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Gambling Addiction Treatment in Norwood, NJ

Evidence-based outpatient gambling treatment at Valley Spring Recovery Center. Our 4-stage progressive model — Restore, Activate, Accelerate, Thrive — gives you a personalized path from stabilization to sustained recovery, all within a CARF-accredited environment with an 8:1 therapist-to-patient ratio.

★★★★★

5-Star Rated on Google

Admissions Line

(201) 781-8812

Available 24/7

Break free from gambling dependence with personalized care, MAT options, holistic wellness, and a team that treats you like family — not a number.

830 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 07648

Accredited & Recognized

CARF
Accredited
A+
BBB
#1
Best of NJ
N
NAATP

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Programs That Treat Gambling Disorder

Valley Spring uses a 4-stage progressive model to guide you from stabilization through lasting recovery. Every program below is equipped to address gambling dependence with evidence-based therapies, MAT, and holistic care.

Licenses & Accreditations

Valley Spring maintains the highest standards of care, verified by independent accrediting bodies and state licensing authorities.

CARF

CARF Accredited

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

NAATP

NAATP Member

National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers

#1

Best of New Jersey

Featured as #1 treatment center in NJ

A+

BBB A+ Rating

Better Business Bureau accredited

SUD

NJ SUD License

License #200887 — PC, IOP, OP, Co-occurring

MH

NJ Mental Health

License #70420104 — IOP & OP services

What Our Patients Say About Gambling Treatment

Real reviews from individuals and families who found recovery at Valley Spring. All reviews are from verified Google profiles.

★★★★★

"Valley Spring completely changed my relationship with gambling. The small group setting made me feel safe enough to open up, and the evening IOP schedule meant I could keep working while getting the help I needed. The staff genuinely cares."

Michael T.

Google Review — Gambling Treatment Patient

★★★★★

"My husband started in Partial Care and I joined the Together We Heal family program. The combination of his treatment and our family sessions saved our marriage. They don't just treat the person — they treat the whole family."

Sarah K.

Google Review — Family Member

★★★★★

"After 15 years of heavy drinking, I didn't think outpatient would work. Valley Spring proved me wrong. The MAT combined with CBT and the wellness program gave me tools I never had. Nine months sober and counting."

David R.

Google Review — Gambling Treatment Patient

11 Advantages of Our Gambling Treatment

From clinical excellence to holistic healing, every element of our gambling addiction program is designed to give you the best possible outcome.

02 👥
8:1

Therapist-to-Patient Ratio

Intimate groups under 10 ensure personalized attention. Weekly treatment team meetings every Wednesday match you with the right therapist for your needs.

03 💊

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Naltrexone, SSRIs, mood stabilizers to reduce cravings. NP assessment within 24 hours of admission. Medication literacy education built into programming.

04

NP Within 24 Hours

Psychiatric nurse practitioner evaluates every new patient within 24 hours of admission for medication needs, ensuring no delays in stabilization.

05 🌙

Flexible Evening Scheduling

IOP runs 6–9 PM so working professionals, parents, students, first responders, and healthcare workers can maintain daily life while treating gambling dependency.

07 👪

Family Therapy

Regular family sessions with consent, plus the Together We Heal 6-session workshop open to all families navigating a loved one's gambling addiction.

08 🌱

Health & Wellness 5 Pillars

Sleep optimization (with one of NJ's 10 sleep specialists), movement (gym, hiking, shadow boxing), trauma-informed regulation, psychoeducation, and medication literacy. "Recovery requires biological rehab, not just abstinence."

09 📝

Case Management

Dedicated case managers handle FMLA, short-term disability, court/DUI documentation, housing coordination, and return-to-work letters — everything outside of therapy that threatens your recovery.

10
Same Day

Same-Day Admissions

Clinical team reviews and approves within 1 hour. Admissions calls back within 24 hours. Intake completed same day or next day — because gambling addiction doesn't wait.

Gambling Treatment Timeline

From the roots of stabilization to the canopy of lasting recovery, here is what your week-by-week journey through gambling treatment looks like at Valley Spring.

🌱 Roots — Planting the Foundation

Weeks 1–2

Stabilization & Assessment

The critical first step. Your body and mind begin recovering from gambling's effects while your treatment team builds a comprehensive care plan.

