Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health
The Virginia Partnership for Gaming and Health (VPGH), is a consortium of stakeholders committed to strengthen treatment and recovery services for individuals who need support for problem gambling. Members of the new collaboration include the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (VDBHDS), the Virginia Lottery, the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling, and the VCU Department of Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling/College of Health Professionals.
VPGH will centralize treatment and peer recovery services for Virginia residents in need of therapeutic support. Based on results of an initial screening to the Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline (888 532-3500), eligible individuals will be offered the opportunity to work with a peer recovery specialist or treatment provider in their specific health region of Virginia. VPGH will be a payer of last resort to guarantee individual’s treatment and recovery support needs are met.
The overall aims of the VPGH, is to:
- Develop and sustain a treatment provider & peer recovery network within local communities
- Provide timely reimbursement for a continuum of care
- Increase access and utilization of treatment supports
- Provide gambling continuing education and training on evidence-based practices.
As a funded initiative, providers who become part of our referral network will be offered free training to serve individuals with a gambling problem, become a referral source for individuals in need of clinical services, and receive timely and competitive reimbursement.
For more information on joining VPGH’s network of providers please contact Carolyn E. Hawley, PhD at cehawley@vcu.edu or Amira Turner, LCSW at turnera2@vcu.edu.