Finding a Gambling Addiction Therapist

A good counselor can help you see the patterns you can't see while you're stuck inside them. If you've never done therapy before, this is what you should know going in.

Gambling therapy that helps

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you catch and change the thoughts that lead to a bet, like "I'm due" or "I can win it back." A 2022 Cochrane review found CBT reduced gambling and symptoms in the months after treatment. How long that lasts is less clear, which is one reason ongoing support matters.
• Motivational interviewing. Short conversations that help you figure out what you want and build your own reasons to change. It helped people lose less money in the short term, mostly in studies of milder problems.
• Online and app-based CBT. A review of 13 trials found online CBT improved symptoms, and it worked better when a therapist was part of it.
• Couples and family therapy. Gambling hurts the people around you, and repairing that is part of recovery. Families can also learn CRAFT, an approach for encouraging someone to get help.
• Medication. No medication is FDA-approved for gambling disorder. Some, like naltrexone, are sometimes prescribed off-label, and the research is mixed. That's a conversation to have with a doctor.

How to find a counselor who knows gambling

Gambling works differently from other addictions, so look for someone trained in it.

• Certified gambling counselors. The International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC, formerly IGCCB) certifies gambling counselors and keeps a directory at ipggc.org.
• NCPG's counselor directory at ncpgambling.org lists certified counselors who chose to be listed.
• Your state's program. Lots of states have their own provider finder. Your state guide links to it.
• The national helpline. Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET and ask for a gambling counselor near you or online.

What gambling counseling costs

• Often nothing. In 2023, 43 states (counting D.C.) publicly funded problem gambling services. In many of them, counseling is free or low-cost for residents, and sometimes for family members too.
• Insurance. Gambling disorder is a recognized diagnosis, so many plans cover therapy for it, but coverage varies. New York's 2026 budget requires commercial insurers there to cover gambling addiction treatment. Call your insurer and ask.
• Paying yourself. Rates swing a lot by area and provider. Ask about sliding-scale fees.

Questions to ask a therapist before you start

NCPG suggests asking about these:

• Do you specialize in gambling, and are you licensed or certified?
• What's your approach, and how long does treatment usually take?
• Do you take my insurance, or offer free state-funded sessions?
• Can my partner or family be involved?
• What happens after treatment ends?

Be careful with anyone who promises a cure or pushes you to pay a lot upfront.

Where peer support fits alongside therapy

SAMHSA describes peer support workers as people who've been through recovery and help others stay engaged and avoid relapse. GA sponsors and peer recovery specialists do this. Peer support works alongside therapy and meetings, and it doesn't replace professional treatment. If you need more structure than a weekly session, look at intensive and residential programs.

Frequently asked questions

Is there free counseling for gambling addiction?

In many states, yes. Most states fund problem gambling services, and the national helpline, 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), can connect you with free or low-cost counseling.

What kind of therapy is best for gambling addiction?

Cognitive behavioral therapy has the most research behind it. Lots of people pair therapy with a support group like Gamblers Anonymous.

Does insurance cover gambling addiction treatment?

Often, but it depends on your plan and your state. Call your insurer and ask specifically about treatment for gambling disorder.

Can I do gambling therapy online?

You can. Many counselors offer telehealth, and research backs online CBT, especially when a therapist is involved.

Written by the Unbettable team · Updated October 8, 2026

Sources: Cochrane review of therapies for gambling (2022); Sagoe et al., online CBT meta-analysis (2021); Nayoski and Hodgins, CRAFT for families of gamblers (2016); Current Psychiatry: off-label medications (2023); IPGGC; NCPG counselor directory; NCPG: choosing a treatment program; NAADGS state funding report via Bonus.com (2024); NY Senate: insurance coverage for gambling treatment (2026); SAMHSA: peer support workers.

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