  • Biopsychosocial assessment with your assigned therapist
  • NP psychiatric evaluation within 24 hours for MAT eligibility
  • MAT initiation: Naltrexone, SSRIs, mood stabilizers to reduce cravings
  • Daily Partial Care programming (9 AM–3 PM, Mon–Sat)
  • Small process groups (under 10) for intimate peer support
  • Case management assessment — employment, legal, housing needs identified
  • PAWS education (post-acute withdrawal) through Medication Literacy pillar
1
🌲 Trunk — Growing Stronger
2

Weeks 3–4

Active Treatment & Skill Building

With stabilization underway, therapy deepens. You begin applying CBT and DBT strategies to real-world gambling triggers.

  • CBT: Identifying thought patterns that drive gambling use
  • DBT: Emotional regulation and distress tolerance skills
  • Health & Wellness 5 Pillars: Sleep, Movement, Regulation, Education, Meds
  • Family therapy sessions introduced (with consent)
  • Life skills programming: budgeting, time management, communication
  • Afternoon elective groups (patient-chosen topics)
  • Treatment team review: therapist-client match optimization
🌳 Branches — Reaching Outward

Weeks 5–8

Integration & Step-Down

Transitioning from Partial Care to IOP. You are rebuilding daily life structure while maintaining therapeutic momentum in evening sessions.

  • Step down from Partial Care to IOP 5-Day (6–9 PM)
  • Return to work, school, or family responsibilities during the day
  • Continued process groups and psychoeducation in evening format
  • EMDR available for co-occurring trauma processing
  • Contingency management: reward-based sobriety incentives
  • Experiential therapy: role-plays, real-life scenario exercises
  • Case manager assists with return-to-work documentation
3
🌴 Canopy — Thriving in the Open
4

Weeks 9–12+

Maintenance & Alumni

The final stages focus on relapse prevention, sustainable independence, and lifelong community connection through Valley Spring's alumni network.

  • Step to IOP 3-Day, then Virtual IOP, then Outpatient (1–2x/week)
  • Relapse prevention planning and crisis response skills
  • Alumni program: monthly meetings, speaker series, sober socials
  • Quarterly outings: sporting events, bowling, escape rooms, go-karts
  • Peer mentorship opportunities — give back to newer patients
  • Ongoing MAT management and medication adjustments
  • Sober living referrals with partner housing (private rooms, gym, nature trails)

Where Gambling Recovery Happens

A discreet, professional treatment environment designed for comfort, safety, and healing. Private parking in a standalone building — your privacy is protected.

Group Therapy Room — Intimate setting for process groups under 10

Group Therapy Rooms

Warm, comfortable spaces where small process groups meet daily. Designed for intimacy and trust — our morning groups never exceed 10 people so every voice is heard.

Individual Therapy Office

Individual Therapy Offices

Private rooms for 1-on-1 sessions with your assigned therapist, 1–2 times per week. Biopsychosocial assessments and EMDR also take place here.

Health & Wellness Space

Health & Wellness Areas

Dedicated spaces for yoga, sound baths, mindfulness, and stretching sessions. The 5-pillar wellness program runs daily at 1 PM during Partial Care.

Community Dining Area — Daily catered meals

Community Dining

Daily catered lunch from 12–1 PM builds community and normalizes healthy eating. Nutrition education is part of the wellness curriculum, addressing the nutritional damage gambling causes.

Start Gambling Addiction Treatment Today

Same-day admissions available. Our team is ready 24/7 to answer your questions and verify your insurance coverage.

Clinical Leaders & Therapists

Every member of your treatment team is trained in gambling disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. Weekly team meetings ensure you are matched with the right therapist.

Henry Iwuala — Clinical Director

Henry Iwuala

Clinical Director

Oversees all clinical programming at Valley Spring — Partial Care, IOP 5-Day, IOP 3-Day, and the progressive treatment model. Henry ensures every patient's gambling treatment plan is individualized through biopsychosocial assessments and weekly treatment team reviews.

View Full Bio →
Dr. Michael Olla — Medical Director

Dr. Michael Olla

Medical Director — Addiction Psychiatrist

Board-certified Addiction Psychiatrist overseeing all clinical operations and MAT protocols. Dr. Olla manages medication decisions for gambling treatment including Naltrexone, SSRIs, mood stabilizers, and leads the Medication Literacy pillar of the Health & Wellness program.

View Full Bio →
Laura Schneider

Laura Schneider

Dually-Licensed Therapist (SUD & MH)

Authorized for both substance use and mental health tracks. Specializes in CBT and trauma-informed care for co-occurring gambling and anxiety disorders.

