Specialized Treatment Programs & Services

Discussion Issues & Topics

Every individual has their own personal experiences. We will collaborate on what you want to explore for treatment support. Please contact my office at (415) 742-1788 to discuss and schedule an intake appointment.

Gambling Addiction Treatment

(For Gamblers, Affected Family Members, and Loved Ones)

If you feel the need to attend Gamblers Anonymous, discuss a family gambling problem, or help a loved one, support is available. Common signs and behaviors include:

  • Lying to conceal gambling activities

  • Gambling with increasing amounts of money to feel excitement

  • Restlessness or irritability when trying to stop

  • Repeated, unsuccessful attempts to stop, control, or reduce gambling

  • Thinking often about gambling and planning future bets

  • Gambling when feeling distressed or returning to gamble after losing money

  • Experiencing relationship, work, or financial problems due to gambling

  • Depending on others for money or trying to stop online gambling

Areas of Focus & Attractions

  • Visiting compulsive gambling spots, gambling parties, or online gaming sites

  • Placing bets or participating in stock market day trading and sports betting

  • Seeking gambling bailout programs, services, or traveling to gambling destinations

  • Supporting the compulsive gambler as an affected family member or loved one

No-Cost Treatment Option

I provide counseling for compulsive and problem gambling behaviors, as well as for those impacted by a problem gambler. Tribal casinos, local card clubs, the California lottery, and other gambling establishments fund these sessions, allowing you to get something meaningful back after all the time and hard-earned money you've given to them.

As an authorized State of California and UCLA Gambling Studies Program treatment provider, I am authorized to provide treatment initially at no cost, starting with a block of eight sessions. We will collaborate on a thorough history of how gambling challenges you or impacts your relationships, beginning the process to reduce or eliminate those challenges.

Understanding Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is unlike any other addiction, as gambling promises to solve all of your problems if you just do it long enough. One small win can wipe out all the pain of losing. People with alcohol and drug addiction do not drink or use believing it will allow them to pay the rent or get out of debt; gamblers have this hope and belief every time they place a bet.

Like substance addictions, compulsive gamblers build tolerance over time, requiring ever-increasing amounts of money and risk to get high. Whether seeking adrenaline, action, a way to chase losses, or an escape from reality, the need for more time, energy, and money inevitably leads to desperation. This can result in the destruction of careers, homes, finances, and family relationships, culminating in extreme hopelessness and despair. It is time to rediscover hope and experience peace in your life, and I look forward to working together to make it happen.

Anger, Battering Intervention, & Intimate Partner Stabilization Management

  • Are you or someone you know experiencing problems related to:

  • Legal, family, or health issues

  • Custody or child welfare challenges

  • Financial, employment, business, or housing problems

  • Friendship, neighbor relations, or intimate partner/domestic violence conflicts

Anger is a legitimate emotion, but when channeled inappropriately, it causes harm to self and others. My practice helps clients address resentments, stabilize emotions, utilize constructive coping interventions, and reduce both the emotional feeling of anger/violence and its physical reactions. I am an authorized San Francisco Probation Department Batterer Intervention program provider, helping both self-referred and court-ordered individuals seek support with anger and aggression.

Substance Use & Addictions Program

My practice provides substance use and addiction treatment support for individuals, loved ones, and families dealing with various addictions and obsessive preoccupations, including:

  • Alcohol and drug use

  • Smoking and vaping

  • Video game playing

  • Theft

  • Pornography

  • Social networking

  • Short-term relationships and cheating

  • Co-dependency

Men’s Issues Counseling

My practice has provided men’s individual and group emotional supportive behavioral counseling for several years. This offers an outstanding opportunity for adult men of all ages to gain immediate support, encouragement, and useful therapeutic skills to cope with all life’s challenges and unfortunate circumstances.

Common Challenges & Issues Addressed

  • Emotional & Mental Health: Stress, anxiety and panic, depression and sadness, trauma, grief, loss, bereavement, and spiritual awareness

  • Behavior & Coping: Avoidance, anger, frustration, irritation, sleep disturbances, addictions, impulsive behaviors, and relapse prevention

  • Identity & Self: Self-identity, sexuality, self-worth, self-esteem, abuse, and loneliness

  • Relationships & Family: Parenting, family dynamics, roles, expectations, divorce, separation, infidelity, and relationships

  • Life Transitions: Unemployment, job loss, legal problems, custody, life adjustments (career, home, health), and major illness or injury