Join The PA Link and The Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA for a morning of continuing education on the topic of problem gambling

Today, more people have access to, and are participating in, gambling activities than ever before. While the majority of the population is able to gamble without developing any issues, there is a small percentage of people who are unable to maintain responsible levels of play. Unfortunately for these individuals, this often progresses to a point where several areas of their lives are impacted in a negative way.

Research indicates this is a common co-occurring disorder among individuals who are experiencing mental health issues and/or experiencing substance use issues. During this program participants will learn about the problem, how it often develops, what help is available and how to best approach working with someone who may be suffering from gambling disorder.

Goals & Objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will:

Become familiar with gambling and factors included in the development of problematic gambling

Identify prevalence rates and risk factors of disordered gambling

Discuss warning signs and how to address the issue

Have awareness of available local resources

Have the ability to integrate gambling screenings into existing sessions

NASW-PA Chapter is a co-sponsor of this workshop. 4 CEs will be awarded for completion of this course. NASW has been designated as a pre-approved provider of professional continuing education for social workers (Section 47.36), Marriage and Family Therapist (Section 48.36) and Professional Counselors (Section 49.36) by the PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage & Family Therapists and Professional Counselors.

A continental breakfast will be served.

Presenter Josh Ercole is the Chief Operating Officer of The Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA, Inc.

A team member of CCGPA since 2013, Josh has conducted hundreds of trainings throughout Pennsylvania in an effort to raise awareness of problem gambling. To date, Josh has trained thousands of casino team members, clinicians, students and other professionals about warning signs of gambling problems and available resources for help.

Josh has presented to and developed close working relationships with a network of providers and professionals locally, nationally and internationally, many of whom are currently working with clients and family members of clients who are experiencing issues related to problem gambling and other addictions.

At the Council, Josh manages the daily operations of the organization, and plays a key role in strategic planning and program development. Josh also serves as a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), sitting on several committees and acting as the Pennsylvania Affiliate since 2015, and Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative since 2016.