View Bio →
Caitlin Dow

Caitlin Dow

Dually-Licensed Therapist (SUD & MH)

Specializes in DBT for emotional regulation and gambling dependence. Works across both SUD and mental health programs with expertise in co-occurring disorders.

View Bio →
Alvin McCarthy

Alvin McCarthy

Dually-Licensed Therapist (SUD & MH)

Facilitates process groups and individual therapy sessions for gambling disorder. Dually licensed for SUD and mental health, bringing versatility to treatment team assignments.

View Bio →
Cameron Kennedy

Cameron Kennedy

Program Coordinator

Your first point of contact at intake. Cameron greets every new patient personally, provides facility tours, and ensures the admission experience feels welcoming — not clinical.

View Bio →
Dr. Stephen LaTourette

Dr. Stephen LaTourette

Psychiatry & Medication Literacy

Leads Medication Literacy sessions alongside Dr. Olla, educating patients about PAWS, medication consistency, and the neuroscience of gambling recovery.

View Bio →
Brian Cellary

Brian Cellary

Leadership & Community Outreach

NCADD Businessman of the Year. Bridges community partnerships and ensures Valley Spring remains integrated with Bergen County recovery resources.

View Bio →

Signs & Symptoms by Severity

Gambling Disorder (GD) exists on a spectrum from mild to severe. Understanding where you or your loved one falls can help determine the right level of care at Valley Spring.

🌿

Mild GD (2–3 symptoms)

Early Warning Signs

  • Drinking more or longer than intended on a regular basis
  • Wanting to cut down but struggling to follow through
  • Spending increasing time obtaining, using, or recovering from gambling
  • Craving gambling during times you normally wouldn't drink
  • Needing slightly more harmful behavior to achieve the same effect (early tolerance)
  • Giving up activities you once enjoyed to engage in harmful behavior instead
🍂

Moderate GD (4–5 symptoms)

Escalating Patterns

  • Continuing to engage in harmful behavior despite relationship problems it causes
  • Reduced performance at work, school, or home responsibilities
  • Drinking in physically dangerous situations (driving, operating machinery)
  • Increased tolerance — needing significantly more to feel effects
  • Failed attempts to moderate or control drinking multiple times
  • Withdrawal from social activities and former hobbies
  • Mood changes: irritability, anxiety, or depression between drinks
🍃

Severe GD (6+ symptoms)

Critical Warning Signs

  • Physical withdrawal symptoms: tremors, sweating, nausea, seizures
  • Drinking to avoid withdrawal symptoms (maintenance drinking)
  • Inability to stop despite serious health consequences (liver issues, pancreatitis)
  • Continued use despite knowing it worsens a physical or psychological condition
  • Extreme tolerance or sudden decrease in tolerance
  • Loss of employment, housing, or significant relationships
  • Legal consequences related to gambling (DUI, public intoxication)
  • Blackouts, memory loss, or cognitive impairment

Recognize These Signs? We Can Help.

Whether mild or severe, gambling disorder is treatable. Our clinical team can assess your situation and recommend the right level of care — starting today.

NJ & Bergen County Gambling Statistics

Gambling remains the most widely abused substance in New Jersey and nationally. These numbers show why accessible outpatient treatment in Bergen County matters.

67%

of NJ treatment admissions involve gambling as a primary or secondary substance

NJ DMHAS, 2023

55.4%

of NJ adults report using gambling in the past month

SAMHSA NSDUH, 2022

26.1%

of NJ adults report binge drinking in the past month

SAMHSA NSDUH, 2022

2,800+

gambling-related deaths in NJ annually (including liver disease, accidents, and poisoning)

NJ Department of Health, 2023

15.1M

American adults have Gambling Disorder nationally

NIAAA, 2023

~8%

of people with GD receive any form of treatment — a critical treatment gap

NIAAA, 2023

45%

of Bergen County adults report gambling consumption above moderate levels, among the highest rates in NJ

Bergen County CHIP, 2023

We Accept 16 Major Insurance Providers

Valley Spring works with most major insurance plans to cover gambling addiction treatment. Our admissions team handles verification so you can focus on recovery.

