Free Gambling Addiction Help Is Available in California
If cost has been a barrier to getting help for a gambling problem, there's something important you should know. Through CalGETS — California's problem gambling treatment program — you may be eligible for up to eight sessions of professional therapy at absolutely no cost to you.
I am a licensed CalGETS provider. If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling addiction, call me directly to find out if you qualify.
What is CalGETS?
CalGETS — the California Office of Problem Gambling's treatment program — provides free, confidential counseling and therapy for people affected by problem gambling throughout California. The program is funded by the state and designed to remove financial barriers to treatment for those who need it most.
Through CalGETS, eligible clients receive up to eight sessions of professional therapy with a licensed treatment provider — at no cost whatsoever. No insurance required. No sliding scale. No cost.
Who is eligible for CalGETS?
CalGETS services are available to:
Problem gamblers — anyone struggling with compulsive gambling, sports betting, casino gambling, poker, online gambling, stock market trading addiction, or cryptocurrency addiction
Affected loved ones — family members, partners, and other individuals whose lives have been significantly impacted by someone else's gambling
Services are available to residents throughout California — both in person at my Pasadena office and via telehealth statewide.
What does CalGETS therapy look like?
CalGETS sessions are identical to standard therapy sessions — the only difference is that there's no cost to you. We'll work together on the same issues we'd address in any course of treatment:
Understanding the patterns and triggers driving your gambling
Breaking the cycle of chasing, shame, and hiding
Rebuilding financial stability and damaged relationships
Developing practical tools for managing urges and cravings
For loved ones — setting healthy boundaries and finding your own healing
Eight sessions is a meaningful amount of treatment. Many clients make significant progress in that time. And if you need more support beyond the CalGETS sessions, we can discuss options for continuing our work together.
How to access CalGETS services
Getting started is simple. There's no referral required and no complicated intake process.
Step 1 — Call or text me directly
(323) 645-0050
Step 2 — Brief phone consultation
We'll have a short conversation to confirm your eligibility and answer any questions you have about the program.
Step 3 — Schedule your first session
Once eligibility is confirmed we'll set up your first appointment — in person in Pasadena or via telehealth anywhere in California.
There is generally no waitlist for CalGETS services, though availability can vary. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get started.
For family members and loved ones
Living with someone who has a gambling problem takes an enormous toll. The financial stress, the secrecy, the broken promises, the uncertainty — it's exhausting and often isolating.
CalGETS recognizes that gambling addiction doesn't just affect the gambler. Affected family members and loved ones are also eligible for free counseling through the program. You deserve support too — not just as a helper, but as someone who has been genuinely impacted.
Call me directly to find out how CalGETS can help you.
"Steve doesn't sugarcoat. He listens, cuts through denial, and uses real strategies that work. He sees the whole family, not just the addict. For the first time, I feel hope."
— Adult child of a client, Los Angeles
Call or text me directly at (323) 645-0050 — I'll answer your questions and let you know right away whether CalGETS is the right fit for your situation. The call is free, confidential, and there's no commitment required.
Ready to find out if you qualify?
Or email steve@recoverywithsteve.com
Serving clients in Los Angeles, Pasadena, the San Gabriel Valley, and throughout California via telehealth.