This FREE event will focus on:

• Financial challenges and strategies associated with problem gambling
• Impacts problem gambling may have on older adult population
• Self-Help approaches toward problem gambling recovery
• How Case Management services can impact individuals experiencing gambling issues
• What help and resources are available in Pennsylvania

Presenters

• Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT – CEO and Co-Founder, The Better Institute
• Ambus Hunter IV, AFC – Financial Counselor, Gamfin
• Holly Sawyer, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, CAADC, CASAC, SAP – CEO, Life First Therapy
• Gregory Krausz, MA, CAADC, LPC, PMAC, PECS – COO, Monocacy Counseling Associates
• Ken Martz, PsyD – President, Pennsylvania Association of Addictions Professionals 

Agenda

8:00-8:30        Registration & Breakfast

 

8:30-8:45        Welcome & Opening Remarks

 

8:45-10:15     “Gambling Gone Digital: The New Financial Frontier” – Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT and Ambus Hunter IV, AFC

 

10:15-10:30    Morning Break

 

10:30-12:00    “Gambling with Grandma” – Holly Sawyer, PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, CAADC, CASAC, SAP

 

12:00-12:45     Lunch

 

12:45-2:15    “Filling the Gap: Integrating Case Management Services for Those with Gambling Disorder” – Gregory Krausz, MA, CAADC, LPC, PMAC, PECS

 

2:15-2.30      Afternoon Break

 

2:30-4:00     “From Risk to Resilience: A Practical Workbook for Gambling Recovery” – Ken Martz, Psy.D.

 

4:00               Closing Remarks

Outcomes

At the conclusion of the program, participants should be able to:

• Understand the unique financial challenges posed by online gambling.
• Identify the complexities of win/losses reporting in the digital age.
• Discuss strategies for addressing financial issues related to gambling using GamFin.
• Identify how a collaboration between mental health providers and financial counselors can improve outcomes for clients in recovery.
• Identify phases of Gambling Disorder, warning signs and potential consequences
• Understand gambling in older adults
• Identify how case management services can benefit those with gambling concerns.
• Recognize how to connect individuals and families with gambling concerns to resources.
• Understand the key components of problem gambling recovery
• Explore evidence-based techniques in self-help contexts

Sponsoring Partners

• Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
• The Pennsylvania Lottery
• Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Gaming Industry Members
• University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work
• International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC)

Continuing Education

Social Work

This program is offered for 6.0 hours of social work continuing education through co-sponsorship of the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work, a Council on Social Work Education-accredited school and, therefore, a PA pre-approved provider of social continuing education. These credit hours satisfy requirements for LSW/LCSW, LPC and LMFT biennial license renewal. For information on social work continuing education, visit socialwork.pitt.edu/continuing-ed.

$15 fee for Continuing Education Credit for Social Work
(Approved by University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work)
Attendees must attend the entire event – partial CE’s will not be issued.

International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC)

This program has been approved for six (6.0) hours by the IPGGC.

There is no cost for IPGGC CE’s.
Attendees must attend the entire event – partial CE’s will not be issued.

Accommodations

To reserve, please contact the Radisson at 1-877-424-6423.  Identify yourself as part of the “Council On Compulsive Gambling Room Block.”  You may also book online via the link below:
https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/PY54H3
Group Code Is PY54H3
Group rate: $119.00 plus 11% tax per night
This rate is valid for a standard room with a king sized bed or two double beds based on availability.  Must reserve by FEBRUARY 6TH, 2025 to receive the group rate.

Parking

Onsite parking is available at no extra charge.

Exhibitors

Limited exhibiting space will be made available.
Please contact Josh Ercole at  josh@pacouncil.com for more information.