Clinic Hours
- Weekdays 8am - 5pm
- Saturday By Appointment
- Sunday Closed
Centia Health
Call/Text : +1 (610) 400-4885, +1 (267) 702-5246
Mail : contact@centiahealth.com
Address : Suite 130, 150 S. Warner Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406.
Address : 8016 State Line Road, Suite 205, Prairie Village KS, 66208.
Pathological Gambling Disorder Treatment: Expert, Evidence-Based Care for Lasting Recovery
Pathological Gambling Disorder — also known as compulsive gambling disorder or gambling addiction — is a recognized behavioral health condition characterized by an inability to control the urge to gamble, despite the harmful consequences it creates in your finances, relationships, career, and overall well-being. At Centia Health, our board-certified psychiatrists provide personalized, evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, helping you regain control and rebuild a stable, fulfilling life.
If gambling has started to feel less like a choice and more like something you can’t stop — even when you want to — you are not alone, and help is available. Gambling disorder affects people from all walks of life, and with the right psychiatric support, recovery is possible.
What Is Pathological Gambling Disorder?
Pathological Gambling Disorder, formally referred to as Gambling Disorder, is the only behavioral (non-substance) addiction currently classified alongside substance use disorders. It involves persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior that leads to significant impairment or distress. Left untreated, compulsive gambling can escalate quickly, resulting in serious financial, legal, occupational, and relationship consequences.
At Centia Health, we treat Pathological Gambling Disorder with the same clinical rigor, compassion, and personalized approach we bring to every condition we treat — because gambling addiction is a medical and psychiatric condition, not a matter of willpower.
Signs and Symptoms of Pathological Gambling Disorder
Recognizing the warning signs of compulsive gambling is the first step toward getting help. Common symptoms include:
Behavioral Signs:
- Preoccupation with gambling (constantly planning, thinking about, or reliving past gambling experiences)
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement
- Repeated, unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Restlessness or irritability when attempting to reduce gambling
- Gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression
- “Chasing losses” — returning another day to try to win back money lost
- Lying to family members, friends, or a therapist to conceal the extent of gambling
Financial & Social Consequences:
- Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, or educational opportunity because of gambling
- Relying on others to relieve desperate financial situations caused by gambling
- Committing illegal acts, such as theft or fraud, to finance gambling
- Mounting debt, missed bills, or drained savings
Psychological Indicators:
- Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or hopelessness related to gambling losses
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or substance use concerns
If several of these symptoms sound familiar — whether they describe you or someone you love — a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation can help determine the right path forward.
Evidence-Based Treatment Options at Centia Health
Psychiatric Evaluation & Personalized Treatment Planning
Every patient begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation to understand the full picture of their gambling behavior, co-occurring mental health conditions, and personal goals. From there, we build a treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Medication Management
While no medication is FDA-approved specifically for gambling disorder, our psychiatrists have extensive experience using evidence-informed pharmacological approaches to reduce urges and treat commonly co-occurring conditions, including:
- SSRIs and SNRIs — to address underlying anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive features that often accompany compulsive gambling
- Naltrexone — an opioid antagonist studied for its ability to reduce the intensity of gambling urges and cravings
- Mood stabilizers — particularly helpful when gambling behavior co-occurs with bipolar spectrum symptoms
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Identifies the triggers, thought distortions, and emotional patterns that fuel gambling behavior
- Builds practical coping strategies to manage cravings and high-risk situations
- One of the most well-supported therapeutic approaches for gambling disorder
Motivation Enhancement Therapy
- Helps resolve ambivalence about change
- Strengthens internal motivation to pursue and sustain recovery
- Especially effective in the early stages of treatment
Collaborative, Team-Based Care
With your consent, we coordinate with other clinicians, financial counselors, or support networks involved in your care — because recovery from gambling disorder is rarely a solo journey. As we say at Centia Health, “it takes a village.”
Why Choose Centia Health for Gambling Disorder Treatment?
Specialized Psychiatric Expertise
Our care is led by Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka, M.D., MBA — a triple-board-certified psychiatrist with Yale training in consultation-liaison psychiatry and 15 years of clinical experience treating complex conditions where mental and physical health intersect. As a former C-suite healthcare executive and physician coach, Dr. Shoyinka brings a rare combination of clinical depth and real-world understanding of the stress, shame, and high-functioning struggle that often accompany behavioral addictions like compulsive gambling.
Addressing Co-Occurring Conditions
Gambling disorder rarely exists in isolation. Our psychiatrists are experienced in treating the conditions that frequently accompany it, including:
- Depression and gambling disorder
- Anxiety disorders and compulsive gambling
- ADHD and impulse-control challenges
- Substance use and dual diagnosis presentations
Comprehensive, Confidential Care
- In-depth psychiatric assessment
- Individualized, judgment-free treatment planning
- Ongoing monitoring and medication adjustment as needed
- Convenient telehealth appointments across Pennsylvania and Kansas, plus in-person appointments available
Flexible Access to Care
- Weekday appointments: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Eastern) / 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Central)
- Wednesday in-office appointments available at our Pennsylvania location
- Virtual visits available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
- Saturday appointments available by request
Insurance & Accessibility
Centia Health accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including Aetna, Ambetter, AmeriHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna/Evernorth, Highmark Health, Humana, Independence Blue Cross, OptumHealth, TRICARE, and UnitedHealthcare. View our full list of accepted insurance plans or contact our office to verify your coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gambling Disorder Treatment
Yes. Gambling disorder is a recognized psychiatric condition involving persistent, problematic gambling behavior that causes significant distress or impairment. It shares many features with substance use disorders and responds well to psychiatric treatment.
Yes, Centia Health offers secure telehealth appointments for gambling disorder treatment, giving you convenient access to psychiatric care from the comfort of home or office.
Your first visit is a comprehensive evaluation lasting 60–90 minutes. We'll discuss your gambling behavior, its impact on your life, your psychiatric and medical history, and your treatment goals, so we can build a personalized care plan.
Not necessarily. Treatment decisions are made collaboratively, and many patients benefit from a combination of therapy and medication management, particularly when anxiety, depression, or impulsivity are also present.