Our treatment offer
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GamCare provides a range of short- and longer-term treatment options, either over the phone, face-to-face or online. Our treatment is free, flexible and confidential.
You may receive one-to-one support or you may take part in courses where you can meet others in similar situations.
Our specially trained and experienced practitioners can give you the safe, confidential space you need to discuss how gambling affects you, and we will work with you to find strategies to help you move forward in a positive way.
As well as working with a network of partner agencies, GamCare directly delivers support and treatment services in the following areas:
GamCare can offer:
- One-to one face-to-face, online and telephone therapeutic support and treatment for people with gambling problems as well as family and friends who are impacted by gambling
- Group based Gambling Recovery Courses delivered face to face or online for between six to eight weeks
- Guided online treatment modules for gamblers which can be accessed at a time and place convenient for the client over the course of eight weeks, with additional telephone support from a GamCare practitioner
- Relapse Prevention support groups
Our practitioners work within a broad range of therapeutic approaches, meaning that GamCare can provide treatment that is tailored to your needs and your goals for recovery.
For more information about our services speak to one of our Advisers.
- Our treatment services are available for anyone affected by problem gambling across England, Scotland and Wales for anyone aged 16 and over.
Your GamCare practitioner can help you understand both the problem gambling behaviour as well as the thoughts, feelings and circumstances which may have led to this. Your practitioner will also help you develop strategies to deal with difficult situations in ways which don’t rely on gambling. This treatment is available face-to-face, over the phone and online.
GamCare also provides advice and treatment for family members and friends who are affected by a loved one’s gambling behaviour, even if the gambler does not wish to seek support yet.
GameChange Course
We also offer an online treatment course called GameChange, which aims to fit into your busy life. The course is informed by Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), an effective treatment that has been shown to change negative thought patterns and improve how you feel. Before you can access these modules you will need to complete a brief screening process. Please note these modules are only available in Great Britain.
How can GamCare treatment help?
Your treatment will be tailored to your individual needs. The main aims of GamCare treatment are:
- To help stop or reduce the frequency of problem gambling
- To help develop ways of coping with problem gambling behaviour
- To help understand some of the underlying reasons why gambling has become a problem
- To help address related issues that are causing harm or damage
- To help develop a productive and healthy life without problem gambling
You and your GamCare practitioner will agree your treatment plan and goals together.
So you’ll tell me what to do?
No. Your practitioner is there to support you, and they will help you to understand your situation better so you can identify the goals which matter to you, make positive changes in your life and make strides to achieve them.
Where can I receive face-to-face treatment?
We work with 13 partner agencies to deliver GamCare treatment across Great Britain. If you would like to receive face-to-face treatment near you, take a look at our interactive map to find your nearest service.
If you cannot see a listing for your area, contact our Advisers for more ideas about support and treatment. You can also ask the team about online treatment.
How quickly will I be seen?
This will depend on your availability to attend a regular session. When your initial assessment is completed, we will allocate you to a practitioner as soon as possible. If you are able to commit to an appointment time, you should be able to start treatment within two weeks at the most.
What if it doesn’t work?
Treatment can work differently for all of us. The process of change is also different for each person, but receiving support is a good way to begin to understand and make lasting changes to harmful gambling behaviour. It’s often worth talking through what’s going on for you with someone you trust, and GamCare can help you with this.
Lapses may happen, and your practitioner will work with you, supporting you through this towards your goals for recovery.
If you change your mind about treatment at any time this is your choice, however you can speak to your practitioner about other options which may be available too.
How can I register?
Contact our Advisers for a free referral into our treatment network.
If you’re interested in face-to-face treatment in one of our London offices, you can register through our online form.
To find out more or register for online treatment click here.
Can I refer someone else for treatment?
If there is someone you know who might benefit from our services please do recommend GamCare, and encourage them to contact the National Gambling HelpLine to talk through all of the options available to them for support.
Professionals working with someone affected by problem gambling can make a referral for treatment through the HelpLine, as long as they can have written consent from the individual.
Our service is confidential, accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abides by their Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions. Please note our service is not provided by the NHS.
