Pathological gambling is a complex biopsychosocial disorder that can have dramatic and devastating consequences on individuals and families. Understanding the types of psychotherapy that are available for pathological gamblers, as well their underlying principles, will assist clinicians in managing this complex behavioral disorder. As in other addictive disorders, treatment retention of pathological gamblers is highly variable. To date, no single type of psychotherapy has emerged as the most effective form of treatment. Family therapy is helpful by providing support and education and eliminating enabling behaviors. Psychodynamic psychotherapy can help recovering gamblers address core conflicts and hidden psychological meanings of gambling. Cognitive behavior therapy aims to identify and correct cognitive distortions about gambling. Group therapy, namely Gambler's Anonymous, provides peer support and structure. Research into which types of psychotherapy are the most effective for pathological gambling is limited but is a growing area of study. These include Gambler's Anonymous, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and family therapy. Several types of psychotherapy are currently used to treat pathological gamblers.
