Core Competencies for Disordered Gambling Counsellors: A Modified Delphi Study

Abstract

Counselling for disordered gambling has emerged as a unique professional field. Research and literature on treatment approaches and best practices has burgeoned over the past 30 years. This has included the development of journals, field-specific conferences, and professional training programs specifically dedicated to understanding and treating gambling problems. Mental health professionals are now expected to master field specific knowledge and undergo supervision prior to engaging in problem gambling counselling. In this paper, we share the results of a modified Delphi study in which 45 experts reached agreement on core competencies for problem gambling treatment providers. A total of 166 core competencies were endorsed as high agreement items. The authors share implications and the potential usefulness of core competencies for problem gambling counsellor professional preparation, workforce development, and quality of care. Resume Le counseling consacre au jeu pathologique est devenu un domaine professionnel a part entiere. Depuis une trentaine d’annees, les travaux de recherche sur les approches et les pratiques exemplaires en matiere de traitement ont connu un veritable essor. Ainsi, on a vu apparaitre des revues, des conferences specialisees et des programmes de formation dedies a l’analyse des problemes de jeu et a leur traitement. Aujourd’hui, les professionnels de la sante mentale interesses par ce domaine doivent acquerir des connaissances precises sur le sujet et travailler sous la supervision d’un specialiste avant de s’y consacrer. Cet article presente les resultats d’une enquete Delphi modifiee a laquelle ont participe 45 specialistes qui se sont mis d’accord sur les competences de base a exiger des fournisseurs de traitement. Au total, 166 competences font l’objet d’un large consensus. Les auteurs discutent des implications decoulant de l’enquete, de l’utilite eventuelle des competences de base en matiere de formation professionnelle, de perfectionnement de la main-d’œuvre et de qualite des soins.