View this newsletter as the original email.
In This Issue:
- Notes from Wiley
- State Certification Program
- Basic Training for Problem Gambling
- Suicide Prevention
Notes from Wiley
Greetings,
There are two highlights for this fall from OAPGG. First, November 1 begins the State Certification for Problem Gambling counselors. Please see a separate news item in this newsletter and a link to the application. Second, the fall 2021 version of Basic Training for certification will be October 15 and 22 and November 12 and 19. This 30-hour course will be online for the four days. You can find the links for registration in a separate section of this newsletter.
At this time there are 28 states that have sports gambling, and 4 more have passed legislation to approve sports betting. It is possible that Oklahoma will introduce a bill to add sports betting to the current compact agreement with the tribes. To prepare for this possibility, it is important that we advocate for responsible gambling guidelines that relate to sports betting and encourage the appropriate language to be in any bill.
I realize that regulation of any industry is not a popular idea but if we do not preemptively address the issue of responsible gambling we will be addressing it later without adequate resources and planning.
OAPGG will publish its recommendations on our website, and I encourage each of you to help by contacting your representatives in the House and Senate.
Wiley
Wiley D. Harwell
Executive Director of OAPCG
State Certification for Problem Gambling Counselors
OAPGG has been working with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) to develop a state certification for problem gambling counselors. State certification was approved by the legislature earlier this year, and ODMHSAS has outlined the certification process in Title 450: Chapter 75; Standards and Criteria for Certified Problem Gambling Treatment Counselors. Chapter 75, along with the application materials, is included on the OAPGG website.
OAPGG is currently accepting certification applications. The certification will be numbered so get your application in early to get the lowest number possible. Certifications will be processed beginning November 1, 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the criteria for becoming certified?
Criteria includes:
- a current LPC, LMFT, LADC, Psychologist, or LCSW license
- completion of basic training for problem gambling
- participation in the case consultation group
- documented supervised experience in the treatment of problem gambling
Can those with an ICGC license be grandfathered?
Yes, in order to be certified, those with a current or lapsed ICGC license will need to demonstrate 10 hours of gambling specific CEUs for the past year.
Can those in a private practice be certified?
The ODMHSAS certification is only available to those working in state, tribal, and veterans’ facilities. If you are in a private practice, you may apply to receive a credential in problem gambling treatment through OAPGG. The credential has the same requirements as the certification.
What is the fee for certification?
The initial fee is $50 and the annual renewal fee is $50.
Basic Training for Problem Gambling Certification
OAPGG’s fall training will take place online on October 15 and 22 and November 12 and 19, 2021. The training schedule will be 8:30 am to 4:30 pm all days, with a one-hour lunch.
Participants will earn 30 CEUs and will be eligible to enroll in a consultation group. (The basic training and consultation group are two requirements for the newly established state certification for problem gambling.)
Training topics include
- gambling history
- theoretical basis for treatment
- assessment tools
- treatment modalities
- co-occurring disorders
- multicultural issues
- gambling and technology
Participants will also receive a counselor workbook as part of the training.
Consultation Calls
OAPCG offers consultation calls every third Tuesday of the month at 2:00 pm for counselors to get help with difficult cases and build knowledge for certification. Call 405-801-3329 to get instructions for connecting. Wiley looks forward to hearing you on the call!
Suicide Prevention Training
To schedule a suicide prevention training at your agency and/or community, contact Ronnie Wahkinney at OAPGG 405-801-3329 or 405-243-1363. There is no charge for training and materials. Learn more about the trainings in the outreach section below.
OAPGG Outreach: Suicide Prevention
Schedule a Suicide Prevention Training
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a comprehensive two-day training, while safeTalk is shorter condensed 3 ½ hour training. Both trainings utilize curriculum develop by Living Works. Living Works provides an industry leading standard in suicide prevention trainings. For more information visit Living Works.
For information on scheduling a suicide prevention training at your agency and/or community, contact Ronnie Wahkinney at OAPGG 405-801-3329 / 405-243-1363 or Donnie Ramos at the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes RISE Program 405-638-0197 / 580-704-0618. There is no charge for training and materials.
safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training program
OAPGG would like to thank the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes RISE Program for inviting and sponsoring in attending the safeTALK T4T training held on August 23 and 24 at the Apache Hotel and Casino, Lawton. Also in attendance were staff and community members from the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, Comanche Nation Prevention and Recovery Center (CNPRC), Anadarko Indian Health Services, Consortium Against Substance Abuse (CASA), The Impact Center, Sara’s Project, National Indian Education Association (NEIA), and the Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming (OAPGG).
With all of these partners and participants becoming facilitators of the safeTALK Suicide Prevention Training program, the reality of a suicide safer community can become possible.
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes RISE Program in partnership with OAPGG provided a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to staff members at the Riverside Indian School on September 13 and 14. Staff are now better prepared to handle the topic of suicide with their students.