The email I received from soho the National Problem Gambling Clinic consist of few part. I am leaving a copy here, so I can see that when i come here, and thinking it may also help some one who want to get help from them, to have clear understanding of the process involved. I hope it is not against the policy and rules in here.
WHAT IS AN ASSESSMENT?
Your assessment will consist of an in-depth look at different aspects of your gambling and any contributing factors which may have led to the problem or be maintaining it. This will involve asking you about your gambling behaviour, and other areas of your life. Included in the assessment will be questionnaires and measures which will give us useful information regarding your lived experience.
The assessment is designed to help the National Problem Gambling Clinic team work out the best possible treatment for you, and this will be based on the information you have provided. Usually, all of the information that we need to decide on treatment can be obtained in a single meeting. However, there are occasions where this may not be possible and we may ask you to come in again for a second assessment meeting.
We will be able to provide you with some information regarding the type of treatment that we offer at the NPGC. We may also provide you with some suggestions for ways in which you can immediately start reducing problem gambling.
Following the assessment the information provided will be discussed within the team the following week, where a plan of care will be confirmed. This will include the type of treatment we think would benefit you, and whether any additional support is needed to help you at the present time.
You may find that there are a lot of questions asked during the assessment. However, this will help us to gain an understanding of the severity of your gambling, and help the team to consider what factors we should take into account before determining the type of treatment suitable for you. Please be assured that the information you provide will be treated confidentially.
When a decision has been made by the team, you will be sent a letter notifying you of your treatment plan. You will then be placed on our waitlist and an appointment sent out to as soon as we are able to see you.
If at any point during the assessment you feel uncomfortable about sharing information please let the assessor know and we can discuss your concerns.
Is it only you that needs support?
Here at the CNWL National Problem Gambling Clinic we believe that your gambling treatment is likely to be better supported if those close to you are supported too. For some people that may mean including loved ones directly (for example in a one off or more regular meetings here with you), or for others it may be more useful for them to receive help independently (for example, by attending a support group for family members).
Questions that may help your decision:
• Do you have a close relationship with anyone who may be struggling with the changes you are making?
• Are there those close to you who seem not to understand or who are unaware of your gambling behaviour?
• Is there someone who could help you with your goals but may not know how?
We will wait a week before we contact those named below to give you the opportunity to explain that you have given their details to us.
Details:
Name:
Address:
Telephone Number
Relationship?
Date to contact:
If there are additional people please provide details on reverse.
Please note that we take confidentiality very seriously and no information about you or your treatment will be discussed without your permission.
I am pleased to confirm an appointment has been made for you here at the National Problem Gambling Clinic on:
Monday 3rd February 2014 at 2.00pm
This initial assessment will last approximately one hour and 30 minutes. There, you will get an opportunity to discuss your current situation, your intended outcome(s) and agree on a treatment plan. If you are unable to attend, please do contact us before the appointment to reschedule.
During your interaction with the Trust we will keep a record of your contact details and your care. For more information about record-keeping visit our website (http://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/your_information.html) or pick up a copy of the Your Information booklet when you attend the Gambling Clinic.
We have enclosed a form regarding our Family & Friends Service at the clinic. We will ask you when you attend whether there is anyone who may be interested in accessing the service either to support you with the changes you are making and/or who may be interested in getting support for themselves. Please have a think and either complete the form or let us know when you attend your assessment appointment.
Should you require any further information on the clinic or the services we offer, do not hesitate to contact us on the above telephone numbers.
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Yours sincerely,
The Gambling Clinic Team
So I am looking forward to the 3rd of February. All I have is because of this site, people in here, who helped me reach to this stage to ask for help openly and without fear or shame. being involve in here, talking and reading and listening to others, made me feel, that I am ill and need to get help. We started with stopping the gambling but for sure If we want it to stay that way we need to change the way we think about our self and change the way we react to changes and pressures in our day to day life. That is why I have decided to get help. So much to deal with. I am positive in getting help. If I was able to do that alone I would have done it before. Thanks to all of you here. All the best.