Problem Gambling Counselor Certification
On-demand and real-time courses recommended by OHA PGS to meet Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) requirements for Certified Gambling Addiction Counselors (CGAC).
Mental Health, Substance Use, Problem Gambling, and Other Counselors Seeking a CGAC I
Consistent with Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) educational requirements, ACORN offers a 30-hour, real-time Precertification course for mental health, substance use, problem gambling and other service providers seeking a Gambling Addiction Counselor certification (CGAC I).
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Problem Gambling Counselor Precertification, Spring 2025
CourseReal-time. Feb 21 - Apr 11, 2025. Provides the 30 hours required for initial certification as a Gambling Addictions Counselor I (CGAC I). Content is informed by the Problem Gambling Treatment Provider Core Competencies. Approved for 30 CE hours.
Purchase
ICD-PG Specialists Seeking a CGAC I
Consistent with Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) educational requirements, ACORN offers a 15-hour, real-time Precertification course for Integrated Co-occurring Disorders Problem Gambling (ICD-PG) Specialists seeking a Gambling Addiction Counselor certification (CGAC I).
CGAC I's Seeking a CGAC II
Consistent with Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) educational requirements, ACORN offers two 30-hour options for those seeking an advanced Gambling Addiction Counselor Certification (CGAC II). Option 1 is the on-demand 30-hour Working with Families in Problem Gambling Treatment course. Option 2 includes 15-hours of select on-demand courses, along with a 15-hour real-time, live advanced workshop on treating gambling problems. The advanced workshop is offered once a year, in the spring.
Advanced Track Option 1
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Working with Families in Problem Gambling Treatment
Course4.8 average rating (8 reviews)On-demand. 30 CE hours. Introduces family therapy concepts and offers a guided tour for how to counsel families struggling with problem gambling. Free for Oregonians, courtesy of Oregon Health Authority Problem Gambling Services.
Purchase$375
Advanced Track Option 2
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Advanced Problem Gambling Counselor Workshop, Spring 2025
CourseReal-time. Apr 18 and May 2, 2025. Provides 15 of the 60 CE hours required to become certified as a Gambling Addictions Counselor in Oregon. Content is informed by the Problem Gambling Treatment Provider Core Competencies. Accredited CE hours. Free.
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Values, Mindfulness, and Emotion in Problem Gambling Treatment
Course4.7 average rating (21 reviews)On-demand. 2 CE hours. Focuses on emotion, mindfulness, and values in problem gambling treatment. Free, courtesy of Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Problem Gambling Services (PGS).
Free
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Cognitive Behavioral Interventions in Problem Gambling Treatment
Course4.9 average rating (46 reviews)On-demand. 3 CE hours. Reviews core cognitive and behavioral interventions frequently used in problem gambling treatment, including tracking and intervening in gambling action cycles and exposing and challenging cognitive distortions.
Free
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Gambling and the Brain
Course4.7 average rating (32 reviews)On-demand. 2 CE hours. Covers basic information about the neuroscience of gambling and problem gambling treatment. Free, courtesy of Oregon Health Authority Problem Gambling Services.
Free
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Gambling and Co-occurring Disorders
Course5.0 average rating (42 reviews)On-demand. 2 CE hours. Provides training needed to qualify for the designation of a Co-Occurring Problem Gambling Specialist in Oregon. Free, courtesy of Oregon Health Authority Problem Gambling Services.
Free
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Sociocultural Attunement
Course4.6 average rating (30 reviews)On-demand. 4 CE hours. Focuses on sociocultural attunement in clinical work with clients in therapy or counseling. Free, courtesy of Oregon Health Authority (OHA) Problem Gambling Services (PGS).
Free
Who Should Attend
Certification track courses are recommended for:
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initial and advanced certification (CGAC I, ICGC I, CGAC II, ICGC II) and training in problem gambling treatment/treatment of disordered gambling;
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required continuing education (CE / CEU) for disordered/problem gambling and alcohol and drug treatment provider re-certification;
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required continuing education (CE / CEU) for maintaining professional mental health related licensure (e.g., LMFT, LPC) in Oregon and many other states; and
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advanced skills in the treatment of disordered gambling, working with families, treating cooccurring disorders, and/or sociocultural attunement.
Accreditation
ACORN has been approved by the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC), the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO), and the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider (NBCC ACEP No. 7274). Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. ACORN is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
ACORN additionally houses Oregon Health Authority (OHA) courses for counselors and prevention specialists. OHA courses are taught by OHA instructors and are approved by MHACBO, but not by IPGGC or NBCC.
Continuing education hours for each course are listed on the course webpage.
