Therapy for gambling, gaming, alcohol & drug use
Los Angeles
Jake Schuster, AMFT
I’m an Associate Therapist focused on helping men and adolescents struggling with addictive behaviors.
Whether it’s gambling on sports, endlessly gaming, online blackjack, in-game purchases, skins trading, lootboxes, crypto trading, weed, drinking, vaping - these habits often start as a way to have fun, to relax, to deal with stress, anxiety, or boredom, but can quickly begin to take over and interfere with daily life.
My goal is to help you break the patterns that aren’t serving you, explore what’s driving them, and move toward the goals and values that are important to you.
Education, Experience & Journey
While earning my Master’s in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University Los Angeles, I completed my clinical training at Beit T’Shuvah, an inpatient treatment center recognized for its leading gambling addiction program and focus on co-occurring substance use. Following my clinical training, I have provided individual and group therapy at multiple intensive outpatient treatment centers, with a focus on addiction, mindfulness, and life skills work.
In addition to my clinical practice, I provide educational talks at local middle and high schools, where I speak with students about the risks of substance use, gaming, and gambling addictions.
Before becoming a therapist, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Michigan and spent nearly a decade working in sponsorship sales for pro sports and esports teams. In my past career I worked on multiple advertising campaigns with gambling and alcohol brands, and over time, saw firsthand how aggressive and effective these industries have become at targeting young people.
As a lifelong gamer and sports fan, I understand how the line between gaming and gambling has blurred. Between lootboxes & trading cards,, in-game purchases, and nonstop sports betting ads, it’s easier than ever for people to get hooked. My career is focused on helping clients who are struggling with these patterns to reclaim control and build a healthier life.
I’ve received continuing education trainings in areas including:
Problem Gambling
Gaming Addiction
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP)
Mindfulness Based Sports Performance Enhancement (MSPE)
What I Help With
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Gaming Issues
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Gambling Problems
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Drinking & Drug Use
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Relationship Issues
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Changing Your Mindset
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Setting Real Goals
Let’s work together
If you feel like we might be a good fit to work together we can set up a free 20 minute phone consultation where you can tell me a little bit about yourself and ask any questions you might have. Please feel free to leave me a message via my confidential email or phone, and I will return your message as soon as possible.
Phone
(310) 702-6700
Email
jakeschuster@gameplanla.com
Location
West LA & Pasadena
Fees & Payment
Individual sessions: $250. Sliding scale available if you may be eligible.
Privacy
Your info stays private, period. I usually get back to people within 24 hours.