Problem Gambling and Technology Use Treatment Services

Intended For

Anyone who wants to quit or reduce their gambling or technology use.

Referral Requirements:

Self-referral accepted through Access CAMH, call 416-535-8501 press 2

Services Offered As:

Outpatient

Location:

Queen Street Site - 60 White Squirrel Way

Additional Location Details:

3rd floor

Contact Phone Number:

Access CAMH: 416 535 8501, press 2

More Contact Details:

For service outside of the Metro Toronto region, contact the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline at 1 888 230 3505 at any time. They will be able to provide you with contact information for the nearest treatment agency.

Types of Treatment and Services Offered

• Assessment and referrals
• Group treatment for adult gamblers or technology users
• Group treatment for family members of gamblers
• Group treatment for Youth (age 16-25) technology users
• Group and Individual (up to 6 sessions) treatment for parents of youth technology users
• Mindfulness Group
• Psychiatric consultation and follow-up

Program Overview

The Problem Gambling and Technology Use Treatment Service offers specialized services for individuals whose gambling or technology use (Internet, computer, gaming, social media, and smart phone) is problematic and has led to difficulties in other parts of their lives including: relationships with family or friends, school achievement, finances, and work.  

The service offers treatment to both individuals and their family’s specific to gambling or technology use. Treatment is primarily group-based as this is the most effective treatment for individuals recovering from a gambling problem or a technology misuse problem. The client and therapist collaboratively decide the best course of treatment. If group treatment is not the best approach, other options may be discussed. As required, consultation by a psychiatrist and/or referrals to other services at CAMH or outside CAMH may also be available or recommended.

Additional resources can be found at www.problemgambling.ca

Assessment

Service in the clinic begins with an individual assessment where a clinician will get to know the individual’s specific problems around gambling or technology use and how they impact the individual and his/her family. These may include co-occurring mental health or addiction issues or other psycho-social needs.

Treatment Groups Include:

For Adult Gamblers or Technology Users: Adults move through 3 phases of group treatment—Preparation Group (up to 8 weeks), Skills for Change Group (8 weeks), and Moving Forward Group (up to 6 months).

For Family Members of Adult Gamblers: A 4-session support and skills group is available 4 times per year.

For Youth Technology Users: Youth, ages 16-25, move through 2 phases of group treatment – First Contact (4-8 sessions), and Youth Skills (8 sessions).

For Parents of Youth Technology Users: An 8 session skills and support group runs 3 times per year, concurrently with the Youth Skills Group.

Mindfulness Group: An 8-week mindfulness group is available to all clients in this clinic 3 times per year. This group focuses on cultivating a different relationship to challenges and the world at large.

Youth Family and Interactive Technology Brochure (PDF)  

Problem Gambling and Technology Treatment Groups (PDF)