A recent report from Kindbridge Behavioral Health shows that its holistic approach to treating problem gambling is working.
The report also highlights the need for clinicians to address other mental health disorders that many times are present with sufferers.
The telehealth company that launched its pilot program in Colorado hopes to change the way mental health is viewed and treated across the US, with a focus on responsible gambling in Colorado and beyond.
Report highlights test group successes
The results from the study in Kindbridge’s report are incredibly positive. It looked at 279 people who sought treatment for gambling disorders. Kindbridge reported:
- Depression: Patient scores reduced from 8.9 (mild depression) to 3.1 (minimal to no symptoms), a 65% reduction
- Anxiety: Scores dropped from 8.1 (mild anxiety) to 1.9 (minimal anxiety), a 77% reduction
- Alcohol Use: Significant decrease in hazardous drinking behaviors
The report found that 77% of the treatment population was between 24 and 54 years old, with the largest representation (34%) between 25-34 years old. The pool included a mix of ethnicities and backgrounds.
More than 58% of clients preferred online or app-based gambling, highlighting a trend toward digital gaming. Fifteen percent sought treatment through self-exclusion programs. About 10% were from Colorado.
Notably, some clients came from states with limited legal gambling options – like Texas and California.
Obstacles to treatment remain
The numbers are encouraging and show how problem gambling should be treated, Kindbridge founder and CEO Daniel Umfleet told PlayColorado. But there are still barriers that block people from getting the help they need, he said.
“People call a helpline because they’re scared. They’re in crisis. It’s a big deal to take that leap to reach out, even though it’s helpful. Calling a doctor or seeking a mental health professional’s help is a different thing altogether.”
Kindbridge aims to integrate value-based care for all of its partners, be they governments, regulators, or operators, Umfleet said.
“We want to cement problem gambling treatment as an option without any stigma attached. We want to raise awareness and start taking these processes into larger health systems.”
Kindbirdge’s report, which looked at treatment over a six-month span, is meant to help the industry better execute responsible gambling programs and problem gambling responses. The company plans to release a report every quarter.
Problem gamblers often suffer from other disorders
Perhaps the most interesting takeaway from the report was the level of comorbidities – other mental health conditions that appear alongside problem gambling, Umfleet said.
“The report shows major depression and suicidality, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, hyperactivity, insomnia, and irritability as some of the common comorbidities present.”
In other words, gambling might be the reason a person reaches out for help, but it’s often just one part of the problem. They may need help with other conditions and issues as well, Umfleet said.
“When additional comorbidities are present, we take a holistic approach when helping that person navigate their care journey. … And after 12 sessions with an individual, we see serious improvements across pretty much every comorbidity. It’s a really good sign.”
Seventy percent of patients in the test group had additional mental health diagnoses, with major depression, suicidal thoughts, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors being the most prevalent. Umfleet said treatment must address all aspects of mental health.
“You’re only going to help a person discover the root cause of their gambling issues as they evolve through the care program. Then you can determine if the chicken or the egg – in this case, a gambling problem or a comorbid issue – came first.
“We need to address the gambling, of course, but there are additional mental health issues present that need to be addressed in tandem to give that person a good chance at recovery and a return to their quality of life.”
Umfleet likens the process to a symphony. It doesn’t sound the same if only one section plays the entire time. When the whole orchestra plays as a unit, the most beautiful musical moments occur. And just like classical masterpieces, no two are the same, just as no two people going through treatment heal in the same way.
Lack of screening for gambling issues
One of the more important factors is a person’s willingness to get help. Umfleet notes that individuals coming to Kindbridge by way of a self-exclusion program are almost always ready for treatment, reporting a 10 out of 10 on a readiness-for-help scale.
Regrettably, 70% of the patients who sought care had previously reached out through other clinical networks seeking mental health support. Yet, none of the diagnoses achieved through previous counseling addressed or discovered gambling disorders.
Gambling issues are not being addressed or screened through traditional health systems, Umfleet said.
“This is an issue that we want to address. Traditional health care still lacks the knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding gambling and mental health. When an individual presents with any of these common comorbidities, a gambling behavior screening should always take place.”
Kindbridge working to help athletes
Colorado represents about 17% of Kindbridge Behavioral Health’s client base. The company tested self-exclusion connections via operations in Colorado first. Then, Kindbridge Research Institute started working with the state to build out more programs.
Currently, both organizations are working on a program to help keep athletes safe and educated about problem gambling issues. Umfleet said the program provides educational modules and a direct care component for athletes looking for an outlet to discuss performance psychology and other mental health issues.
“We’re teaching these students how to safeguard themselves. We use terminology that resonates with them because it’s what they live, day-to-day.”
The program also partners with top sports psychologists to help bring more attention to athletes facing performance and mental health challenges due to harassment from sports bettors. Among the collaborators are representatives currently working with the New York Yankees and the Vegas Golden Knights.
Umfleet said that this is a natural next step for responsible gaming.
“The conversation continues to evolve with what we see impacting college athletes now that NIL is out there, harassment is happening, and now we have sports betting in the mix. We have to understand how these issues relate and how it can affect a player’s mental health.”
Kindbridge Research Institute turned its athlete well-being curriculum into a full educational course that players, coaches, and health professionals can access for free throughout Colorado.
