Gambling, Gaming, and Addiction Therapy for Men in Los Angeles
Therapy for Gambling, Gaming, Substance Use, and Emotional Challenges
Jake Schuster, AMFT
I’m an Associate Therapist focused on supporting men and adolescents through a range of challenges that impact daily life and well-being. Whether you’re struggling with gambling, gaming, or substance use, or facing emotional difficulties like anxiety, anger, or depression, therapy can provide a safe space to explore what’s going on beneath the surface.
Life’s pressures and emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming, leading to patterns of behavior or feelings that are hard to manage alone. 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, a nationally recognized residential treatment center known for its 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. This includes my current work with Westside Gambling Treatment, a telehealth-based IOP dedicated specifically to problem gambling recovery.
In addition to my clinical practice, I provide educational talks at local middle and high schools, speaking with students about the risks of substance use, gaming, and gambling addiction.
Before becoming a therapist, I earned my bachelor's degree in Sports Management from the University of Michigan and spent nearly a decade in sponsorship sales for pro sports and esports teams — working directly on advertising campaigns with gambling and alcohol brands. Over time, I saw firsthand just how aggressive and effective these industries have become at targeting young people. As a lifelong gamer and sports fan, I also know how much the line between gaming and gambling has blurred. Loot boxes, trading cards, in-game purchases, and nonstop sports betting ads have made it easier than ever to get hooked.
My career is now focused on helping people struggling with these patterns reclaim control and build a healthier life.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and informed by a humanistic perspective. I've received educational clinical training in:
Currently earning International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC-I) certification
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP)
Mindfulness Based Sports Performance Enhancement (MSPE)
Foundations in Gaming Disorder Advanced Training
Fees & Policies
Fees & Payment
My rate for individual sessions is $250. I reserve a limited number of sliding-scale slots based on financial need. I work with people to do my best to accommodate financial circumstances when possible and can provide referrals to other qualified clinicians and additional resources.
Insurance
I am not currently in-network with any insurance plans. However, I am happy to provide a superbill upon request, which you can submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Location
I see clients in-person in West LA & Mid-City LA, and also offer telehealth sessions for clients residing in California.
Let’s talk
If you feel like we might be a good fit, reach out via my confidential phone or email, and we can set up a free 20-minute consultation where you can tell me a little bit about yourself and ask any questions you might have.
Phone
(323) 454-3638
Email
jakeschustermft@gmail.com
Location
West Los Angeles