Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) is offering a free Problem Gambling Essentials Training for mental health and substance use treatment providers.
The ten-week, online program begins January 13 and gives clinicians tools to support individuals struggling with gambling, a condition affecting an estimated 11,000 adults statewide, according to the 2021 Survey of Publicly Funded Problem Gambling Services in the United States. Participants who complete the training will receive 30 continuing education credits (CEUs) and will be eligible to earn a Vermont Problem Gambling Specialist (PGS) Certificate. The PGS Certificate allows agencies or private practice to be listed as referral sources on the Vermont Gambling Helpline at no cost.
Sessions cover gambling basics, co-occurring disorders, assessment, ethics, harm reduction, working with families, and LGBTQIA+ cultural competence. Instructors include nationally recognized experts Jody Bechtold, Dr. Lori Rugle, and Jodie Nealley, who is in long-term recovery from problem gambling.
Problem gambling often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders and carries significant social and economic costs nationwide.
“There’s a real need for more providers who can understand, recognize, and support people affected by problem gambling,” said DMH Commissioner Emily Hawes. “By expanding the number of trained specialists across the state, we’re making it easier for people to get help close to home. We’re excited to help grow this network across Vermont.”
Registration is now open. To sign up or learn more, visit The Vermont Gambling Help Provider Resources Webpage.
Suicide is preventable, and help is available. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, you can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to be connected with a trained crisis counselor. To get help, give help, and join Vermont's suicide prevention efforts, visit FacingSuicideVT.com.
About the Department of Mental Health
Vermont Department of Mental Health (DMH) has a critical mission to improve the conditions and well-being of all Vermonters across the state and protect those who cannot protect themselves.
12.9.2025. Waterbury, Vt. — mentalhealth.vermont.gov
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