Online Treatment

What is online treatment?

As well as telephone and face-to-face treatment, GamCare offers online sessions via webcam (currently through software called Zoom – check for technical requirements). You can access this service through a PC, laptop, smartphone, iPad or Android tablet.

You will have an initial assessment with a GamCare practitioner to discuss what type of treatment may work best for you, then you will be given a personalised plan. During your assessment you have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about how our treatment works, and you can also familiarise yourself with Zoom before your regular sessions begin.

Who can receive online treatment?

GamCare provides treatment for anyone adversely affected by gambling over the age of 16 in England, Scotland and Wales.

For gamblers

GamCare’s group Gambling Recovery Course runs online, which gives you regular input from your practitioner as well as support from others with similar experiences. From our experience, we believe that connecting with others who have similar experiences is really beneficial to your recovery.

There may be occasions when we feel you would benefit from individual online sessions. This can be discussed with one of our practitioners at your initial assessment.

For friends and family

If you are affected by a friend or family member’s gambling, we can offer one-to-one online support. Speaking to a GamCare practitioner can help you to understand the impact that gambling has on your life and to focus on your own needs. Please get in touch to find out how we can help you.

How many sessions will I have?

GamCare usually offer an online group course for between six – ten sessions. Individual treatment plans will be agreed with your practitioner.

Group sessions last an hour and a half and individual sessions are 50 minutes.

What does the online Gambling Recovery Course look like?

Each week, your group will examine an element or theme around problem gambling. Our courses are designed to support your recovery from problem gambling and reducing the harmful impacts associated with gambling.

The course is open to those who want to stop gambling as well as those who hope to control and reduce their gambling. The sessions will explore:

• what leads to your gambling
• how you can cope with situations that usually lead to gambling in a different way
• how to minimise the harm caused by problem gambling
• how to prevent and manage (re-)lapses

You will benefit most from the programme if you:

• attend all sessions
• are open about your experiences, struggles and (re-)lapses
• actively participate in the discussions and exercises

You will be sent handouts via email before each session, which you are welcome to keep for future reference. The handouts may also contain some optional exercises.

We cover the following topics:

• Setting and sticking to goals
• Reasons for gambling
• Triggers and choices
• High risk situations and set-ups
• Cravings and urges
• Dealing with difficult feelings (Part 1): The link between thoughts and feelings
• Dealing with difficult feelings (Part 2): Anger and grief
• Guilt and shame
• Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries
• Coping with stress

Once you have completed the programme, you can still access further one-to-one treatment if needed.

When does the course take place?

We are currently offering our Gambling Recovery Courses on:

• Wednesdays from 6pm – 7.30pm

​Please note that if you are more than 10 minutes late without informing your practitioner, you may not be admitted to the group.

I think this might work for me, how can I register?

You can complete our online registration form or contact the HelpLine to register for treatment, and you can talk through the options available for you at your initial assessment.

If you are placed on our waiting list, we will email you when a space in the group becomes available. When registering, please provide an email address that you check regularly. To ensure confidentiality, please always provide your own email address.

Please note, GamCare treatment is not a crisis service. If you currently feel distressed or suicidal, before registering for our services please contact your GP, the Samaritans on 116 123 or the emergency services on 999.