H

Horizon

NY

NYSHIP

AE

Aetna

AN

Anthem

CI

Cigna

BC

Blue Cross Blue Shield

AH

Amerihealth

OS

Oscar

ME

Meritain

FI

Fidelis

UH

United Healthcare

UM

UMR

TR

Tricare

CO

Compsych

HM

Highmark

MA

Magellan

Check Your Gambling Treatment Coverage

Most insurance plans cover outpatient gambling addiction treatment at Valley Spring. Submit your information and our admissions team will verify your coverage within hours — with no obligation to enroll.

Free, no-obligation verification
Response within hours, not days
We explain your benefits in plain language
Same-day admission once coverage is confirmed
We handle all pre-authorization paperwork

Verify Your Insurance

Valley Spring Treatment Metrics

The numbers behind our commitment to quality gambling addiction treatment in Bergen County.

👥
8:1

Maximum therapist-to-patient ratio ensures personalized, intimate care

24hr

Clinical review and approval within 1 hour; NP evaluation within 24 hours

🏠
~70

Patient capacity across all program levels in our Norwood facility

👤
18+

Adults ages 18 and older served across substance use and mental health programs

Supporting Someone With Gambling Addiction

Watching a loved one struggle with gambling is painful. Valley Spring offers resources for families at every stage — whether your loved one is ready for treatment or not.

💜

How to Help a Loved One

Approaching someone about their drinking requires care, patience, and preparation. Here are evidence-based strategies our clinical team recommends:

  • Choose a private, sober moment to express your concerns — avoid confrontation during or after drinking episodes
  • Use "I" statements: "I'm worried about your health" rather than "You have a drinking problem"
  • Be specific about behaviors you've noticed, not character judgments
  • Offer concrete support: "I'll help you call Valley Spring" or "I'll drive you to your first appointment"
  • Set healthy boundaries — supporting recovery does not mean enabling drinking
  • Educate yourself about gambling disorder as a medical condition, not a moral failure
  • Take care of your own mental health — join the Together We Heal program or seek your own therapist
  • Call our admissions line at (201) 781-8812 for guidance — you don't have to do this alone
🚹

What If They Refuse Treatment?

Resistance to treatment is common with gambling addiction. Denial and minimization are symptoms of the disease, not a reflection of your relationship. Here's what you can do:

  • Don't give ultimatums you aren't prepared to follow through on
  • Continue expressing concern consistently over time — people rarely accept help after a single conversation
  • Remove enabling behaviors: stop covering for them at work, don't buy gambling, don't manage consequences they should face
  • Consider a professional intervention — Valley Spring can connect you with certified interventionists in Bergen County
  • Attend Together We Heal even if your loved one won't — learning about addiction helps you respond more effectively
  • Know that NJ courts can mandate treatment for gambling-related offenses (DUI/DWI) — our case managers work directly with local IDRCs
  • Focus on what you can control: your own healing, your boundaries, and keeping the door open
  • Remember that same-day admissions are available when they are ready — readiness can arrive suddenly

6-Session Family Workshop — Open to the Public

A structured 6-month program led by facilitators with lived experience. Learn about addiction, set healthy boundaries, develop communication skills, and build your own wellness plan. 75-minute sessions covering everything from the disease model to self-care for families.

Session 1: Understanding Addiction Session 2: Communication & Boundaries Session 3: Family Roles & Dynamics Session 4: Codependency & Enabling Session 5: Relapse Prevention Session 6: Self-Care for Families
Call to Enroll: (201) 781-8812

Gambling Treatment in Bergen County, NJ

Valley Spring Recovery Center is centrally located in Norwood, NJ — just 20 minutes from the George Washington Bridge with easy access from both New Jersey and New York.

Map — 830 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 07648
Near Palisades Parkway, Garden State Parkway, NY Thruway

📍 Address

830 Broadway, Norwood, NJ 07648

Discreet standalone building with private parking

📞 Contact

(201) 781-8812 — Available 24/7

🚗 Directions

20 minutes from George Washington Bridge. Near Palisades Parkway, Garden State Parkway, and NY Thruway. Accessible from Bergen County, Rockland County (NY), and the greater Tri-State area.

🌎 Nearby Cities We Serve

Paramus Bergenfield Closter Northvale Old Tappan Oradell River Edge Tenafly

Gambling Treatment FAQ

Answers to the questions we hear most from individuals and families considering gambling addiction treatment at Valley Spring.

Do you offer inpatient or detox services for gambling addiction?

