Find a Therapist for Gambling Addiction in Scranton

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

This MiResource page supports people in Scranton, PA dealing with Gambling Addiction. You’ll learn what Gambling Addiction is, how treatment works, and practical steps to find qualified therapists in Scranton who treat it, with clear guidance to help you get started.

  • Michael Roman, Psychiatrist

    Michael Roman

    Psychiatrist

    Remote only

    Michael Roman is a Psychiatrist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Gambling, Self-Esteem, Alcohol Use.

    Dr. Roman is fully licensed to practice medicine in Connecticut, NY, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, with the authority to prescribe all psychiatric meds

    View profile
  • 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, Phobia, Bullying.

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

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  • Yang Chen, Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

    Yang Chen

    Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

    1528 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102

    Yang Chen is a Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has been in practice for 6 years. They treat Gambling, Childhood Abuse, Sleep Concerns.

    I provide medication management using a warm, empathic, and non-judgmental treatment approach. I'm happy to collaborate with your therapist if requested.

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  • Matthew McCool, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Matthew McCool

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

    Matthew McCool is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Gambling, Chronic Illness/Pain, Anxiety.

    Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.

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  • Dawn Marie Friend, Psychotherapist

    Dawn Marie Friend

    Psychotherapist, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

    2957 Ridge Road, South Park Township, Pennsylvania 15129

    Dawn Marie Friend is a Psychotherapist in South Park Township, Pennsylvania. They treat Gambling, Anxiety, Family Caregiving Stress.

    We are a group practice with 20 licensed clinicians who are skilled in many areas of mental health treatment. Should you need us, we are here!

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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, Postpartum Depression, Psychosis.

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

    View profile

Understanding Gambling Addiction

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Common Signs and Symptoms

This section outlines common signs of Gambling Addiction to help people in Scranton notice concerns early and consider whether it may be worth talking with a professional. These points are general signals, and experiences can vary from person to person.

  • Spending a lot of time thinking about gambling or planning the next opportunity to gamble
  • Needing to bet more money to feel the same excitement
  • Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back or stop
  • Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control gambling
  • Chasing losses by returning to win back money
  • Hiding or downplaying gambling from family, friends, or coworkers
  • Strained relationships, work, or finances linked to gambling decisions

Why This Happens

In Scranton, Gambling Addiction often develops from multiple interacting factors rather than a single cause. Biological predispositions can combine with learned patterns and life stressors. Understanding these layers helps people identify leverage points for change.

  • Biological factors
  • Genetic vulnerability or family history of addiction
  • Differences in brain reward circuitry and impulsivity
  • Co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder)
  • Psychological factors
  • Maladaptive coping with stress, anxiety, or low mood
  • Cognitive distortions like illusion of control and chasing losses
  • Sensation-seeking and difficulty delaying gratification
  • Environmental factors
  • Easy access to gambling (online platforms, casinos, sports betting)
  • Social circles or cultural norms that encourage betting
  • Financial stress, major life changes, or boredom/loneliness

How Treatment Works

Professional support can help you build coping strategies tailored to Gambling Addiction, so urges feel more manageable and daily routines become steadier. A clinician can help you make sense of patterns and triggers, which often reduces distress and the impact on work, relationships, and finances. In Scranton, PA, planning appointments around hilly terrain and limited transit frequency can make follow-through easier; many residents find driving the most reliable option. Because insurance acceptance varies and waitlists are common for in-network care, consider checking coverage details early and asking about private pay options with moderate rates. With steady guidance and a realistic plan, progress can be gradual but meaningful.

Finding the right provider in Scranton

Start by searching for Gambling Addiction therapists in Scranton using condition-specific filters. Use insurance filters to see who accepts your plan; insurance acceptance varies, and waitlists are common for in-network care. Filter for current availability and, if timing matters, consider moderate private-pay options to access sooner openings. Apply filters for therapeutic approach and other preferences, then read profiles to assess personal fit, since the right match can improve comfort and follow-through. MiResource makes comparing options easier so you can quickly focus on therapists who meet your needs.

