Gambling & Relational Assessment

A Clinical Question Guide for Assessing Gambling Behavior and Relational Impact

How to use this guide: These questions are sequenced to move from open, non-directive narrative to direct financial disclosure to acute risk assessment. Use clinical judgment on pacing — this is a guide for a structured conversation, not a checklist to move through mechanically. Type directly into the fields below, or print and complete by hand.

Client

Date

Session #

Clinician

Presenting Issue

Question 1

“What do you think your partner, parents/children know about your gambling activity? What lies have you told to cover your gambling?”

Purpose: Assesses neglect or risk to vulnerable persons.

Client Response

Clinician Notes

Question 2

“If they have questioned you, what have you told them?”

Purpose: Breaks through denial and rationalizing to self and others.

Client Response

Clinician Notes

Question 3

“What do you think is the impact of your behavior related to emotional or financial betrayal of your relationships?”

Purpose: Increases awareness of impact on partner — anxiety, hypervigilance, trust rupture.

Client Response

Clinician Notes

Question 4

“How close to divorce or irreparable rupture are your most significant relationships? Name the timeframe.”

Purpose: Crisis assessment.

Client Response

Clinician Notes

Question 5

“If the persons you have lied to were here, what would their perspective be?”

Purpose: Identifies level of insight.

Client Response

Clinician Notes

Question 6

“What are the questions you don’t want me to ask?”

Purpose: Evaluates client investment.

Client Response

Clinician Notes

⚠ Suicide Risk Protocol Note

If the client identifies a debt or loss as “unrecoverable,” conduct a full suicide risk assessment before proceeding. Do not minimize financial shame as a precipitating factor.