Web-based counseling for problem gambling: Exploring motivations and recommendations

Abstract

Background: For highly stigmatized disorders, such as problem gambling, Web-based counseling has the potential to address common barriers to treatment, including issues of shame and stigma. Despite the exponential growth in the uptake of immediate synchronous Web-based counseling (ie, provided without appointment), little is known about why people choose this service over other modes of treatment. Objective: The aim of the current study was to determine motivations for choosing and recommending Web-based counseling over telephone or face-to-face services. Methods: The study involved 233 Australian participants who had completed an online counseling session for problem gambling on the Gamblin..