Researchers to pilot telephone counselling to address barriers to treatment of gambling problems

For Immediate Release (Guelph, Ont. January 29, 2004): The Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre today announced a $250,000 pilot project to develop and test a state-of-the-art treatment program for problem gambling that can be delivered by telephone to anyone in Ontario by calling 1-877-BET-LESS (1-877-238-5377). The study is being conducted by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) with Dr. Tony Toneatto as Principal Investigator. Dr. Toneatto is a Research Scientist at CAMH and assistant professor, Departments of Public Health Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Toronto.

In developing the TeleCounselling program, researchers at CAMH are drawing on the expertise of a panel of Canadian, Australian and American researchers and clinicians. According to Research Centre CEO Rob Simpson, "The team is modelling the program format and delivery system on highly successful telephone-based programs for problem drinkers and smokers."

Of the estimated 340,000 people in Ontario experiencing moderate to severe problems as a result of their gambling, very few seek treatment. Obstacles include the stigma associated with being treated in an addiction facility, daytime appointments conflicting with work schedules, childcare, transportation and simply not knowing help is available and where to call. Many problem gamblers mistakenly believe their crisis is simply financial - they don't recognize the problem as a mental health issue. Toneatto is hopeful, "The TeleCounselling program will help address these barriers by delivering a high quality, confidential treatment that is customer-oriented, flexible, and convenient."

Although the CAMH team will accept callers from anywhere in Ontario, researchers will focus on six test locales: Kingston, Ottawa, North Bay, Sudbury, and the regions of Peel and Halton. Clients will complete six 45-minute treatment sessions over an 8-10 week period guided by a professional counsellor. Between sessions clients complete a range of assignments, exercises, and readings from a handbook. Clients will be contacted six months after completion of the program to evaluate success rates.

If the pilot project is successful, delivery could then be extended to a larger community base and eventually, province-wide.

Once established, the TeleCounselling program could be further adapted to other languages and to formats such as Internet and face-to-face delivery.

The Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre was established in July 2000, as part of the province's comprehensive problem gambling strategy. This province-wide strategy focuses on three broadly-defined areas: Research, Treatment (and Training), and Prevention (Awareness).

Headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, the research centre has three core program components: the funding of research grants, increasing problem gambling research capacity in Ontario, and disseminating the results of research into problem gambling.

Ontario's comprehensive problem gambling strategy is funded directly from gambling revenues received by government. Since 1999-2000, Ontario began dedicating 2% of gross slot-machine revenues from its charity casino and slot-at-racetracks programs to support problem gambling initiatives in this province. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care manages the government's strategy.

To ensure the integrity of its research, OPGRC operates at arms-length from government, with its own charter and Board of Directors. The organization's Board has representation from each of the seven health planning regions.

Additional information on problem gambling research is available at www.gamblingresearch.org, which serves as a resource centre on the subject of problem gambling.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is a Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre and a teaching hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

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Media Contact:
Sylvia Hagopian, CAMH Media Relations Coordinator
416-595-6015

Researchers to pilot telephone counselling to address barriers to treatment of gambling problems

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