Problem Gambling Treatment and Research Center
At the Morgridge College of Education

Problem gambling is defined by The National Council on Problem Gambling as "gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational." Like alcoholism and other addictions, it is a very real, very serious disorder; one that has far-reaching and devastating implications for many individuals.

With 48 states now offering legalized gambling, and with games of chance available to everyone with Internet access, the number of people with gambling problems has grown.  At the same time, knowledge about helping these people lags. "There are relatively few studies on the best way to help problem gamblers," says Dr. Bobbi Vollmer, Director of the Morgridge College of Education's Problem Gambling Treatment and Research Center (PGTRC), which is funded by a grant from the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC).

The PGTRC is passionate about increasing services available to problem gamblers, their families, treatment providers, and the community through clinical treatment, research, education, and prevention efforts.

Treatment

An important part of the PGTRC is its collaboration with DU's Counseling and Educational Services Clinic in providing specialized treatment to problem gamblers.  Putting master's and doctoral students from the Counseling Psychology program to work, the clinic offers counseling and therapy at no cost to a wide variety of problem gamblers and their family members.

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

To schedule a counseling appointment, please call 303-434-6981 or e-mail Dr. Michael Faragher at mike.faragher@du.edu. The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 9pm. Please call during these hours or leave a message and someone will return your call.

Research

Clinical work performed in the center doubles as research for best practices in treating problem gamblers. Currently, Dr. Vollmer, along with Drs. Karin Dittrick-Nathan and Michael Faragher, both psychologists specializing in this population, is examining how client choice of treatment affects therapy.  "Most research programs take a particular approach, then recruit clients and see how it works. I thought; let's ask the clients what approach they want," Dr. Vollmer explains.  Though the research is still in its beginning stages, its early conclusions are illuminating. Clients like to choose their treatment modalities. When given the choice, they tend to remain in treatment. And, says Vollmer, "The longer you stay in therapy, the more favorable the outcome."

Education

In addition to providing therapy and conducting research, the center disseminates knowledge about problem gambling to community groups and mental health practitioners.  We are extremely excited for our 3rd Annual Conference on Problem Gambling: Precursors to Change, to which we invite students and mental health practitioners.