Gambling Disorder Treatment

PURPOSE: This rule describes the specific service delivery requirements for gambling disorder treatment. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The secretary of state has determined that publication of the entire text of the material that is incorporated by reference as a portion of this rule would be unduly cumbersome or expensive. This material as incorporated by reference in this rule shall be maintained by the agency at its headquarters and shall be made available to the public for inspection and copying at no more than the actual cost of reproduction. This note applies only to the reference material. The entire text of the rule is printed here. (1) Service Functions. The key functions of gambling disorder treatment and rehabilitation services shall include— (A) Utilizing evidence-based treatment principles to promote positive changes in gambling behavior and lifestyle; (B) Exploring the gambling behavior and its impact on self, marriages, partnerships, and families; (C) Helping the person to better understand his/her needs and how to constructively meet them; (D) Teaching effective methods to deal with urges to gamble to include use of medication assisted treatment as indicated; (E) Enhancing motivation and creative problem-solving for the individual and his/her family and other natural supports; (F) Addressing financial problems incurred as a result of the gambling behavior with appropriate referrals, as needed; and (G) Determining suicide risk and the presence of co-occurring behavioral health factors to determine the need for ancillary treatment services. (2) Treatment Goals and Performance Outcomes. Indicators of a positive treatment outcome include the reduction or cessation of gambling behavior, as well as improvements and/or involvement in family and other natural support relationships, leisure and social activities, educational/ vocational functioning, legal status, psychological functioning, and financial situation. (3) Eligibility Criteria. Eligibility for gambling disorder treatment shall be based on criteria for persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior as defined in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association, 800 Maine Avenue S.W., Suite 900, Washington, DC 20024, www.psychiatry.org and does not include any later amendments or additions. There must be documentation in the individual record of the specific behaviors and circumstances demonstrating how the person meets treatment criteria. The department may require the use of designated instruments for the admission and eligibility determination processes for individuals receiving services funded by the department. The referenced guide does not include any later amendments or additions. (4) Available Services. Gambling disorder treatment services shall be offered on an individual, family, and group basis in an outpatient setting. Available services include individual counseling, group rehabilitative support and counseling, family therapy, and collateral relationship counseling. (A) Each individual shall be oriented to and encouraged to participate in mutual support groups, if available. (B) Family members and other natural supports of persons with a gambling disorder shall be encouraged to participate in treatment. Such participation does not include counseling sessions for family members and other natural supports on an ongoing basis to resolve other personal problems or other behavioral health disorders. (C) The treatment provider shall arrange other services and make referrals to address other problems the individual or the family may have such as financial problems, substance use, or other behavioral health disorders. (5) Clinical Review and Data Reporting. Services are subject to clinical review by the department in accordance with 9 CSR 107.030. Providers shall comply with data reporting requirements established by the department for individuals whose services are funded by the department. (6) Certified Gambling Disorder Counselor. A certified gambling disorder counselor demonstrates substantial knowledge and skill in the treatment of individuals with persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior by having completed a designated training program sponsored or approved by the Missouri Credentialing Board, and being either— (A) A counselor, clinical social worker, psychologist, or physician licensed in Missouri by the Division of Professional Registration; or (B) Possess a qualifying certified level credential as designated by the Missouri Credentialing Board. (7) Credentialing of Gambling Disorder Counselors. The Missouri Credentialing Board designates the credential of a gambling disorder counselor to individuals who meet the qualifications specified in this rule. This credential is a requirement for providing gambling disorder counseling services eligible for funding by the department. (A) A person may request an application for the Gambling Disorder Counselor credential from the Missouri Credentialing Board, 428 E. Capitol Avenue, 2nd Floor, Jefferson City, MO 65101, (573) 616-2300, www.missouricb.com. (B) The credential is issued for a period of time coinciding with the period of licensure or certification otherwise required of the applicant, up to a maximum period of two (2) years. (C) The credential may be renewed upon further application and verification that the counselor continues to meet all qualifications. For renewal, the applicant must have received during the past two (2) years at least fourteen (14) hours of training sponsored or approved by the Missouri Credentialing Board that is directly related to the treatment of gambling disorders. (D) Credentialed counselors shall adhere to the code of ethics for their profession in providing services for individuals with gambling disorders. 1. Any complaint or grievance received by the department regarding a counselor providing services to individuals for a gambling disorder shall be forwarded to the applicable licensure or certification body. 2. Any sanction arising from a code of ethics violation shall be deemed as applying equally to the gambling disorder credential. AUTHORITY: sections 313.842, 630.050, and 630.655, RSMo 2016.* This rule originally filed as 9 CSR 30-3.611. Original rule filed Oct. 13, 1995, effective April 30, 1996. Amended: Filed Jan. 10, 1997, effective Aug. 30, 1997. Moved to 9 CSR 30-3.134 and amended: Filed Feb. 28, 2001, effective Oct. 30, 2001. Amended: Filed April 20, 2018, effective Nov. 30, 2018. Amended: Filed June 29, 2023, effective Jan. 30, 2024. *Original authority: 313.842, RSMo 1991, amended 1996, 2000; 630.050, RSMo 1980, amended 1993, 1995, 2008; and 630.655, RSMo 1980.