RESOURCES FOR professionals
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Confidential Financial Counseling.
We understand that problem gambling can strain finances. That’s why we’ve partnered with Lutheran Social Services counselors to provide a valuable, no-cost resource for those experiencing financial issues from gambling, whether you are the gambler or a family member: Financial Choice services through LSS Financial Counseling.
MINNESOTA APPROVED PROVIDERS
Carver County
Resilience Counseling
(612) 750-3376
dahnertmary@icloud.com
1107 Hazeltine Blvd, Suite 410, Chaska, MN 55318
Goodhue County
Midwest Recovery
(651) 846-9010
Info@midwestrecovery.org
midwestrecovery.org
217 Plum Street, Suite #130 Red Wing MN 55066
Hennepin County
Club Recovery Inc
(952) 926-2526
cjohnson@clubrecoveryllc.com
clubrecoveryllc.com
7701 York Ave S, Suite 350, Edina, MN 55435
Connections Counseling & Recovery Services
(763) 370-8880
Joyce Terhorst
joyce.connections@yahoo.com
7550 France Ave S, Suite 220, Edina, MN 55435
Midwest Recovery Inc
(612) 584-4858
info@midwestmn.com
midwestrecovery.org
1620 Central Ave NE, Suite 107, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Problem Gambling Intervention, LLC
(612) 558-5364
Roger Anton
rpanton@juno.com
Minneapolis VA Medical Center, 1 Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Vinland National Center OP Services
(763) 479-4882
Don Raasch
donr@vinlandcenter.org
vinlandcenter.org
675 NE Stinson Blvd #200, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Itasca County
Lakeview Behavioral Health
218-327-2001
info@lakeviewbh.com
www.lakeviewbh.com
516 S. Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Mille Lacs County
Freedom Center
(763) 308-0006
Cynthia Naumann
maumann.cindi@gmail.com
freedomcenterinc.org
140 2nd Ave NE, Milaca, MN 56353
Olmsted County
Christina Pristash
(507) 202-0701
Christina Pristash
pristashlmft@gmail.com
counselingrochester.org
1500 1st ave NE, Suite 120, Rochester, MN 55906
Ramsey County
Alcohol and Gambling Assessments
(651) 485-6229
Renee Collova-Bergee
reneebergee@comcast.net
1397 Geneva Ave N #102A, Oakdale, MN 55128
Pathways Counseling
(651) 734-5517
Jarrod Brown
jerrodb@pathwayscounselingcenter.org
1919 University Ave W, Suite 6, St Paul, MN 55104
Progressive Individual Resources, Inc.
(612)749-3309
info@pirimn.org
pirimn.org
2147 University Ave W, Suite 206, St Paul, MN 55114
Rice County
Midwest Recovery
651-846-9010
info@midwestrecovery.org
midwestrecovery.org
303 1st Street NE, Suite #365 Faribault, MN 55021
Saint Louis County
Center for Alcohol & Drug Treatment Gambling Services
(218) 723-8444
Paul McCormick
pmccormick@cadt.org
cadt.org
314 West Superior Street Suite 400, Duluth, MN 55802
Sherburne County
Freedom Center
(763) 308-0006
Cynthia Naumann
naumann.cindi@gmail.com
freedomcenterinc.org
105 6th Ave S, Princeton, MN 55371
Washington County
Bridges and Pathways Counseling
(612) 719-7966
Paul Mladnick
mladnick.paul50@gmail.com
1068 S Lake St, Suite 109, Forest Lake, MN 55025
Venthouse Counseling, Jason Walter
(612) 562-6766
Jason Walter LPC, LADC
aadrjay@gmail.com
venthousecounseling.com
8530 Eagle Point Blvd, #100, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
Alcohol and Gambling Assessments
(651) 485-6229
Renee Collova-Bergee
reneebergee@comcast.net
1397 Geneva Ave N #102A, Oakdale, MN 55128
Yellow Medicine County
Project Turnabout/ Vanguard Center for Compulsive Gambling
(320) 564-4911 or 1-800-862-1453
info@projectturnabout.org
projectturnabout.org
660 18th St, Granite Falls, MN 56241
Cass
Soul Solutions
(701) 356-7772
info@soulsolutions.org
soulsolutions.org
1801 38th St S, Fargo, ND 58103
Podcasts
Gambling Addiction with Mike Schiks
In this podcast Mike Schiks, former CEO of project turnabout talks on the topic of gambling addictions. LISTEN
Legal Talk Network
Jeff Wasserman, a former attorney and compulsive gambler shares his story. LISTEN
Bigger Pockets Money
BiggerPockets Money Podcast 146: Saying Goodbye to Gambling & Finding Financial Freedom LISTEN
The Problem Gambling Podcast
A podcast exploring issues surrounding problem gambling and gambling related harm. LISTEN
ONLINE GAMBLING BLOCKING APPS and self exclusion
Working one’s recovery program is hard and challenging. To assist your clients who may feel tempted to gamble online or visit a casino or card room, there are a few tools that may be helpful. None are foolproof, but these tools may help.
