Services

The San Diego Center for Pathological Gambling offered gambling-specific outpatient treatment for problem gamblers and their families, along with education and expert testimony.

Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation

Assessment of the level of a gambling problem with the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and other instruments, with a mental health and substance use examination including depression screening.

Individualized outpatient treatment

Treatment by a defined plan, using a cognitive-behavioral approach within a relapse prevention framework that also addresses financial issues, self-care and relationships. In the early years this included a three-tier intensive outpatient group program.

Psycho-educational group for families

A group for spouses, partners and family members of gamblers, giving them information, tools and boundaries. In 2004 the center ran it as an eight-week group called "Women and Men Who Love Too Much".

Family therapy

A whole-system approach for an individual, a couple or a family group, as needed.

Consultation, community education and speaking

Lectures, interviews, private consultations and educational presentations on gambling-related issues, tailored to each group.

Expert court testimony

Testimony as an expert witness on pathological gambling in local and federal courts, in civil and criminal cases, with consultation and depositions on request.

Online and telephone counseling

Pre-arranged one-hour sessions in the center's online chat room, by telephone or by Skype video, after a background questionnaire.

Kick Butts: quitting smoking in recovery

From 2010 the center offered a nicotine-free group program for people already in recovery from drug, alcohol or gambling problems: twelve sessions over four weeks, no more than ten participants, built on addiction theory and behavioral change.

Screening questions

The center's home page opened with these nine questions. Answering yes to one or more is a sign of trouble with gambling. They are a starting point, not a diagnosis.

Do you use gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve depression?
Do you feel unable to stop playing regardless of winning or losing?
Have you repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back or stop gambling?
Do you feel a need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve excitement?
After losing money while gambling, do you often return on another day to "get even" to recoup your losses?
Have you neglected family or work responsibilities because of gambling?
Have you lost or jeopardized important relationships due to gambling?
Have you lied to family members, therapists, or others to conceal the extent of involvement with your gambling?
Have you committed illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, theft, or embezzlement in order to support your gambling habit?