Local Care Logistics in Scranton

Getting to Gambling Addiction care in Scranton often works best by car, since most residents drive and transit frequency is limited. Hilly terrain affects walkability, so plan extra time if you’re coming on foot in neighborhoods like Hill Section, East Mountain, or Hyde Park. If you’re in Downtown, Green Ridge, South Side, West Side, or North Scranton, build in a buffer for parking and slower cross‑town drives, especially when weather or hills make routes slower. If you rely on transit, check schedules ahead and allow for missed connections; consider booking first or last appointments of the day to reduce timing risks. Telehealth can help when schedules are tight, cutting out travel and parking altogether. Use virtual sessions for assessments, ongoing therapy, and check‑ins, with in‑person visits reserved for when they’re truly needed.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Scranton

  • Each morning, set 2 money rules for the day (e.g., carry $10 max; no betting apps). Use your bank’s gambling blocks and delete/restrict apps before leaving home.
  • When an urge hits, take a 15–20 minute walk at Nay Aug Park or the Lake Scranton Walking Trail; pick the flatter option if hills are tough. If time is tight, do 10 minutes of stairs or laps near home/work. Drive if transit is limited.
  • List your top 3 triggers (payday, sports, post-shift downtime). Pre-schedule swaps: a lap at McDade Park, a call with a friend, or a simple home task. Keep the list on your phone.
  • Each evening, note any urges/spending, text one trusted person, and set tomorrow’s plan. Remove casino mailers from your car, keep only a gas card, and choose routes that avoid gambling spots.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Use emergency services for gambling addiction if there is immediate danger, such as suicidal thoughts, threats or acts of violence, or inability to stay safe due to severe distress, intoxication, or withdrawal. Seek urgent help if financial or legal crises are triggering panic, you’re experiencing intense urges that feel uncontrollable, or family conflict is escalating. Call 911 right away if safety is at risk or a situation is unfolding that cannot wait. If you’re unsure but feel near a breaking point, call 988 for immediate guidance and support.

1) Recognize a crisis: thoughts of self-harm or harming others, escalating conflict, panic, inability to stop gambling despite severe consequences, or feeling unsafe. 2) If there is immediate danger, call 911; for urgent support and safety planning, call 988 or Lackawanna County Crisis Intervention (570-346-3350), and you can also request the Scranton Counseling Center Mobile Crisis Team (community mobile crisis response by Scranton Counseling Center). 3) If you need in-person urgent care, go to the nearest emergency department: Geisinger Community Medical Center; Regional Hospital of Scranton; Moses Taylor Hospital; Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. 4) Expect brief screening, safety assessment, and stabilization; bring ID if possible, and plan transportation given hilly terrain, limited transit frequency, and that most residents drive.

Common Questions About Gambling Addiction

Q: When should someone in Scranton consider seeing a therapist for Gambling Addiction? A: It may be time to seek therapy if gambling is causing financial strain, relationship conflict, work or school problems, or persistent guilt and stress. Urgency increases if you’re hiding gambling, chasing losses, or feeling unable to cut back despite trying. Therapy can also help if you’re unsure whether your habits are a problem but want an objective assessment. Reaching out early can prevent patterns from becoming more entrenched.

Q: What should someone in Scranton do if their first therapist for Gambling Addiction isn’t a good fit? A: It’s common to try more than one therapist before finding a match. You can share what isn’t working and ask whether the approach can be adjusted, or request a referral to someone with a different style. Consider what you want—structured tools, homework, or more supportive exploration—and look for those traits. Trust your instincts; comfort and collaboration are important for progress.

Q: Can virtual therapy help with Gambling Addiction for someone living in Scranton? A: Yes, virtual therapy can be effective for many people with Gambling Addiction. It offers easier scheduling and privacy, which may reduce barriers to starting care. Therapists can deliver evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral strategies, relapse-prevention planning, and support for coping with urges online. If cravings peak in certain settings, remote sessions may also allow real-time coaching where you are.

Q: What should someone in Scranton ask when choosing a therapist for Gambling Addiction? A: Ask about their experience treating Gambling Addiction and the methods they use, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, or financial harm-reduction planning. Inquire how they handle urges, relapse prevention, and co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, or substance use. Clarify session structure, progress tracking, and how family or financial counseling might be integrated. Discuss logistics like availability, communication between sessions, and privacy.

Q: Does therapy for Gambling Addiction help over time for people in Scranton? A: Many people see gradual benefits with consistent therapy, such as fewer gambling episodes, shorter relapses, and improved coping with triggers. Progress often includes rebuilding routines, repairing trust, and addressing underlying stressors. Setbacks can happen, but a steady plan and skills practice tend to improve resilience. Ongoing check-ins help adjust strategies as needs change.

Local Resources in Scranton

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Scranton, PA 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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Gambling Addiction Therapists in Scranton | MiResource