Evaluating a Womens’ Residential Treatment Centre for GamblingHarm

Abstract

Aims: Gordon Moody opened a women’s residential treatment facility for harmful gambling in the UK in 2021, responding to a growing need for residential treatment for women experiencing gambling harm. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the programme.

Design: 68 women who attended residential treatment between November 2021 - November 2023 were evaluated for their gambling behaviours, psychological distress levels, anxiety and depression before and after treatment. Residents lived together in a purpose-built treatment building whilst undergoing treatment. This enabled them to support each other through the programme. Women were supported by trained therapists and support workers and took part in group and individual therapy sessions including: cognitive-behavioural therapy; motivational interviewing; interpersonal group therapy; and art therapy. Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (Core-10), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaires were administered to women before and after treatment. Women were encouraged to complete PGSI and Core-10 questionnaires at three- and six-months post treatment.

Findings: Gambling behaviours (measured by PGSI) significantly dropped after treatment, and remained at a lower level three months later. Psychological distress (Core-10) scores dropped following treatment, rising slightly three months after treatment (N=29). Before treatment, the majority of women scored above the clinical threshold for anxiety (measured by the GAD-7) and depression (measured by the PHQ-9). These levels fell significantly after treatment.

Conclusion: Participating in this programme reduces the level of gambling severity and levels of anxiety and depression, and improves psychological
wellbeing, in women suffering from gambling harm.