Problem Gambling Services

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency, our hours of operation at 1340 Boylston Street and Fenway: South End have changed.

1340 Boylston Street – Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm; Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Telehealth and in-person appointments 617.927.6000.

Fenway: South End – Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm. Telehealth and in-person appointments 617.247.7555.

We have also consolidated clinical staff from the Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center to 1340 Boylston and the South End. Borum patients can continue to call 617.457.8140 to make appointments at one of those locations or for telehealth services.

Medical and Behavioral Health telehealth visits may occur outside of these hours.

[pros·per] to become strong and flourishing

It’s our goal for you.

Is gambling affecting yours or a loved one’s life? Have you ever gambled longer than you had planned or played until your very last dollar was gone?  Do you have feelings of remorse or sadness after gambling? Perhaps you’ve experienced strained relationships, financial hardship, or even career problems as a result of gambling.

These kinds of behaviors are often signs of a larger gambling problem, so if you relate to the above questions, it may be time to evaluate your risk. Additionally, people struggling with a gambling problem may borrow, steal or take loans to support their habit, and may also feel anxious or even suicidal at times. Such problems can arise from different types of gambling, including everything from buying a lottery or scratch ticket, to playing Bingo and betting on outcomes of sporting events.

 Whether you are thinking about making a change, finding a path to recovery, or simply looking to get information, Fenway Health’s Problem Gambling Specialists can help you to:

  • Understand your own gambling behaviors;
  • Figure out where you may benefit from change;
  • Deal with the actual process of change;
  • Provide ongoing support to you and/or loved ones every step of the way.

No matter where you are in your journey, our goal is to help you prosper along the path to recovery.  

*Note: Fenway serves all individuals and families regardless of ability to pay. We provide free care and discounted charges on a sliding scale depending on family size and income, and to persons with significant medical expenses.

According to a key report by UMass, it is currently estimated that across the state of Mass:

  • Between 67,500 and 109,100 adults can be classified as problem gamblers.
  • An additional 353,400 to 426,200 adults can be classified as at-risk gamblers.

People who have a problem with gambling may often feel:

  • A need to bet more money more frequently
  • Irritated when they try to stop
  • A desire to “chase” their losses to recover money.

Such behaviors can lead to more gambling, despite financial loss and the trust of friends and loved ones. Often those with a gambling problem spend a large portion of their income on problem gambling.

Problem gambling is often accompanied by substance use. People who gamble can often experience intense excitement, power and hopeful anticipation as a result of gambling. For some, a dependency on the “action” of gambling occurs in a similar way to dependency on the effects of alcohol or other drugs.

Fenway’s acupuncture services can assist patients seeking addiction & behavioral health services. Stimulation of specific acupuncture points can activate the central nervous system, which, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.

These chemicals can help to alter the experience of pain and influence the body’s self-regulating systems. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. As such, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating cravings, mood disorders, anxiety, insomnia and depression.

Your health is important. Being open with your health care provider about your life is important for staying healthy. This includes letting your provider know if you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ), or have questions about your sexual orientation or gender identity. If you talk to your provider about being LGBTQ, your provider can:

  • Pay closer attention to health issues that affect the LGBT community.
  • Learn to use the terms, names, pronouns, and other words you prefer.
  • Refer you to other providers and specialists who are welcoming to LGBTQ populations.
  • Better involve you in decisions about your health.
  • Help connect you with support for you or your family, especially if you are having problems.

To Become a New Patient

617.927.6202

We Offer In-Person and Telehealth Appointments

Ansin Building

7th Floor 1340 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02215

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm


Fenway: South End

4th Floor 142 Berkeley Street Boston, MA 02116

Hours

  • Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
  • Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm


Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center

2nd Floor 75 Kneeland Street Boston, MA 02111

Hours

    • Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
    • Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Walk-in counseling on Fridays from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
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