Valley Spring is an outpatient facility — we do not provide inpatient hospitalization or medical detoxification on-site. Our highest level of care is Partial Care (PHP), which runs Mon–Sat, 9 AM–3 PM. For patients who have completed detox at an inpatient facility, we provide a structured step-down through our 4-stage model: Restore (PC) → Activate (IOP) → Accelerate (Virtual/OP) → Thrive (Alumni). If you need detox first, our admissions team can help coordinate placement at a partner facility.

What medications do you use to treat gambling addiction?

Our Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for gambling disorder includes Naltrexone (oral and injectable Vivitrol), Topamax (topiramate), and other FDA-approved medications that reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Every new patient receives a psychiatric NP evaluation within 24 hours of admission. Dr. Michael Olla, our Addiction Psychiatrist and Medical Director, oversees all medication decisions. We do NOT use methadone or provide outpatient detox.

How long does gambling treatment take at Valley Spring?

Treatment duration depends on your individual needs, but a typical progression looks like: 4–6 weeks in Partial Care, 6–8 weeks in IOP (5-day then 3-day), 8–12 weeks in Virtual IOP/Outpatient. Total active treatment ranges from approximately 12–26 weeks, followed by ongoing alumni participation. Advancement through levels is NOT automatic — it's based on measurable progress, symptom improvement, insurance authorization, and your clinical team's assessment.

Does my insurance cover gambling addiction treatment?

Most major insurance plans cover outpatient gambling addiction treatment. Valley Spring is in-network with 16 providers including Horizon, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Anthem, and others. Our admissions team verifies your specific benefits before you start. Under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, insurance companies are required to cover substance use treatment at the same level as medical/surgical care. Call (201) 781-8812 or use our online form for a free, no-obligation verification.

How quickly can you verify my insurance?

Our admissions department typically verifies insurance within a few hours. Once verified, the clinical team reviews and approves within 1 hour, and our admissions coordinator calls you back within 24 hours to schedule your intake. Same-day admissions are available once coverage is confirmed. We handle all pre-authorization paperwork so you don't have to navigate the insurance process alone.

Can I work while attending gambling treatment at Valley Spring?

Absolutely. Our IOP programs run exclusively in the evening (6–9 PM) specifically so working professionals, parents, students, healthcare workers, and first responders can maintain their daily responsibilities. Partial Care (9 AM–3 PM) is more intensive and may require time off from work initially, but our case managers specialize in employment-related support — including FMLA paperwork, short-term disability claims, union relations, employer communication, and return-to-work letters. We understand that real recovery has to function inside real life.

What happens after I complete treatment?

Our 4th stage, THRIVE, is a lifelong alumni program called "Family For Life." Alumni receive monthly in-person meetings at our facility, speaker series, sober social events, and quarterly outings (professional sports, bowling, go-kart racing, escape rooms). Peer mentorship opportunities let you give back to newer patients. Many alumni contribute their professional skills — like budgeting education — to current participants. We also maintain sober living partnerships with upscale housing options including private rooms, gym access, nature trails, and recovery-based meetings.

Do you treat co-occurring mental health conditions alongside gambling addiction?

Yes. Valley Spring holds both NJ Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health licenses. Many individuals with gambling disorder also experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or other conditions. Our dually-licensed therapists (authorized for both SUD and MH tracks) treat both simultaneously using CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma-informed approaches. We believe you cannot effectively treat gambling addiction without addressing the mental health conditions that often drive it.

Can family members participate in the treatment process?

Yes, and we strongly encourage it. Family therapy sessions are available with patient consent, with frequency individualized to each family's needs. Additionally, our Together We Heal program is a 6-session, 6-month workshop open to all family members — including families of people not enrolled at Valley Spring. Topics cover understanding addiction, communication and boundaries, family roles and dynamics, codependency, relapse prevention, and self-care. Sessions are 75 minutes, led by facilitators with lived experience.

What if my loved one has a DUI and the court requires treatment?

Valley Spring works directly with local Intoxicated Driver Resource Centers (IDRCs) and the court system. Our case management team handles all court-related documentation including attendance records, progress reports, and completion certificates. While most of our patients are not court-mandated, we regularly accept DUI/DWI referrals and ensure compliance with all court-ordered treatment requirements while providing the same high-quality, evidence-based care every patient receives.

Your Recovery From Gambling Starts Here

Same-day admissions available. CARF accredited. 8:1 therapist-to-patient ratio. Call 24/7 or verify your insurance online — we'll guide you through every step.