Home Addiction Treatment: Teletherapy Gambling Care Explained
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Oct 5, 2024
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11:57 a.m.
ET
There are many types of treatment available for gambling addiction, but home addiction treatment through telehealth technology has become a popular option in recent years. After the COVID-19 pandemic, teletherapy became one of the preferred ways for people to receive therapy and support for a variety of issues. Teletherapy care can be a great option for those seeking treatment for gambling addiction. Learning more about the process and the benefits of teletherapy care can help you determine if it is the right choice for you.
What is virtual telehealth treatment?
Virtual therapy is also known as online therapy or teletherapy. It involves using a phone, tablet or computer to connect with a licensed therapist. Most virtual treatment occurs using video sessions to connect with a provider but some people also choose telephonic sessions. Some companies have even created their own platforms that only offer virtual treatment, like Betterhelp or Headway. Some therapists may offer texting or messaging as a part of virtual telehealth treatment.
Can teletherapy be used to treat gambling addiction?
Teletherapy can be a very effective method for treating gambling addiction. Utilizing teletherapy does not take away from the therapeutic experience overall. A study found that using therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in teletherapy sessions is just as effective as in-person use to help modify negative behaviors. CBT is a common treatment for gambling addiction as it helps identify triggers that precede problematic gambling and develop coping skills to use instead.
Birches Health offers specialized virtual treatment for gambling addiction. They have a nationwide team of gambling addiction specialists who are experts in helping people overcome gambling disorder and related behavioral health problems. Birches also offers services like free self-assessments, digital resources and referrals for loved ones.
Here are some options for getting started with Birches Health:
You can also call 833-483-3838 or email at hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with the Birches team as soon as possible.
How the virtual treatment process works for gambling addiction
Teletherapy for gambling addiction and in-person therapy follow a similar path in regards to the treatment process. Virtual treatment for gambling addiction may start with a self-evaluation to assess gambling habits. Once the initial questionnaire is complete and the likelihood of a gambling addiction is identified, a licensed professional will move forward with an initial evaluation for treatment. This evaluation can occur through video chat or telephone, depending on someone's preference.
Once an initial evaluation has occurred, a formal diagnosis of gambling addiction and any other co-occurring disorders would be established. A plan will be created for each person in treatment, identifying individual triggers and goals for treatment. Therapy will continue with a set time and frequency, until the therapist and patient feel that individualized therapy sessions are no longer necessary. At this point, a relapse prevention plan and outpatient resources would be established to help support someone in their long-term recovery.
Benefits of virtual counseling for gambling addiction
Finding in-person treatment for gambling addiction can be difficult because it is a specialized kind of care. Virtual teletherapy allows someone to get help from the comfort of their own home with a specialist in gambling disorder treatment.
Teletherapy also helps remove barriers to treatment, like distance or appointment wait-times for therapy. This discreteness of virtual therapy can also help eliminate the fear or stigma in regards to gambling addiction and can make someone more likely to get help.
Is virtual therapy for addiction as effective as in-person?
A study done in the UK in 2023 found that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy sessions. Over 27,000 people participated in a survey that stated the most beneficial part of virtual therapy is the reduced wait times for receiving treatment. Virtual therapy has also been found to be more cost-effective than in-person therapy. While there are many who view teletherapy as a second option compared to in-person treatment, virtual therapy sessions allow treatment to happen in a timely fashion, reducing overall medical costs down the line.
Deciding if virtual therapy is right for you
How can you know if virtual therapy is the right option for you? There are factors that can help determine if in-person therapy or teletherapy is a better fit. Every person and their needs for therapy are different. Teletherapy allows for flexibility and accommodation for sessions, letting therapy happen virtually anywhere at any time. The severity and acuity of one's needs for therapy will also play a part in selecting in-person versus virtual therapy. Virtual therapy may allow someone to access treatment for their issue faster than in-person therapy and provide a continuity of care, regardless of location or other barriers.
Choosing virtual therapy has many benefits, but comes down to personal preference. If you or a loved one is interested in virtual therapy for gambling addiction, reach out to Birches Health to find out more today.
