Gambling addiction treatment: NHS and UK support routes

NHS gambling clinics in England

The NHS lists specialist gambling clinics in England and explains self-referral or asking a GP about local services. Read the clinic's own referral requirements before submitting details. NHS: help for gambling problems.

Prepare your postcode, preferred contact method and a short description of what gambling is affecting. Ask whether the clinic covers your area, whether it accepts your age group, how referral works and what support is available while waiting. A clinic listed elsewhere in England may not cover your address.

A conversation before a referral

GamCare offers its National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, plus online contact and other support routes. Its website currently lists 24-hour availability. GamCare: support options.

You can ask about the difference between an initial support conversation and a course of treatment. If speaking on the phone is difficult, check the service's written contact options. Ask about confidentiality and safe times to contact you; do not assume every service uses the same recording or retention policy.

What professional treatment may involve

The Royal College of Psychiatrists describes psychological treatment, including cognitive behavioural therapy, and additional practical and family support. Medication decisions require a qualified clinician; do not start or change medication from an online guide. Royal College of Psychiatrists: gambling disorder.

Ask the clinician what the proposed approach is intended to help with, what you would practise between appointments and how progress would be reviewed. If a format or appointment time is not workable, explain the obstacle and ask about alternatives.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

The English clinic list is not a UK-wide entitlement. Ask your GP, local health service or specialist helpline which pathway applies where you live. Confirm geographic coverage and language support directly. Someone affected by another person's gambling can ask for help in their own right; they do not have to arrange another person's recovery first.

Prepare for a first conversation

You do not need a perfect account of every bet. Describe what feels difficult now: stopping, urges, money, relationships or daily routines. Mention other health concerns to the qualified professional so they can consider the whole situation.

1. Say what you want help with. For example: “I keep returning after deciding to stop.”
2. Explain access needs. Ask about language, disability access, appointment format and a safe way to contact you.
3. Ask about the next step. Find out whether this is an assessment, a referral or ongoing support, and who you should contact if plans change.

Keep personal notes somewhere private. We do not collect symptoms, treatment requests or questionnaire answers, and our editorial email is not a counselling service.

Questions to ask a treatment provider

• Who will assess me, and what professional registration or qualification do they hold?
• Do you work specifically with gambling-related problems?
• What does this approach involve, and how will we review whether it is helping?
• What are all the charges, waiting times and cancellation terms?
• How are my information and confidentiality handled, including any limits?
• What support is available between appointments, and where should I go for urgent help?
• Can you help relatives separately, and what happens when this course ends?

No provider should need you to continue gambling to demonstrate that you deserve help. Be cautious of guaranteed cures, fixed recovery deadlines or pressure to pay before you understand the service.

Support for family and friends

You can seek advice about your own wellbeing and boundaries even when the other person is not ready to engage. Ask the service whether it supports affected others. Avoid making yourself the sole monitor of someone else's behaviour or taking responsibility for guaranteeing recovery.

Read the guide for loved ones · Print a support-planning worksheet · Plan a response to a difficult moment