What you can expect from us
Assessment
Once we accept your referral, we will call you to book your assessment appointment. Please be aware this call will be from a private number. If you do not answer calls from private numbers please call us on 0300 123 0996 to tell us the best way to reach you. You can expect to have an assessment by one of our clinicians, usually within 3-5 working days, either at the clinic, video call, or over the phone.
We will start by reviewing your current situation and your gambling activity, how it started, what keeps it going, and how it affects you and the people you care about.
What gambling treatment looks like:
At the end of the assessment we will agree a treatment plan that is right for you and book you onto one of our therapy programmes. For example, you may be booked onto our 10-week group gambling treatment programme. This is delivered by our therapists at our clinic or online. Being in a group offers the opportunity for sharing experiences, support and problem-solving.
Alternatively, you can work through our SilverCloud online computerised treatment programme in your own space and at your own pace and time, with support from one of our therapists.
All our programmes use cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) principles and are evidence-based (which means research shows it works). The programme helps people to learn new skills and ways of coping, and build a more meaningful lifestyle free from gambling.
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“At first I was uncertain about joining a group for therapy, but I soon realised why evidence shows this to be the best way to understand gambling. Sharing experiences helped me to feel understood and recognised – thank you.”
“I am able to be honest in the group. Trust has built up. I feel safe and do not feel judged. Support from one another in group.”
- Clients at West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic
Additional therapies
We appreciate that you may experience other difficulties alongside your gambling, such as debt, alcohol and drug use, stress, depression, anxiety and trauma. Where appropriate, we will offer you brief, additional therapies designed to resolve problems and support positive outcomes. With your consent, we will also involve other services to work with you on particular issues.
After treatment
Recovery continues beyond treatment. We will not pretend that your journey to recovery will be easy. You may experience setbacks and lapses along the way, and sometimes feel like giving up. It can be helpful to think about these occasions as an opportunity to learn how to do things differently next time.
We will stay in touch with you and help you continue to develop your skills. We encourage you to build up a support network to help you achieve your goals and to keep going when everything seems difficult or overwhelming.
We can link you in with people who have completed our treatment programmes (‘Graduates’) and Peer Support events/activities. These groups are facilitated by ‘Experts by Experience’. They offer a smooth transition between treatment and everyday life, as well opportunities to share experiences, hopes and concerns.