New Jersey Supports Gambling Disorder Treatment Services
The New Jersey Department of Human Services has announced the allocation of $720,000 in state-funded contracts to expand access to treatment and support for individuals with gambling disorders who also face co-occurring mental health issues and/or substance use disorders.
NJ Fights with Gambling Disorder
Due to the decision, six organizations will receive contracts of $120,000 each to bolster their services. These include:
- Legacy Treatment Services in Atlantic County
- Legacy Treatment Services in Burlington County
- Legacy Treatment Services in Camden County
- Integrity Inc. in Essex County
- Monmouth Medical Center in Monmouth County
- Eva’s Village, Inc. in Passaic County
“More than 90 percent of individuals with gambling disorders have a co-occurring behavioral health need, and the impact of these challenges affects families, workplaces, and our communities,” stated Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman. “Through these provider partnerships we will widen the availability of mental health and substance use disorder providers in the state who also have the expertise to identify and treat gambling disorders.”
The initiative will enable these providers to hire at least one full-time clinician specializing in gambling disorders. The clinicians will focus on providing integrated care, which includes:
- Screening and assessment for gambling disorders.
- Incorporating gambling-specific treatment into clients’ care plans.
- Offering psycho-education on problem gambling to program participants.
- Delivering therapy tailored to gambling disorders through individual, group, and family sessions.
- Linking individuals with recovery activities such as Gamblers Anonymous, financial planning, stress reduction, and peer support services.
Building Comprehensive Care Networks
The funding aims to integrate gambling disorder treatment into existing mental health and substance use disorder services. “ This is about working more efficiently to reach people struggling with addiction. By integrating gambling disorder services, we hope to bring co-occurring gambling disorder into the mental health and substance use disorder treatment network, so more people can get the services they need to support their recovery,” emphasized Deputy Commissioner for Health Services Valerie Mielke.
Clinicians will also assist individuals in addressing challenges often tied to gambling disorders, such as financial instability, strained relationships, legal issues, and social services needs.
Assistant Commissioner Renee Burawski highlighted the significance of this initiative: “We continue to work to expand access to treatment because we know recovery is possible with adequate support. These providers will now be able to deliver more comprehensive care and offer support and resources to individuals in need of gambling disorder services, so they can rebuild their lives.”
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