Problem Gambling - Screening & Assessment Tools
Name Of Tool |
Purpose Of Tool |
How & When |
Stages of Change |
This tool describes six basic stages individuals move through on their way to altering their behaviours; precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and termination. While relapse is not one of the stages, it can occur during any of the last five stages. Its function is to help the client indicate which stage they feel they are at in regards to the behavior they want to change. This allows the clinician and client to tailor a treatment plan suited to the client's readiness to change. |
Self-administered during first session or administered by the counsellor | |
GAIN - SS |
GAIN-Short Screener (GAIN-SS) is designed as a screening tool in general populations to quickly and accurately identify clients who would identify as having 1 or more behavioral health disorders (e.g., internalizing or externalizing psychiatric disorders, substance use disorders, or crime/violence problems), which would suggest the need for referral to complimentary treatment provider (psychiatric, emotional or behavioural health services). |
Self-administered during first session or administered by the counsellor | |
South Oaks |
The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) is a 20-item questionnaire based on DSM criteria for pathological gambling. It may be administered by nonprofessional or professional interviewers, as well as self-administered. It offers a suitable means to screen clinical populations as well as general populations for pathological gambling. |
Self-administered during first session or administered by the counsellor | |
Behaviour and |
Designed to measure the individual's perception of their difficulty with mental health symptoms and day to day functioning. Identifying these difficulties helps determine mental health problems and day to day problems that will be a barrier for the individual entering treatment. This allows for the mental health symptoms to be considered in the treatment plan. |
Self-administered during first session or administered by the counsellor | |
Health Screen |
This tool briefly collects information related to current and historical physical and mental health problems from the individual. Some of the questions are sensitive and clients should be informed they do not need to answer any questions that they do not feel comfortable with. This tool allows for the referrals to be made to medical/mental health professionals if necessary and indicates the problems that may interfere with treatment. All clients are screened for past and present physical, sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse. Referrals and safety planning is completed as appropriate when issues of abuse are
reported by the individual. |
Self-administered* during first session or administered by the counsellor. *if self-administered, only page one is completed. Page 2 will be completed with the counsellor | |
Assessment |
This tool is used to further explore the impact gambling has had in the following life areas: family, other significant relationships, housing/ recovery environment, finances, legal, physical & emotional health, nutrition/ eating habits, school/ employment, leisure activities, parenting, and greatest areas of concerns. This tool also helps to identify client's strengths and areas of greatest concern. |
By counsellor during individual assessment |
Note: All screening and assessment tools which are noted as being self-administered by the individual during the assessment should be completed as appropriate with counsellor support during bypass appointments offered to individuals with literacy concerns. Should an individual be offered to a client for reasons of confidentiality, group discomfort, and social anxiety, the counsellor shall assess and determine if the individual is able to complete the forms independently or if they require assistance from the counsellor.
