Larry Starr-Karlin, JD, MA, LMFT Psychotherapy - Couples Counseling - Group Therapy      MFC44427

 While gambling can for many people be a form of entertainment, an exciting but harmless source of enjoyment, for some the gambling becomes a an out-of-control compulsion, now recognized as a progressive,  process-type addiction, ( also called pathological gambling ) that can wreak havoc on people's lives, especially their finances, family relationships, and employment.

For self-help, the 12-step groups Gamblers Anonymous (for gamblers) and Gam-Anon (for family) are widely available in the Los Angeles area and are highly recommended. The website for Gamblers Anonymous http://www.gamblersanonymous.org has a Twenty Questions test to help a gambler ascertain whether he or she is a "Compulsive Gambler" (i.e. gambling addict).  

I have been trained by the California Office of Problem Gambling and the UCLA Gambling Studies Program as a Problem Gambling Specialist.  Later this summer, there will be state funds available for no-cost treatment of persons whose lives are being affected by gambling addiction, whether directly, or indirectly as family members of the addicted individual. I will be an approved provider for this treatment services program.

an use this page for anything you like, but we recommend focusing on one or two related topics to avoid confusing your readers. Remember that you can always add more pages if you need them.