Gamblers Anonymous alternatives: Virtual treatment from home

Gambling Addiction cases across the country are rising rapidly. The bit of positive news is that there are many resources and treatment options available to those who may be struggling. One traditional resource, Gamblers Anonymous, is a fellowship of people who share a common goal of recovering from Gambling Addiction. 

It’s a support group rooted in medical therapy and based in “ancient spiritual principles,” turning oneself over to a divine power in a 12-step process for guidance. While GA offers a useful primary source of care for some and a proper supplementary form of care for others, it is not necessarily the right fit for everyone. This article explores Gambling Disorder treatment alternatives, focusing on options that cater to diverse needs and preferences, including virtual treatment from home.

Gambling Addiction Treatment Options

Virtual Treatment

Virtual treatment for Gambling Addiction offers a flexible and convenient option for those seeking help. Birches Health provides all-encompassing, insurance-backed virtual care tailored to the individual, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This approach allows individuals to receive personalized treatment without leaving the comfort of their homes.

Virtual treatment can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), one-on-one counseling, group therapy, family therapy and digital engagement and peer support to facilitate self-guided learning. The effectiveness of virtual treatment can be comparable to in-person care for many behavioral health issues, offering real-time interaction with therapists and a structured support system. 

Without needing to go to a physical location, virtual treatment patients can experience discreet care while often saving time and money associated with travel and overhead costs. The virtual nature also allows for quicker intakes and more flexible scheduling. With digital tools like online exercises to aid in the process, virtual treatment can enhance the experience by having patients apply and tangibly work through their addiction. 

To explore virtual treatment options or learn more about the Birches Health offerings, you can click here, call (833) 483-3838 or email help@bircheshealth.com.

In-Person Individual Care

For those who prefer face-to-face interactions, in-person individual care remains a robust option. This type of care involves meeting with a therapist in a private setting, allowing for personalized and confidential treatment where nonverbal cues and a direct connection in a tangible environment can help a counselor provide better care. Individual therapy sessions can help patients develop coping strategies, address underlying issues contributing to their addiction and work through personal challenges in a focused environment.

Some Birches Health clinicians also offer in-person treatment sessions, so depending on where you are located, you may be able to pursue some in-person sessions. You can also find other in-person care experts through your insurance company or the NCPG website. 

Clinician-led Group Therapy

Clinician-led group therapy can help individuals learn from others and realize that they are not alone, while introducing solutions from licensed therapists that they may not yet have considered.

There can often be confusion, however, about what clinician-led group therapy is and how it differs from peer-led or coach-led groups such as GA. Both offer value and can be incredibly impactful, but they serve different purposes. Understanding those differences can help you make informed choices about your recovery.

Clinician-led group therapy is facilitated by a master’s-level trained clinician with expertise treating addiction, trauma and unique forms of behavioral health. These groups are intentionally structured to promote safety, consistency, and emotional regulation.

Key features of clinician-led group therapy include:

• A trained clinical facilitator who guides the group process

• Clear guidelines for engagement to reduce triggering or harmful interactions

• A balance of education, skill-building and emotional processing

• Clinical oversight to address relapse risk, co-occurring disorders and emotional distress

These guidelines exist to help group members feel safe, supported and understood in a structured group setting.

Clinical groups often use task-based modalities, such as reflective exercises, coping skills practice and at times forms of psychotherapy specifically for addiction. These tasks are usually followed by a structured processing discussion in which members can share personal insights, struggles and progress.

Family Counseling

Gambling Addiction often affects not just the individual, but their loved ones as well. Family counseling can help repair relationships, improve communication and build a supportive home environment conducive to recovery.

Birches Health offers family counseling to address these broader impacts, ensuring that the patient's support system is strong and involved in the recovery process.

In-Patient Addiction Centers

In-patient addiction centers provide an immersive treatment environment, removing patients from triggers and providing constant care and supervision. These centers offer comprehensive programs that include therapy, medical care and support groups.

While Birches Health primarily focuses on outpatient care, they can provide referrals to trusted in-patient addiction centers if a more intensive treatment program is necessary.

Is virtual treatment as effective as in-person care?

The effectiveness of virtual treatment compared to in-person care in regards to behavioral addictions is a topic of ongoing research. For many mental and behavioral health issues, including Gambling Addiction, virtual treatment has shown promising results. Studies on virtual cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other online counseling methods indicate that these treatments can be as effective as their in-person counterparts, particularly when conducted by experienced professionals like those at Birches Health that are specially trained and licensed.

Generally, since the COVID-19 pandemic, teletherapy has risen in popularity due to its convenience and at times more affordable offerings. Studies published in the National Library of Medicine have proven virtual treatment to be just as effective and with more attendance rates than in-person treatment.

Virtual treatment offers several advantages, such as increased accessibility, convenience and the ability to maintain regular sessions even with a busy schedule. However, the choice between virtual and in-person treatment ultimately depends on individual preferences, the severity of the addiction and the specific needs of the patient.

Birches Health leverages the strengths of virtual treatment, providing comprehensive and accessible care tailored to each patient's needs.