OLATHE, Kan. — People addicted to casinos, bingo and online poker now have a free place to get help treating the habit.
The Johnson County Mental Health Center launched a gambling addiction program this fall. It is the first public center in the region to offer the services.
The program is open to qualified Johnson County, Kansas, residents. It is free thanks to the Problem Gambling Grant of Kansas.
The director of the Johnson County Mental Health Center says gambling addiction is usually linked to other mental health issues, like substance abuse, anxiety or suicidal idealization.
"We have really focused on looking at how we can curb the suicide rate here in Kansas as we continue to see that rise,” Tim DeWeese explained. “This is just one more way we may be able to help address that issue."
To get signed up, you must visit one of the center’s Open Access Walk-In Clinics located at 1125 W. Spruce, Olathe, KS 66061 or 6440 Nieman Road, Shawnee, KS 66203. Both clinics open at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday.
You can call customer service for more details at 913-826-4200.
