About Us

We integrate the field of individual counseling with marriage and family therapy approaches.  Advanced clinical interns work as a team with highly qualified trainers and supervisors who specialize in problem gambling counseling.

As an interdisciplinary team with extensive training in problem gambling, we offer a holistic approach which addresses how problem gambling affects—and is affected by—not only who we are as individuals but also our relationships, the contexts in which we live, and how we make meaning of our life.

Problem gambling occurs across the spectrum of gender, race, social class, migration status, sexual orientation, age, languages, and abilities. We strive to be aware of the cultural, historical, economic, and political influences that affect human relationships and our relationships with and beliefs about gambling. 

Our history with problem gambling treatment

The Professional Mental Health and Addictions Counseling Program (PMHC-A) at Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling has a long and productive history of working to address issues related to problem gambling in Oregon. PMHC-A has collaborated closely with the Oregon Problem Gambling Services (OPGS) and the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling (OCPG) to develop and implement gambling counselor training courses.

Supported through an ongoing workforce development grant for the past six years, two gambling counseling training courses have been offered that fulfill all of the educational requirements for Certified Gambling Addiction Counselor I (CGAC I) and have been evaluated to be highly successful in training/preparing clinicians to work with problem gamblers and their significant others.

The Lewis & Clark Problem Gambling Services (PGS) clinic opened in January 2013. Under the supervision of well-trained and experienced problem gambling professionals, advanced clinical interns provide the majority of services.

Call 503-768-6325 for free, confidential problem gambling counseling at our clinic near downtown Portland.

Read an interview with former clinic director Rick Berman in the Skanner newspaper for more about how gambling affects Oregonians and how treatment can help.