The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) today announced that it will host six regional workshops this year that will allow treatment providers to better understand the most up-to-date research on gambling disorders and apply those findings to their clinical practice. Each training session will feature leading researchers and clinicians in the field of gambling disorders, and topics will range from screenings and assessments for pathological gambling to new manuals detailing behavioral treatment strategies. Most sessions are free of charge and will offer between 1.5 and two continuing education hours for attendees.
“A core mission of the NCRG is to encourage the application of new research findings to improve prevention, diagnostic, intervention and treatment strategies – and the NCRG Treatment Provider Workshop Series does just that,” said Glenn Christenson, chairman of the NCRG. “We are pleased to be a resource for clinicians and to bring them face-to-face with researchers who can help translate their findings into practical real-world strategies for treatment providers and their clients.”
The 2011 NCRG Treatment Provider Workshop Series started with a July 26 session, titled “Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Problem Gambling,” that was led by Dr. Lisa Najavits from the Boston University School of Medicine and co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling. Remaining sessions include:
Iowa City, Iowa –“Update on Gambling Disorders: Advanced Training on Predictors, Comorbidity and Course”
Date and Location: August 30, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. CST, University of Iowa North Hall, Room 103
Speaker: Dr. Donald Black, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Co-sponsor: Iowa Gambling Treatment Program, Iowa Department of Public Health
Cost: Free
San Diego, Calif. – “Screening and Assessment of Pathological Gambling”
Date and Location: September 20, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. PST, National Conference on Addictive Disorders
Speaker: Dr. Randy Stinchfield, University of Minnesota
Co-sponsor: NAADAC, The Association For Addiction Professionals
Cost: $550; This session is a part of the National Conference on Addictive Disorders. For registration information, please visit the National Conference on Addictive Disorders website.
Las Vegas, Nev. – “Overcoming Impulse Control – A Guide for Therapists”
Date and Location: October 1, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. PST, The Sands Expo and Convention Center at the Venetian
Speaker: Dr. Jon Grant, University of Minnesota
Co-sponsor: Nevada Council for Problem Gambling
Cost: Free
Las Vegas, Nev. – “Motivational Interviewing for Clients with Gambling Problems”
Date and Location: October 2, 10:00 a.m. - noon PST, The Sands Expo and Convention Center at the Venetian
Speaker: Dr. David C. Hodgins, University of Calgary
Cost: This session is a pre-conference training for the 12th annual NCRG Conference on Gambling and Addiction. For registration information, please visit the NCRG Conference registration website.
Detroit, Mich. – “Brief Motivational Interventions for Problem Gambling”
Date and Location: October 25, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. CST, The Virtual Center for Excellence at the Guidance Center, Southgate Campus
Speaker: Dr. Matthew Martens, University of Missouri, Columbia
Co-sponsors: Neighborhood Service Organization, Michigan Association for Problem Gambling and the Virtual Center for Excellence, Detroit – Wayne County Community Mental Health Agency
Cost: Free
The NCRG plans to host workshops in other cities in the years ahead. Those interested in hosting a workshop in their community should contact NCRG communications and outreach manager Amy Martin at amartin@ncrg.org or 202-552-2689. For more information on the NCRG’s educational initiatives, visit http://www.ncrg.org. To stay up-to-date on year-round educational opportunities and the latest news and issues in the field, visit the NCRG’s blog – Gambling Disorders 360° – and connect with the NCRG on Facebook and Twitter.