Voluntary Self-Exclusion from Land-Based Casinos and Cardrooms
In Minnesota, anyone interested in self-exclusion for a fixed time period (six months, one year, three years, lifetime, etc.) from either a casino or card room may do so by signing a voluntary agreement with each separate facility. By signing this contract, they agree not to enter the premises for a specified time and the casino/card room will cease to send promotional materials to their mailing address. If one should break the agreement during the specified time, the operator has the right to charge them with trespassing and/or if they should win a jackpot of $1,200 or more, they will not receive it.
A list of our most sought after presentations can be found here.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH PRESENTATIONS
Community outreach is an important part of our mission. MNAPG is available to present on a series of issues pertaining to problem gambling such as an introduction to problem gambling, gaming disorder, gambling as a co-occurring addiction, to name just a few topics. These can be geared towards community and school groups to professionals in the addiction, mental health or other professions that are impacted by problem gambling, such as attorneys, employee assistance programs, to community groups. These visits can be arranged anywhere in Minnesota and are free of charge. The purpose is to broaden the awareness of gambling disorder and who it affects, initiate conversations about prevention, highlight the importance of healthy play and making the public aware of available treatment assessments and options available at little or no cost.
To learn more or to arrange a visit, contact MNAPG Community Educator, Sonja Mertz, smertz@mnapg.org or 612-424-8595 x3.
Two voluntary, self-exclusion tools for online gambling sites.
Given that many gamblers may be moving online, MNAPG is offering individual subscriptions for an online self-exclusion tool called Gamban. This tool enables the gambler to block tens of thousands of online gambling sites on all devices. MNAPG has purchased one-year subscriptions that can block up to 15 devices in one household.
If you are interested, please email sstucker@mnapg.org and a link will be provided to set up the account.
BetBlocker helps you, or those you care about, ensure that they can manage their access to gambling in a safe and appropriate manner. Whether that means restricting altogether, or limiting during periods of vulnerability, BetBlocker can help. Visit https://www.betblocker.org to download this free app.
NEWSLETTERS
Sign up to receive Northern Light.
The Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling publishes the Northern Light newsletter quarterly. Past issues of Northern Light are available as detailed below:
2024 NORTHERN LIGHT NEWSLETTERS
2023 NORTHERN LIGHT NEWSLETTERS
2022 NORTHERN LIGHT NEWSLETTERS
Find archived newsletters here
GENERAL PROBLEM GAMBLING RESOURCES
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
- List of Minnesota Approved Problem Gambling Providers
- Minnesota Department of Human Services
- International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB)
RESOURCES TO START THE CONVERSATION IF YOU SUSPECT A GAMBLING ISSUE
We are not raised to talk about money. We receive little training in school about managing finances or managing risk with the money we have. It’s important for individuals and families to discuss what they want their money to do for them and to set goals to obtain those wants. Setting goals helps develop some discipline to stick to a plan so that ultimately we can live the life we want to live. Below are some resources to help start those conversations.
- How to Talk About Money, The Money Advice Service, United Kingdom publication. pdf
- Personal Financial Strategies of The Loved Ones of Problem Gamblers, NCPG, 2000 pdf
- Problem Gamblers and their Finances: A Guide for Treatment Professionals, NCPG 2000 pdf
LEGAL PROFESSIONALS WITH A GAMBLING ADDICTION
The legal profession has a higher incidence of gambling addiction than other professions. Why? Some believe that people attracted to this field tend to be highly competitive individuals and their practices can expose them to affluent clients or funds not usually accessible to others. Lawyers are considered trustworthy and this is an addiction that is not easily identifiable. We’ve listed a couple of resources specifically directed to lawyers below.
- Never Enough, A Lawyer’s Story (Link to Michael Burke’s Story) Presentation at Holland hospital, Holland, MI
- Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL) at 866-525-6466 or mnlcl.org.
HUMAN RESOURCES
- Gambling and Health in the Workplace, an NCRG publication 2012 pdf
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Unlike other addictions, gambling disorder can have a direct impact on a gambler’s family, without them even recognizing that their loved one is struggling with an addiction. Often, it isn’t until a financial red flag arises, such as bounced checks, debt collection agencies, bank notices regarding failed mortgage payments, etc. that will alert the family that something is quite wrong. Money is how a gambler continues their addiction and the very thing they chase in order to make things “right.” As soon as it’s apparent that there is a problem, consulting a certified financial advisor is recommended. This enables a neutral third party to recommend and help implement the strategies to preserve the family’s assets.
