- New statewide partnership aims to reduce barriers to specialized gambling disorder treatment for underserved Pennsylvanians
- With 60% to 73% of Pennsylvania adults participating in gambling and up to 6.4% showing at-risk behaviors, Birches Health and DDAP are addressing a growing public health need with scalable, telehealth-first treatment solutions
PHILADELPHIA, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Birches Health, a leading national provider of specialized treatment for digital addiction such as gambling disorder, today announced a strategic contract with the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to expand access to measurement-informed care for individuals and families affected by problem gambling across the Commonwealth.
The partnership will deliver comprehensive, insurance-covered and state-supported clinical services designed to reduce geographical and financial barriers to care and ensure that Pennsylvanians, particularly those in underserved and rural communities, can access high-quality clinical support for gambling disorders.
Gambling disorder remains a growing public health concern across Pennsylvania. Recent research indicates that between 60 percent and 73 percent of adults engaged in some form of gambling either online or offline, with between 2.5 percent and 6.4 percent of individuals potentially classified as a present problem gambler. Additionally, between 27.9% and 29.9% could be classified as at-risk gamblers. At the same time, demand for treatment services continues to rise, highlighting the need for scalable, specialized treatment solutions like Birches Health’s innovative telehealth model.
DDAP, the Commonwealth’s lead agency for addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery, has prioritized expanding access to problem gambling services as part of its broader public health mission. This contracted relationship with Birches Health represents a significant step forward in strengthening Pennsylvania’s treatment infrastructure and addressing gaps in access.
“Gambling disorder is one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated behavioral health conditions in the country,” said Elliott Rapaport, founder and CEO of Birches Health. “By collaborating with DDAP, we are ensuring that more Pennsylvanians can access specialized, clinically rigorous care without stigma, long wait times, or geographic limitations.”
Birches Health delivers treatment through a telehealth-first model, combining individual therapy, group counseling, peer support, financial wellness, and digital engagement services. This approach allows patients to receive personalized care from licensed clinicians trained specifically in gambling disorder, all from the privacy, security, and convenience of their homes. The model is particularly effective in states like Pennsylvania, where geographic and transportation challenges may limit access to in-person care.
“This partnership with DDAP reflects a broader shift toward value-driven, measurement-informed behavioral health care that organizations are increasingly prioritizing,” said Andrew DiGiacomo, SVP of Strategy at Birches Health. “Strengthening relationships with state partners and health plans is critical to scaling sustainable models of care – particularly for underserved populations – so that individuals who truly need specialized support can access it earlier, engage more consistently, and achieve meaningful, measurable recovery outcomes.”
As part of the partnership, DDAP funding and coordination will help expand access to care for uninsured and underinsured populations, while also integrating case management and wraparound support services. These services are designed to address not only the clinical aspects of gambling disorder, but also the financial, social, and emotional challenges that often accompany the condition.
Clinical outcomes from Birches Health demonstrate the effectiveness of its specialized approach, with 85 percent of patients reporting improvements in gambling disorder symptoms and significant, clinically meaningful reductions in co-occurring anxiety.
The partnership will roll out immediately, with services available statewide. Pennsylvanians and their families seeking help for problem gambling can access care through DDAP-supported referral channels, including the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, or directly through Birches Health.
ABOUT BIRCHES HEALTH
Birches Health is the leading national clinical provider of specialized treatment for gambling disorder and related behavioral health conditions. Through a combination of evidence-based therapy, peer support, and financial counseling, Birches Health delivers comprehensive, personalized care to individuals nationwide.
Media Contact:
birches@hermespr.co
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/birches-health-partners-with-pennsylvania-department-of-drug-and-alcohol-programs-to-expand-access-to-gambling-disorder-care-across-the-commonwealth-302732638.html
SOURCE Birches Health
