Provincial Service Categories The following definitions were provided by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Mental Health and Addictions Branch. Click on the Provincial Service Category for which you would like to view problem gambling treatment resources, or call our province-wide, toll-free number (1-800-565-8603).

Initial Assessment / Treatment Planning - Problem Gambling Search by this category The initial assessment is a process involving mutual investigation or exploration that provides the clinician with more detailed information for the purpose of determining specific client needs, goals, characteristics, problems and/or stage of change. Assessments vary in length according to the clients situation, and comprehensive assessments may be reserved for clients with more complicated histories and problems. This assessment forms the basis for initial treatment planning, a process of negotiation based on feedback from the assessment results, the clients strengths, prioritized problem areas, clinician judgement, client preferences and readiness for change, and the identification of potential barriers to treatment entry. This culminates in the development of a clear plan of action, including referrals as appropriate.

Community Treatment - Problem Gambling Search by this category 1-2 hour sessions in group or individual format, typically once a week or less often, while the client resides elsewhere in the community. Community counselling/treatment includes brief intervention, lifestyle and personal counselling to assist the individual to develop skills to manage substance abuse/gambling and related problems, and/or maintain and enhance treatment goals. Such activities as relapse prevention, Guided Self-change, family intervention, follow-up and aftercare are included here. Care may be provided with or without medical/psychiatric treatment. Frequency and length of sessions may vary depending on client need and program format. May be offered in a variety of settings including outreach to the clients home, school, an addiction agency or other service setting. Outreach includes activities such as early intervention but not prevention, education or public relations activities.

Community Day / Evening Treatment - Problem Gambling Search by this category A structured, scheduled program of treatment activities typically provided five days or evenings per week (e.g., 3-4 hours per day) while the client resides at home or in another setting, including residential supportive treatment services, to assist the individual to develop skills to manage substance abuse/gambling and related problems.

Residential Treatment - Problem Gambling Search by this category A structured, scheduled program of treatment and/or rehabilitation activities provided while the client resides in-house, to assist clients to develop and practise the skills to manage substance use/gambling and related problems. In addition to the scheduled program activities, clients have 24 hour access to support and the residential treatment milieu.