Hi ggwpmc,

Sorry to hear about what you're going through. Addiction can be treated in the right hands.

Evidence-based practice in treatment of addictions are through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Unfortunately, I do agree that getting the right treatment in a private setting can be costly. With behavioral addiction such as gambling, it may require regular sessions for an extended period of time for the benefits to show. As such, the cost incurred has to be taken into consideration into monthly expenses.

I have written a blog post on various methods and levels of care that can be provided, either through government or private options:
https://people.my/the-ultimate-guide-to-rec...es-in-malaysia/

Do have a read to be informed of your choices.

In your case, there is no medication that is required, but instead psychotherapy through CBT or MI. As such, the option that you'd undertake would only be for psychotherapy.

My advice:

1) Go for a clinical psychologist or an addictions counselor. They should be more equipped to handle your case.

2) Try UMMC. Do take note that it might be a lengthy process to go through. In fact, it may take months before you are being contacted to attend therapy sessions. Some patients had repeatedly gone to UMMC, take a number, and to see the doctor in order for their name to be keyed into the system again. This gives them a better chance to get an appointment for psychotherapy.

3) Try seeing a clinical psychologist trainee. If you are going to a private setting, seeing a trainee will be as low as RM50 - RM60/ session, as opposed to RM200 and above for a qualified practitioner. If the client is going weekly each month, your monthly bill will be about RM200. In my opinion, this is a worthwhile investment as opposed continued behavior of gambling. A clinical psychologist trainee who is already in private practice would be at the tail end of their training before being fully qualified, and is supervised closely by an experienced practitioner.

If you'd like to be sure that the trainee has the right supervision, you may try contacting my center. I am experienced in managing cases of addiction. My trainee will be able to take on the case. Trainee fees are RM60/ session.

Hope this information helps!