Change 4 Better C4B A Smartphone App to Address Problem Gambling

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of the Change4Better C4B mobile app in reducing the severity of problem gambling compared to standard treatment as usual TAU. This study is a 6-month randomized clinical trial involving individuals with gambling disorder who are enrolled in or seeking treatment at outpatient facilities affiliated with Bettor Choice Gambling Treatment Programs or Kindbridge Behavioral Health. The study aims to assess the feasibility and efficacy of adding the C4B app, which is based on cognitive behavioral therapy, as a support tool alongside routine outpatient treatment. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will receive standard TAU, which includes individual or group therapy sessions tailored to their needs and usually lasts about one hour per week for 12 weeks. The other group will receive TAU plus access to the C4B mobile app, which teaches skills to manage gambling behaviors and cognitive distortions. Participants using the app will be instructed by staff on how to use it and encouraged to spend about 8 hours over 12 weeks completing modules and practicing exercises. Monthly follow-up continues for an additional 12 weeks, during which the app remains accessible. During the study, participants will be monitored for changes in gambling symptom severity from baseline to 6 months. Researchers will track app engagement through measures such as days used, topics completed, practice exercises, weekly usage, and total time spent. Participants will continue receiving usual outpatient care, and data will be collected through assessments and follow-ups conducted by the Yale research team. The total study duration for each participant is 6 months, starting from randomization.

Change 4 Better (C4B)