Treatment from trained professionals can aid callers in finding ways to cope with stress and begin recovery from their addiction to gambling. Mental health, addiction and other health care professionals are trained to understand and treat the unique circumstances and experiences of problem gamblers and those adversely affected.

" Treatment from trained professionals can aid callers in finding ways to cope with stress and begin recovery"

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling has network of counselor referral's certified to treat gambling addiction and to provide help to problem gamblers and their families. Receiving professional treatment differs from self-help groups by giving people the opportunity to share personal information in a one-on-one dialogue with a trained specialist. Treatment can be provided in multiple ways, including individual, couple or group counseling sessions.

While there is a cost for professional treatment, some insurance companies do provide coverage. Therefore, it is important for callers to review their own policy to determine whether they and their loved ones are covered for such medical help. The FCCG maintains a list of treatment professionals for HelpLine callers that may be able to utilize your insurance or establish a sliding scale fee.

" While there is a cost for professional treatment, some insurance companies do provide coverage."

When available, the FCCG may offer treatment referrals for problem gamblers who are currently experiencing negative consequences in their life through the FCCG’s Recovery Path Treatment Program.

What is Recovery Path?

The FCCG’s Recovery Path Treatment Program is one of many problem gambling resources provided through the HelpLine and based upon program availability, can offer eligible problem gamblers, their spouses and children, with gambling addiction specific treatment services from nationally and state certified gambling addiction licensed mental health providers. Tele-counseling services may also be offered to qualified individuals residing in rural areas where Recovery Path networked providers are unavailable, or in cases where disabilities, or other limitations exist.

Program admissions are based upon availability and offered on a case-by-case basis to individuals meeting eligibility requirements.

Who is Eligible?

Recovery Path program eligibility requirements are listed below and include financial eligibility criteria, clinical eligibility criteria for disordered gambling, and FCCG determination of appropriateness of services provided through Recovery Path in meeting individual clinical needs.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Recovery Path Financial Eligibility Criteria 

• The FCCG’s Recovery Path Treatment Program is a payor of last resort. To ensure program funds are allocated appropriately, approval to receive one or more services (food, cash, or medical assistance) provided through Florida’s Automated Community Connection to Economic Self Sufficiency Program (ACCESS) is required for determination of financial eligibility and approval to receive treatment services through the Recovery Path Treatment Program. 
• Verification of eligibility is obtained through the provision of a valid Electronic Benefits Transaction Card (EBT) or Medicaid Gold Card. Required verification can be provided to the FCCG prior to the onset of treatment services, or at the time of the first appointment with a designated Recovery Path Treatment Provider (assuming all other program requirements for admission have been met). 

2. Recovery Path Clinical Eligibility Criteria 

• The Recovery Path Treatment Program provides specific problem gambling counseling services with clinical eligibility for program participation determined by the FCCG in accordance with established Recovery Path Admission Protocols. The focus of treatment services provided through the Recovery Path Treatment Program is arresting problematic gambling behavior. While the FCCG remains sympathetic to the additional associated problems that often occur with gambling disorder (such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or unresolved trauma from the past, etc.), the Recovery Path Treatment Program is focused on problematic gambling behavior and prohibited from treating other mental health issues. (Although the FCCG does attempt to network individuals with resources to address other mental health challenges). 

*ALL Recovery Path Program Admissions are made at the Sole Discretion of the FCCG.

Thankfully, help is available and gambling addiction can be treated if recognized. If you need assistance, contact our 24 hour, confidential Helpline 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848) for resources and support.