Brief Motivational Tele-health and Online Treatments: Helping Gamblers Change

Pandemic lockdowns and restrictions have impacted the provision of treatment for people with gambling problems. Our traditional notions of that treatment needs to be offered in face-to-face contact have been challenged. Remote offerings seem effective, and to some clients, even preferable. In the gambling area, we are fortunate that there is an existing evidence-base for the efficacy of telephone and online interventions. This presentation will review the state of the field, and provide helpful guidance to clinicians.

David C. Hodgins, Ph.D., FCAHS is a professor in the Program in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology, University of Calgary and a coordinator with the Alberta Gaming Research Institute. He is registered as a Clinical Psychologist in Alberta. His research interests focus on various aspects of addictive behaviours including relapse and recovery from substance abuse and gambling disorders. Dr. Hodgins co-chairs the Scientific Working Group of the National Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines development project.