. National Gambling Counselor Certification Board founded 1984 largely through the efforts of Joanna Franklin. Legalized gambling expanding throughout the United States. Efforts to define the field and assure competency – 1980 Pathological Gambling 1st included in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III of the American Psychiatric.

Healthcare Professionals

In this podcast, the last of four on pathological gambling, I speak with Jody Bechtold, LCSW, NCGC-II, PC about the process for becoming a nationally certified gambling addictions counselor. Jody compares the national certification process with the process to be designated as 'competent' to treat pathological gambling in the state of Pennsylvania. The National Certified Counselor (NCC) is NBCC's flagship certification for counseling. NBCC also offers three specialty certifications.

The FCCG offers a broad range of training services to various professional organizations and furnishes such instruction via field experts.

The Florida Council provides professional training for counselors across the state to achieve certification as a gambling addiction counselor, and offers special forums for addiction professionals, mental health, physicians, and others to receive Continuing Education.

' Similar to other addictive behaviors, problem gambling can be considered a precipitating factor in numerous ailments.'

Similar to other addictive behaviors, problem gambling can be considered a precipitating factor in numerous ailments. Whether it is a mental health problem, substance abuse, or the overwhelming levels of stress faced by those experiencing gambling difficulties, one thing is certain: by recognizing the signs of a gambling problem early, medical, addiction, mental health and other health care professionals can help bridge the gap between other psychiatric disorders and a physical decline in health. Often, one of these patients is sitting in a health care facility waiting to be seen and hoping to be treated, but has not even considered talking with their medical staff about their gambling activities.

' The Florida Council plays a vital role in prevention and awareness within the State of Florida.'

The Florida Council plays a vital role in prevention and awareness within the State of Florida. In addition to providing supportive intervention, referrals, and assistance to persons in need of help for a gambling problem, the FCCG spends time, energy and resources to offer a series of training opportunities to health care professionals of diverse types. It also furnishes training materials and collateral items to support field professionals.

Programs Offered:

60 Hour FREE Gambling Counselor Training

All FCCG HelpLine referral providers must hold a credential for gambling addiction. The FCCG is a provider of training approved and accredited by the National Council on Problem Gambling, Inc. Such training is a partial requirement towards national certification as a Compulsive Gambling Counselor.

The goal of the FCCG's FREE 60-hour course for mental health, addictions, and other professionals is to train those in the medical and health care fields to assess and treat Florida citizens suffering from the effects of compulsive gambling and to assist family members trying to cope with this addiction.

Certification training continues to be absolutely critical as Florida residents are increasingly presenting in a variety of venues including alcohol and substance abuse programs, mental health agencies, correctional facilities, business environments, hospitals and elsewhere with a primary gambling problem without the benefit of supports by trained personnel.

To register for the 60-hour certification training course, or to receive additional information relating to gambling counselor certification, please call the HelpLine at 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848) or email the FCCG Clinical Director.

Thankfully, help is available and gambling addiction can be treated if recognized. If you need assistance, contact our 24 hour, confidential Helpline 888-ADMIT-IT(888-236-4848) for resources and support.

Are you a Counselor – or interested in becoming one?
Want to stay up-to-date on everything about Problem Gambling?

Take your career to the next level – become an NCPG member! Membership benefits for counselors include:

• Discount on conference registration – more training, earn CEUs for re/certification
• Info on trainings elsewhere that offer gambling CEs
• Ongoing news and education
• Free webinars with education on different aspects of problem gambling and responsible gambling
• Networking with peers and colleagues across the country and around the world
• Advocacy training

Gambling Counselor Certification

Counselor Member Testimonials
“I have received invaluable support by being an NCPG member. Whether as a novice in the field or an “old timer,” I have always been astounded at how easily accessible the leadership of NCPG was and how readily they would connect me with the most knowledgeable people and resources in the field.”
–Lori Rugle, PhD, ICGC-II, BACC

“My membership has helped me stay knowledgeable on the latest research, treatment interventions, and clinical resources. It has given me credibility with my clients and their loved ones. My membership certificate hangs on my office wall where my clients can see that I really am serious about helping them treat their gambling problem.”
–Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, The Better Institute

Special certifications are available for clergy/lay ministers, co-occurring disorder specialists, and video-gaming disorder.

National Gambling Counselor Certification

For more information on IGCCB’s various certifications, including requirements, go to www.igccb.org

National Gambling Counselor Certification Board

Special Note: As of January 1, 2021, IGCCB assumes full responsibility for all its certification administration as NCPG’s contract to administer the ICGC process ends. For over 20 years, NCPG has been a supporter, advisor and contracted administrator for IGCCB. That included supporting IGCCB in gaining official IRS not-for-profit status and helping build its capacity through board meetings and other nonprofit business functions. In addition, NCPG has been the administrator for its certification programs, most recently headed by Sushmita Upadhaya, our Research & Program Administrator. Please visit www.igccb.org for details as they become available, and use the functions given there for questions and inquiries starting January 1, 2021.