Washington State Gambling Counselor Certification Committee
Washington State Gambling Counselor Certification (WSGCC) Committee
Committee Members:
Brad Galvin, MS, LMHC, SUDP, ICGC-II – Committee Chair
Hilarie Cash, PhD, LMHC, CSAT, WSCGC-I
Gary Cooper, BS, SUDP, WSCGC-I
Harumi Hashimoto, MAC, LMHC, SUDP, ICGC-II, BACC
Ginger Johnson, SUDP, WSCGC-I
Dalis La Grotta, MA, LMHC, WSCGC-I, ICGC-II, BACC
Non-Voting Committee Members:
Tana Russell, SUDP, NCTTP, WSCGC-II, CGT, ECPG Deputy Director – Committee Co-Chair (trussell@evergreencpg.org)
Roxane Waldron, MPA, State Problem Gambling Program Manager (HCA/DBHR) (roxane.waldron@hca.wa.gov)
Bruce Clatterbuck, ECPG Office Manager (bclatterbuck@evergreencpg.org)
Mission, Scope of Work, and Goals
Mission Statement
The mission of the Committee is to 1) ensure that professionals certified to clinically treat individuals affected by problem gambling and Gambling Disorder meet the certification requirements established by the State of Washington and the Committee, and 2) using a social justice lens, ensure that the training and certification requirements reflect the varied needs for culturally relevant problem gambling treatment in our State.
Scope of Work
The Committee seeks to assure that Washington State Certified Gambling Counselors possess appropriate training, competence, skills, and knowledge. The Committee is responsible for the following:
- Overseeing the certification of Gambling Counselors in Washington State
- Maintaining and revising the WSGCC Manual when needed to reduce barriers to Certification and meeting the needs for culturally relevant training and treatment, while at the same time ensuring high standards of professional care
- Evaluating candidates’ credentials and making decisions as needed to ensure that accepted candidates meet the qualifications for Gambling Counselor Certification
- Ensuring that this certification process is available to all interested applicants who meet the minimum qualifications
- Endorsing and upholding the professional Code of Ethics for Certified Gambling Counselors
- Maintaining coordination with Tribal communities, WA State officials and agencies, professional associations, educational institutions, and others in order to keep informed about new developments in promising and evidence-based problem gambling treatment
- Periodically reviewing, and updating the Certified Gambling Counselor requirements and standards in the Certification Manual
2021-2022 Goals
- In coordination with the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, increase the number of Certified Gambling Counselors in Washington by 25% by end of 2022.
- Recruit people of diverse and underrepresented populations to become Certified Gambling Counselors.
- Increase Committee members’ knowledge and understanding about internet and video gaming disorders by their participation in gaming training where possible to increase knowledge and understanding of internet and video gaming disorders, including seeking the International Gaming Disorder Certificate.
- Assess as a group the possibility of adding a gaming focus and/or Certification to the mission or goals of the Certification Committee.
- Support ECPG’s efforts to develop a Problem Gambling/Gaming Prevention Endorsement program by providing consultation and feedback for increasing prevention awareness and meeting the needs of diverse and underrepresented populations.
Download a copy of the Certification Manual
Washington State Gambling Counselor Certification Fee Schedule
| Non-Refundable Fee Type | Fee Amount |
| Initial Certification Application for Level I or Level II | $150 |
| Application for Level II, if currently Level I | $50 |
| Application for Gambling Counselor Clinical Supervisor | $75 |
| Certification Renewal (every 2 years) | $75 |
| Renewal late penalty (up to 60 days max grace period with written explanation and request) | $50 |
| Duplicate certificate | $10 |
| Inactive** renewal | $35 |
| Inactive renewal late penalty | $35 |
WSGCCC and the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG)
The Committee is an independent body composed of Certified Gambling Counselors and non-voting Advisory members. WSGCCC is responsible for determining the training and continuing education requirements for the Gambling Counselor certification and required supervision.
The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (ECPG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 1991. As ECPG’s Mission states: The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is dedicated to increasing awareness of public health issues around problem gambling and gaming, expanding the availability and integration of services, and supporting advocacy, research, and programs for education, prevention, treatment, recovery, and responsible gambling and gaming. ECPG administers the Certified Gambling Counselor Certification Program and offers training toward certification and continuing education as well as providing opportunities for others (clinical and non-clinical) to enhance their knowledge of issues related to problem gambling, internet disorder, and technology-based addiction. In addition to offering training, prevention, awareness, and outreach opportunities, ECPG hosts the WSGCCC meetings.
WSGCCC History and Membership
In 2006, the Washington State Gambling Counselor Certification Program was conceived by professionals in the treatment community and prevention and awareness services field to encourage behavioral health providers to seek additional training about problem gambling. With the support and direction of the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling, the Washington State Gambling Counselor Certification Committee (WSGCCC) was established to offer certification at the state level and to oversee and approve Gambling Counselor certification requirements and candidates by a body of qualified and competent professionals working in the field of clinical treatment of those affected by problem gambling and Gambling Disorder, and their loved ones.
WSGCCC voting members represent varied professional disciplines (Master’s and PhD level, licensed mental health counselors, Certified Gambling Counselors, etc.). Advisory members (non-voting) represent the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling (Executive Director and Assistant Director) and Washington State Problem Gambling Program (Program Manager, Health Care Authority/Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery).
For more information about WSGCCC membership, please Contact Us on the ECPG website and let us know your request.
State Problem Gambling Program
The Washington State Problem Gambling Program is administered by the Health Care Authority (HCA), Division of Behavioral Health & Recovery (DBHR). Established by the Legislature in 2005, the Program funds problem gambling-related treatment, prevention, awareness, outreach, and educational activities. In addition, the Program provides funding for the Committee’s website, clinical training, and scholarships to Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling trainings. The Program Manager serves as an Advisory (non-voting) member of the WSGCCC.
For more information about the State Problem Gambling Program, please contact Roxane Waldron, Program Manager, at roxane.waldron@hca.wa.gov.
Related Links:
International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB)
WAC Problem Gambling checklists (PDF)
Washington Department of Health (DOH) – Add/Change Services form for Agency Licensure
Washington Department of Health (DOH) – Behavioral Health Agencies (BHA)
Washington Department of Health (DOH) – Behavioral Health Agencies (BHA) – Tribal Attestation Form
