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Problem Gambling Outreach: The Counselor's Role

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What is Outreach?

Outreach has two primary functions:  one is to increase awareness of the issue of problem gambling in general; the other is to get clients into treatment.   A brochure on problem gambling is an example of a method of increasing awareness, whereas working with substance abuse treatment partners to set up screening and referral systems is an example of getting clients into treatment.  Both are important, but given the fact that problem gamblers are notoriously slow to come to treatment, your efforts as a counselor are better spent in the type of outreach that’s focused on bringing clients in the door—others, including the State PGS office staff, the Lottery and local prevention/outreach providers who aren’t counselors may be better suited to the general awareness type of outreach.

Outreach Isn’t A One Time Deal.

The most important thing to remember about outreach is that the need for it does not end…a one time presentation to a group is unlikely to produce any meaningful increase in treatment enrollments, although it will increase awareness.  Going back repeatedly is essential; developing relationships is essential. 

Seal the Deal.

If you want an agency or individual to refer clients to you, you must be as concrete as possible in what you say, and what you agree to.  You must also do a lot of follow up.  If you make contact with a substance abuse treatment agency and talk about the importance of including gambling questions, how you can provide free treatment, etc. you’ve only done part of the job.  You need to stay with it until you see the questions added to their intake forms, until you start to get referrals, and even afterwards.  If an agency adds your suggested gambling screening questions and you never hear from them, give them a call and ask why…chances are no one is actually following up on those questions so you’ll need to go back again and talk to the staff or management.

Where to Look for Clients:

Ongoing Partnerships: 

If you have the time, in the long run, the organizations below can be useful partners in helping you find clients—it takes time to develop and nurture these partnerships, and it requires providing some basic education to them on the issue of problem gambling, treatment availability, etc., but it can be well worth the effort.

 

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