Compulsive Gambling

First Step Recovery & Wellness Center offers a full range of gambling treatment services.  Our program offers free evaluations and community education classes.   Therapy sessions are established individually and on a group basis.  Family therapy and education are recommended to assist in the recovery processes.  We provide a caring, non-judgmental approach to treatment.  Call First Step today at (402) 434-2730 to schedule an appointment.

The Gambling Staff are certified and credentialed professionals experienced in working with co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse and mental health issues.  The treatment process includes traditional therapy approaches and alternative therapies including biofeedback and neurofeedback. Counselors available directly at 434-2748 or 434-3971 to discuss services.

Take the First Step: Evaluation and Assessment

Assessing the compulsive gambler is different from assessing other types of addiction.  All gambling evaluations are conducted by certified compulsive gambling counselors.  The evaluation is offered free of charge, to Nebraska residents. The results of the evaluations will lead to a recommended treatment program based on the severity of the gambling problem. 

Program Philosophy

First Step's outpatient programs provide personalized treatment times convenient to your schedule with minimal interruptions to your life.

Your First Step outpatient programs will involve group therapy where clients are encouraged to interact with other individuals who are experiencing similar difficulties in their lives.

Our progressive recovery programs are based on a holistic, 12-step model of recovery. Treatment programs are designed to help clients (and their families) gain a thorough understanding about abuse and addiction, contributing thought patterns, and environmental triggers. We help clients to make behavioral changes so that a more positive, independent lifestyle can be achieved.

First Step offers free education for any community agency that would like to learn more about compulsive gambling.

We Can Help with Your Finances

Gambling treatment is funded in part by the Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program.

First Step offers treatment costs based on a sliding fee scale that is based on your level of debt and income.  Gamblers generally have a substantial amount of debt by the time they seek treatment services; no client will be turned away based on an inability to pay. 

Compulsive gambling often creates great financial hardship resulting in stress that disturbs the entire family. We can help to relieve the pressure of neglected financial obligations by working with clients and their families to develop realistic budgets, negotiating with creditors and developing dialogs with employers, and other affected community members.

Program Descriptions

Outpatient Treatment Group for gamblers is offered on Tuesday's 6:00PM to 9:00PM.

An Action Gamblers Only Group is offered on Thursdays from  6:00pm until 8:00pm.

24/7 Counselor Availability for crisis situations.  Cell number 440-6271

Interventions Available - experienced staff to guide and assist family and employers. 

Individual Therapy and Counseling Sessions - established by you and your counselor.

The above programs are based on the 12-step principles. Each program includes group therapy, family and individual counseling. (Individual counseling and family conferences are scheduled on an individual basis.) Gamblers Anonymous or Gamblers 12-Step meetings in addition to treatment is encouraged and recommended.

Links to Helpful Information on Compulsive Gambling

For more helpful information, try the links below:

• Do you have a gambling problem?
• E-mail: Nebraska Council on Compulsive Gambling
• E-mail: HHS - Division of Alcohol & Drug Abuse
• Website: National Council on Problem Gambling