Washington State Council On Problem Gambling A Non Profit Organization

Education/outreach/prevention: public education focuses on helping individuals and the community at large to identify and prevent gambling addictions. This is accomplished by making problem gambling information and resources available to the general public, including resources for treatment and support services. The information is available via the council's website in electronic download as well as in print and video form. The council operates a speaker's bureau to conduct public awareness presentations throughout the state. The bureau is available at most venues including schools, businesses, civic councils, and agencies within washington state and other regions. The prevention program is designed to assist youth in making healthy choices and reducing risky behaviors.

Treatment/therapeutic justice: the treatment and therapeutic justice programs include both residential and outpatient treatment services for problem gamblers. These treatment services are available to all individuals within the state who are striving to overcome gambling addiction. Outpatient treatment services are also available for family members living in washington who are affected by gambling addiction. A treatment provider manual has been developed with tools and forms for service providers to deliver services to problem gamblers.

Social justice: an ongoing commitment to social justice and equity means working and engaging with and listening to representatives from the diverse communities the council services. This supports efforts to create programs and services that meet diverse needs and to advocate for change in our field that addresses barriers to information and access to care for those most marginalized. Community advisory committees are representative working groups that help inform the council's strategic plans and advise on new and improved services that live at the intersection of the council's mission and the unmet needs of these communities. Outreach efforts print, broadcast, digital are designed to inform and inspire others to understand social justice as a public health and mental health issue that reflects impacts on diverse communities with relation to race, religion, gender and sexual identity, disabilities, and other intersectionality connections. A tollfree helpline is made available to the general public. A call may be placed at any time and information is available to help the caller identify signs that he/she or a loved one may be in trouble or to help the caller connect with treatment programs. The helpline can also be accessed via chat or text. The youth services program is designed to assist youth in making healthy choices and reduce risky behaviors. Youth services also includes a peer- to-peer outreach campaign, new directions, to help youth become aware of the potential negative effects of gambling addictions, to allow youth to communicate effective awareness messages to their peers and communities, and to become aware of alternate healthy choices in entertainment and recreational activities.