GAMFIN
As a gambling counselor you may join the GAMFIN community. It’s an online community of financial advisors and gambling counselors who share news, tips and counseling issues. Joining the online community is free, just go to this link https://www.gamfin.org/
If you are interested in further financial training, access to financial advisors, MNAPG is offering free access to these offerings as long as you maintain a joint membership with MNAPG and NCPG. Membership information can be found here. Webinars will be scheduled throughout the year for those interested.
RESOURCES FOR DEBT MANAGEMENT
Gamblers seeking a debt management plan should work through a nonprofit member agency of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. There are three such credit counseling centers in Minnesota:
- LSS Financial Counseling (1-888-577-2227)
- The Village Financial Resource Center(1-800-627-8220)
- Family Means (1-800-780-2890)
TRUE LINK
TrueLink is a debit card that allows you or a family member to control exactly how much money can be spent, and on exactly what items or activities it can be spent.
HEALTHCARE
- Screening Toolkit
- Guide to Core Competencies for Treating Problem Gambling, Oregon Health Authority
- How the Brain Gets Addicted to Gambling, Scientific America November 2013
- How Gambling Distorts the Brain, MNAPG published in The Phoenix July/August 2019
- Gambling Disorder Rarely Travels Alone
- Be Part of the Solution, MNAPG Brochure
- Brain Connections– a layperson’s explanation of gambling disorder effects on the brain, 2019
- Brain Connections Video
SUICIDE
PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES, HEALTH CARE FAIRS and COLLEGE RESOURCE FAIRS
MNAPG regularly attends a variety of annual conferences around the state of Minnesota to create awareness about problem gambling and available resources to health care and other professionals. MNAPG welcomes the opportunity to present at conferences on a variety of topics relating to our advocacy work.
MNAPG ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Most years, MNAPG hosts an in-person conference at which national speakers provide the latest information for treatment providers, advocates, legislators, educators and the gaming industry. CEUs are available for LADCs, social workers, psychologists and those working in the prevention field.
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND MONTHLY WEBINARS
Joint members of MNAPG and the National Council of Problem Gambling receive access to NCPG’s regular webinars at no cost. Significant discounts to the national conference are also available.
GAMBLING DISORDER SCREENING TOOL KIT
Screening Standards Manual NCPG
Gambling Assessment Manual NCPG
Your First Step to Change, 2nd Edition. A self-help toolkit of resources to help start the journey toward recovery from problem gambling behavior.
What is Gambling Disorder? One-page article describing Gambling Disorder from a mental health perspective.
Why Screen for Gambling? Evidence-based information about the importance of screening for Gambling Disorder.
The Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen. Our recommended brief screen for Gambling Disorder (a one-page, “printer friendly” screener)
Gambling Resources & Referrals. Additional problem gambling information and tools for self-help and referrals.
BBGS e-Screener. An electronic version of our Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (only users see their results)
SELF-HELP PUBLICATIONS
View, download or order a hard copy below (These are meant to be supplemental guides, not a replacement for therapy)
- Your First Step to Change, 2nd Edition. A self-help toolkit of resources to help start the journey toward recovery from problem gambling behavior.
- Personal Financial Strategies for the Loved Ones of Problem Gamblers
BROCHURES
- Warning Signs of Problem Gambling (English, Spanish, Chinese, Hmong and Vietnamese)
- What Families Can Do When a Loved One has a Gambling Problem (English and Spanish)
- What is Problem Gambling? (English and Spanish)
- Gambling When in Recovery (English and Spanish)
- Gaming Disorder (English and Spanish)
- Gamban—Block Access to Your Devices (English and Spanish)
- Older Adults and Gambling. When is it a Concern?
- Youth and Gambling
- Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines
BROCHURES for professionals
- Be Part of the Solution (English and Spanish)
- Why Screen for Gambling Disorder? (English and Spanish)
Newsletter
- Northern Lights - MNAPG Quarterly Newsletter
Interested in receiving copies of our literature?
SELF-HELP PUBLICATIONS
View, download or order a hard copy below (These are meant to be supplemental guides, not a replacement for therapy)
- Your First Step to Change, 2nd Edition. A self-help toolkit of resources to help start the journey toward recovery from problem gambling behavior.
- Personal Financial Strategies for the Loved Ones of Problem Gamblers
BROCHURES
- Warning Signs of Problem Gambling (English, Spanish, Chinese, Hmong and Vietnamese)
- What Families Can Do When a Loved One has a Gambling Problem (English and Spanish)
- What is Problem Gambling? (English, Somali and Spanish)
- Gambling When in Recovery (English and Spanish)
- Gaming Disorder (English and Spanish)
- Gamban—Block Access to Your Devices (English and Spanish)
- Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines
- Older Adults and Gambling
- Talking to Your Child About Gaming
- Youth and Gambling—What Parents Need to Know
BROCHURES for professionals
- Be Part of the Solution (English and Spanish)
- Why Screen for Gambling Disorder? (English and Spanish)
Newsletter
- Northern Lights - MNAPG Quarterly Newsletter