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August 2025 CEU member: "Gambling Addiction and Mental Health: Recognizing the problem and preventing harm (Copy)
Gambling Addiction and Mental Health: Recognizing the problem and
preventing harm
Objectives of the presentation:
a. Participants will learn about gambling trends, including sports and online
betting and videogame disorder.
b. Participants will be able to identify signs of problem gambling and how
they relate to mental health issues.
c. Participants will learn about ways to prevent harm from gambling and
about tools and resources that can be utilized to handle problematic
behavior.
The normalization of gambling behavior and access to forms of gambling is
increasing. The typical gambler, now younger and more diverse, can also be
affected by mental health issues, substance use disorders, and financial distress.
All of which can co-occur with problematic gambling behavior. Mental health
professionals are in the pivotal position of recognizing the signs of problem
gambling and providing services to those in need. This presentation will provide
the tools and information that counselors need to provide services to people
dealing with problem gambling.
Sonja Mertz is the Community Educator for the Minnesota Alliance on Problem
Gambling. Sonja joined MNAPG in 2021 with a variety of skills in prevention
research, education, and advocacy. Formerly a Prevention Research Specialist
with the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center, Sonja expands MNAPG’s
outreach efforts throughout Minnesota and develops programs specifically
geared towards youth, young adults, families, and educators, while also
promoting general awareness of gambling issues. Sonja holds a Master of
Library and Information Science from St. Catherine University and a bachelor’s
degree in Sociology and Theater Arts and is a Certified Prevention Professional.
Category: CEU Events
Registration is required. After registration, a zoom link will be sent to you via email. Please make sure to check all folders and save this email so you can attend. Refunds will not be given due to missed attendance unless communicated prior to the event start.
*MNCA members can receive this for FREE in their MNCA Membership Page under Member Calendar.
Gambling Addiction and Mental Health: Recognizing the problem and
preventing harm
Objectives of the presentation:
a. Participants will learn about gambling trends, including sports and online
betting and videogame disorder.
b. Participants will be able to identify signs of problem gambling and how
they relate to mental health issues.
c. Participants will learn about ways to prevent harm from gambling and
about tools and resources that can be utilized to handle problematic
behavior.
The normalization of gambling behavior and access to forms of gambling is
increasing. The typical gambler, now younger and more diverse, can also be
affected by mental health issues, substance use disorders, and financial distress.
All of which can co-occur with problematic gambling behavior. Mental health
professionals are in the pivotal position of recognizing the signs of problem
gambling and providing services to those in need. This presentation will provide
the tools and information that counselors need to provide services to people
dealing with problem gambling.
Sonja Mertz is the Community Educator for the Minnesota Alliance on Problem
Gambling. Sonja joined MNAPG in 2021 with a variety of skills in prevention
research, education, and advocacy. Formerly a Prevention Research Specialist
with the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center, Sonja expands MNAPG’s
outreach efforts throughout Minnesota and develops programs specifically
geared towards youth, young adults, families, and educators, while also
promoting general awareness of gambling issues. Sonja holds a Master of
Library and Information Science from St. Catherine University and a bachelor’s
degree in Sociology and Theater Arts and is a Certified Prevention Professional.
Category: CEU Events
Registration is required. After registration, a zoom link will be sent to you via email. Please make sure to check all folders and save this email so you can attend. Refunds will not be given due to missed attendance unless communicated prior to the event start.
*MNCA members can receive this for FREE in their MNCA Membership Page under Member Calendar.