Birches Health virtual therapy cuts gambling disorder symptoms

A peer‑reviewed study of 1,305 adults treated by Birches Health between June 2024 and April 2026 found that a fully virtual, multidisciplinary program reduced gambling‑disorder symptoms rapidly. Over a 12‑week period participants’ scores on the Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale fell by an average of 8.3 points, and 71.7% achieved a clinically meaningful improvement, with a median response time of just 14 days.

More than half of the patients had at least one co‑occurring psychiatric diagnosis, including anxiety (26.9%), depression (21.2%), trauma‑related conditions (9.6%), substance‑use disorders (6.5%) and ADHD (5.1%). The treatment combined individual and group cognitive‑behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, peer support and financial‑wellness counseling, delivered via secure video sessions. Birches Health CEO Elliott Rapaport said the results demonstrate the effectiveness of a dedicated virtual care model for a disorder that has long been under‑served in the U.S. health system.