RECOVERY

Bettor Choice Programs

Bettor Choice Programs are gambling-specific treatment programs funded by the State of Connecticut. Services are offered at more than 16 locations in Connecticut through community agencies. Most programs offer a variety of outpatient services including: individual, group, and budget counseling for both problem gamblers and family members, psychiatric evaluation for both gamblers and family members, and couples and family counseling.

You can speak with a gambling counselor or find the nearest Bettor Choice Program by dialing 860.344.2244 or toll free at 866.440.4375. You can also call one of the programs listed below. When you call, make sure to specify that you are looking for help and information about problem gambling.

REGION 1 – Southwest CT

POSITIVE DIRECTIONS
Bob Vietro
420 Post Road, West
Westport, CT 06880
Tel: 203-227-7644, ext. 126 (All referrals)
Fax: 203-227-0037
E-Mail: info@positivedirections.org

CONNECTICUT RENAISSANCE
Melodie Keen
4 Byington Place.
Norwalk, CT 06852

141 Franklin Commons
Stamford, CT
Tel: 203-866-2541, ext. 3005 (All referrals)
E-Mail: melodie@ctrenaissance.com

REGIONAL NETWORK OF PROGRAMS
Dee Scudder (Administrative Asst.)
480 Bond Street
Bridgeport, CT 06610
Tel: 203-366-5817, ext 100 (All referrals)
Fax: 203-394-6790
If after 5pm, please ask for extension 109.
E-Mail: cordelia.scudder@rnpinc.org, Stella.ntate@rnpinc.org

SPANISH SPEAKING SERVICES
CASA (Chemical Abuse Services Agency)
Intake Coordinator: 203-339-4112
arturor@casaincct.org

REGION 2 – South Central CT

THE CONNECTION, INC., BETTOR CHOICE PROGRAM
Jeremy Wampler
CVH, P.O. Box 351, Russell Hall
Middletown, CT 06457
Tel: 860-344-2244 (All referrals)
Toll Free: 866-440-4375
Fax: 860-344-2360
E-Mail: jwampler@theconnectioninc.org

One Long Wharf, 3rd floor
New Haven, CT 06511
 203-624-1188

100 Bank Street
Seymour, CT

REGION 3 – Eastern CT

UNITED COMMUNITY & FAMILY SERVICES
Fred Fetta
47 Town Street, Meadows Plaza
Norwich, CT 06360
Tel: 860-823-3094 (All referrals)
Fax: 860-892-2320

400 Bayonet Street
New London, CT

Routine business calls:
Fred Fetta: 860-892-7042, ext. 367
Cindy Friedman 860-892-7042 ext. 368
Dian Martin: 860-892-7042, ext. 366
John Ricci: 860-892-7042, ext. 396

E-Mail: ffetta@UCFS.org
E-Mail: cfriedman@UCFS.org
E-Mail: dmartin@UCFS.org
E-Mail: JRicci@UCFS.org

REGION 4 – North Central CT

WHEELER CLINIC
Pat Devendorf
645 Farmington Avenue
Hartford, CT 06105
Tel: 860-523-9788, ext.104 (All referrals)
Fax: 860-232-5049
E-Mail: pdevendorf@wheelerclinic.org

Donna Z., Peer Counselor
Tel: 860-523-9788, ext. 136
Services also available in Plainville, CT

REGION 5 – Northwest CT

MCCA
Scott Nelson
228 Meadows St., 2nd floor, Suite 201(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday)
Waterbury, CT 06702
203.597.0643 ext. 1806
snelson@mccaonline.com

38 Old Ridgebury Road (Thursday)
Danbury, CT 06810
860.792.4515 ext.1210
Fax: 860.748.2632

You can reach the director, clinical director, and prevention coordinator of DMHAS Problem Gambling Services at the following email addresses:

Lori Rugle 860.262.6610
Mary Lou Costanzo 860.262.5984
Susan McLaughlin 860.262.5983

Lori.Rugle@po.state.ct.us
MaryLou.Costanzo@po.state.ct.us
Susan.McLaughlin@po.state.ct.us

Short term in-patient services also available when approved by Mary Lou Costanzo, Clinical Director, phone 860.262.5984.

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Cost of Services
Bettor Choice Programs provide services at little or no cost. Problem gamblers and their families are often in debt and unable to pay for treatment. Treatment is never refused due to financial reasons. Some services are free and others are billed according to income. Gambling debts are often taken into consideration when establishing ability to pay. Medical insurance may cover all or part of the expense.
Your therapist or a Bettor Choices staff person will be able to answer questions about fees and payment arrangements