Developing and Testing a Brief Intervention for Problem Gambling in Credit Counseling

Problem gambling is a stigmatized problem that is often not adequately assessed and can contribute to significant financial distress and negative outcomes. This randomized control trial is testing the effectiveness of a unique brief intervention using motivational techniques and text messaging for individuals at-risk for problem gambling. The intervention is designed to help reduce gambling behavior and improve financial well-being among credit counseling clients who seek services within a national financial counseling organization, Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maryland (CCCSMD). (PIs: Paul Sacco & Jodi Frey)