What is Pathological Gambling?
Pathological gambling is a progressively chronic disorder that results in an uncontrollable
impulse to gamble. It has the highest suicide rate of all psychiatric disorders. Compulsive
gamblers often suffer from symptoms that include depression, irritability, alcohol and/or
drug use, family and work neglect, and increased anxiety over financial difficulties that
sometimes border on bankruptcy. Psychologically similar to alcohol and substance
addictions, pathological gambling affects the entire family. It is, however, a diagnosable
and treatable condition. Southern California has seen an upsurge in the number of Indian
gaming casinos, and as the popularity of these facilities increase, so does the number of
potential individuals who will experience gambling-related problems. Many of these
people have few options for getting help.

What is the San Diego Center for Pathological Gambling (SDCPG)?
Legalized gambling in California, and indeed the nation, provides a ripe environment for
addictive behavior, and Dr. Suzanne Pike recognizes the great need for an outpatient
facility for problem gamblers and their families. The San Diego Center for Pathological
Gambling was established in 2003 to offer gambling-specific treatment services to those
in need. It is the first and only of its kind in Southern California. Located in Poway,
California in San Diego County, the SDCPG offers a relaxed and casual environment for
individual and family therapy sessions. With the addition of online and telephone therapy,
services have now been extended beyond the confines of Southern California - offering
unprecedented help to problem gamblers far and wide. The strictest of confidentiality is
always assured.
Health insurances such as Blue Cross, Blue Shield, (UBH) United
Behavioral Health, Pacificare and others are accepted
. Don't have insurance? Dr.
Pike also accepts an out-of-pocket, sliding scale fee. Online chatroom and telephone
therapy do not involve insurance. Patients using these services are required to
pre-purchase individual sessions using PayPal through this website
before therapy
begins.
Visit this site for more information on pathological gambling:
www.gamblingaddiction.cc
For treatment information, contact
Dr. Suzanne Graupner Pike, Ph.D, CCGC-II
Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PSY16492)
California Certified Gambling Counselor-II (CCGC #122)
Email: spikephd@sandiego-rx4gambling.com

Toll-Free: 1-866-40-NOBET
                        (1-866-406-6238)
Tel: 619-806-7453       Fax: 760-798-1001
Come Blog With Me!
Have questions or comments about problem gambling? Maybe you would like
to share your story with others who can benefit from your experience?

Blog: www.sandiego-rx4gambling.blogspot.com
© 2008, San Diego Center for Pathological Gambling. All rights reserved.
The
Gambler's
Fallacy:

The false belief
that if you
gamble long
enough, you
will eventually
win it all back.




"Today is my
lucky day, just
one more
time..."
Comprehensive
Diagnostic
Assessment and
Treatment Program
Dr. Suzanne Graupner Pike, Ph.D., CCGC-II
CEO/President
Dr. Pike has over 25 years of experience treating
addictions including pathological gambling, drug and
alcohol abuse, and eating disorders. She is a California
Certified Gambling Counselor-II and has extensive
experience treating a wide range of problems including
depression, anxiety and bipolar disorders. She is also
qualified as an expert witness of pathological gambling
in court testimony serving both local and federal legal
systems. She has experience with both civil and
criminal cases.
Credentials
B.A., Psychology and Sociology, University of Evansville; M.A., Clinical Psychology, Ball
State University; Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Temple University; Licensed Clinical
Psychologist (PSY16492); California Certified Gambling Counselor-II (CCGC #122)
.