, or Community Medical Center. If you need urgent in-person help, Mobile Crisis Team via Mental Health Partners (Boulder County) and Colorado Crisis Services can help, but use 911 right away for an immediate safety emergency.

  1. Watch for crisis signs like feeling unable to stop gambling, overwhelming distress, or any concern that you may hurt yourself or cannot stay safe.
  2. For immediate danger, call 911 or 988 right away; for urgent support without immediate danger, contact Colorado Crisis Services or Mobile Crisis Team via Mental Health Partners (Boulder County).
  3. If you need emergency care in Boulder, go to Foothills Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, Longmont United Hospital, or Community Medical Center; traffic, campus congestion, and limited parking may affect travel.
  4. Expect staff to focus first on safety and urgent stabilization, and be ready to explain what is happening and whether you need immediate protection or crisis support.

Common Questions About Gambling Addiction

Q: When should someone see a therapist for Gambling Addiction? A: If gambling is causing stress, secrecy, money problems, relationship conflict, or trouble at work or school, it may be a good time to talk with a therapist. It can also help to reach out if stopping feels hard, even when you want to cut back. Getting support early in Boulder can be especially helpful before the problem grows. If there are thoughts of self-harm or severe financial crisis, seek urgent help right away.

Q: What should I do if the first therapist is not a good fit? A: It is reasonable to try another therapist if you do not feel understood, respected, or comfortable. A good fit can matter a lot for Gambling Addiction, especially when discussing shame, finances, and relapse risk. You can ask for a different style, a different schedule, or someone with more experience in addiction treatment. You do not need to stay with the first person if the match does not feel right.

Q: Can virtual therapy help with Gambling Addiction? A: Virtual therapy can be helpful for many people with Gambling Addiction, especially if getting to appointments in Boulder is inconvenient or difficult. It may make it easier to keep regular sessions and reduce barriers like traffic, parking, or busy schedules. Some people prefer in-person care, while others do well online, so the best option can vary. A therapist can help you decide whether virtual sessions fit your needs.

Q: What should I ask when choosing a therapist for Gambling Addiction? A: You might ask about the therapist’s experience treating Gambling Addiction and what approaches they use. It can also help to ask whether they offer individual, family, or group support, and how they handle relapse or urgent concerns. Since costs and insurance coverage can vary in Boulder, ask about fees, payment options, and whether sliding-scale openings are available. You can also ask how they measure progress and what a typical treatment plan looks like.

Q: Does therapy for Gambling Addiction help over time? A: Therapy can help many people reduce gambling urges, understand triggers, and build healthier coping skills over time. Progress is often gradual, and setbacks can be part of the process rather than a sign that treatment is failing. Ongoing support may also help with rebuilding trust, managing finances, and preventing relapse. Results can vary, but many people find that consistent therapy makes change more manageable.

Local Resources in Boulder

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Boulder, CO who treat Gambling Addiction. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.

Find care for you

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.

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