A Mixed Methods Examination of Client Experience and Effectiveness of a Residential Treatment Facility for Gambling Disorder
Session Title
Treatment: Clinical Approaches
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation
Start Date
27-5-2026 12:00 AM
Abstract
Background: Few detailed analyses have examined clinical experiences and outcomes of residential treatment programs for gambling disorder. This study reports clinical details and outcomes from Beit T’Shuvah’s Right Action Program, a no-cost residential gambling treatment program in Los Angeles, California. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative interviews were conducted with 35 former clients admitted between 2017–2025. Interviews examined post-discharge gambling behavior. Thematic analysis integrated qualitative coding with quantitative data. Results: Twenty-one participants (60%) reported gambling after discharge. Among those who relapsed, the mean time to gambling was 346 days, indicating delayed and situational return. Relapse was linked to increased financial autonomy, emotional distress, or loss of structure. At interview, the mean number of days since last gambling was 289.7. Ten participants who relapsed reported no longer gambling regularly and described abstinent periods of at least six months, framing relapse as episodic. Common modalities included casino slot machines, casino poker, and online sports betting. Mean annual income was higher among participants who relapsed ($78,361 vs $54,555). Mean PHQ-9 (6.67 vs 4.86) and GAD-2 scores (1.93 vs 1.64) were higher in the relapse group, along with lower life satisfaction (63.33/100 vs 73.8/100). Conclusions: Post-discharge gambling patterns were heterogeneous, with relapse shaped by emotional and financial context.
A Mixed Methods Examination of Client Experience and Effectiveness of a Residential Treatment Facility for Gambling Disorder
Background: Few detailed analyses have examined clinical experiences and outcomes of residential treatment programs for gambling disorder. This study reports clinical details and outcomes from Beit T’Shuvah’s Right Action Program, a no-cost residential gambling treatment program in Los Angeles, California. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative interviews were conducted with 35 former clients admitted between 2017–2025. Interviews examined post-discharge gambling behavior. Thematic analysis integrated qualitative coding with quantitative data. Results: Twenty-one participants (60%) reported gambling after discharge. Among those who relapsed, the mean time to gambling was 346 days, indicating delayed and situational return. Relapse was linked to increased financial autonomy, emotional distress, or loss of structure. At interview, the mean number of days since last gambling was 289.7. Ten participants who relapsed reported no longer gambling regularly and described abstinent periods of at least six months, framing relapse as episodic. Common modalities included casino slot machines, casino poker, and online sports betting. Mean annual income was higher among participants who relapsed ($78,361 vs $54,555). Mean PHQ-9 (6.67 vs 4.86) and GAD-2 scores (1.93 vs 1.64) were higher in the relapse group, along with lower life satisfaction (63.33/100 vs 73.8/100). Conclusions: Post-discharge gambling patterns were heterogeneous, with relapse shaped by emotional and financial context.