Problem Gambling Counselor Precertification Training

Problem Gambling Counselor Precertification

This synchronous (live) online training provides the 30 educational hours required to become certified as a Gambling Addictions Counselor (CGAC) in Oregon. Course content is informed by the Problem Gambling Treatment Provider Core Competencies.

The Problem Gambling Counselor Precertification synchronous course entails virtual meetings with instructors and fellow learners. The course also includes self-paced lessons in between the meetings. The course is approved by the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC) and the Mental Health & Addictions Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) for 30 continuing education (CE) hours. To earn CE hours, you will need to 1) attend all course sessions and complete all required course activities and 2) complete the course evaluation survey. A certificate of attendance will be made available on the Student Dashboard upon course completion and upon the receipt of evaluation survey responses.

Instructor Dave Hsiao

Dave Hsiao, MA, LPC, CADC III, CGAC II is Residential and Extended Care Management Unit Manager with the Oregon Health Authority. With more than 20 years of experience in counseling, he specializes in substance use disorders, problem gambling, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Dave is committed to improving outcomes through culturally responsive practice, with a focus on serving vulnerable populations and their families. His work includes training and supervising recovery mentors and counselors and leading outreach efforts across the Portland area and the Oregon coast.

Instructor Raul Ramirez

Raul Ramirez, CADC II, CGAC II, QMHA is a Problem Gambling Treatment Specialist with the Oregon Health Authority. He is a bilingual (English/Spanish) provider and member of the Multiethnic Advisory Committee, supporting awareness and community-building around gambling-related harm among underserved populations. Raul has experience delivering clinical supervision for professionals pursuing CADC and CGAC credentials. He is a strong advocate for equity and culturally responsive care for LGBTQIA2S+ and Latinx communities, with expertise in program and systems development, engagement and retention strategies, and community education.

OHA Instructor Brandie Lyday

Brandie Lyday, MA, LMFT, CGAC II, CADC III owns and manages True Heart Therapy, a mental health group practice. She is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor and serves as adjunct faculty providing family therapy supervision for Lewis & Clark’s Problem Gambling Services. Brandie previously worked as an Oregon Health Authority Problem Gambling Treatment Program Development Analyst and has extensive experience as an outpatient addiction treatment specialist, delivering individual, group, couple, and family therapies, including work with clients involved in the criminal legal system.

ACORN has been approved by the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC) and the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) to provide continuing education courses. Additionally, ACORN has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7274. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. ACORN is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.