Pennsylvania's DDAP Forges Partnership with Birches Health to Combat Problem Gambling

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has formalized a strategic collaboration with Birches Health, a prominent national clinical organization specializing in the treatment of gambling disorder and associated behavioral health conditions. This new agreement is poised to significantly enhance the availability of crucial care and support services for individuals and families grappling with problem gambling throughout Pennsylvania.

Under this pivotal contract, DDAP and Birches Health will jointly provide comprehensive clinical services that are both state-supported and covered by insurance. A core objective of this initiative is to dismantle the geographical and financial obstacles that frequently impede access to specialized care, particularly for residents residing in Pennsylvania's rural and underserved areas. The partnership aims to ensure that high-quality clinical intervention for gambling disorders is readily accessible to all who require it.

Birches Health is recognized for its innovative telehealth-first approach to treatment. This model integrates several key components: individualized therapy, peer support networks, financial wellness programs, group counseling, and digital engagement tools. This multi-faceted strategy enables the delivery of personalized care through clinicians specifically trained in gambling disorder, all within the privacy, security, and convenience of a patient's own home. This modality is crucial for overcoming logistical challenges that might otherwise limit participation in vital treatment programs.

DDAP, serving as Pennsylvania’s lead agency for addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery, will leverage this alliance to strengthen its existing infrastructure and capabilities. By partnering with Birches Health, DDAP can more effectively address current gaps in the provision of gambling support services across the Commonwealth.

Andrew DiGiacomo, Birches Health's Senior Vice President of Strategy, emphasized the broader implications of this agreement. He stated, “This partnership with DDAP underscores an evolving commitment towards value-driven, measurement-informed behavioral health care, a priority increasingly adopted by organizations. Cultivating robust relationships with state entities and health plans is fundamental to scaling sustainable care models, especially for vulnerable populations, ensuring that those in need of specialized support can access it promptly, engage consistently, and achieve meaningful, measurable recovery milestones.”

Elliott Rapaport, Birches Health’s CEO and founder, further highlighted the critical need addressed by this collaboration. Rapaport observed, “Gambling disorder remains one of the most underdiagnosed and undertreated behavioral health conditions nationwide.” He affirmed that the DDAP contract will facilitate the delivery of expert, clinical, and impactful care to a greater number of Pennsylvanians.

Recent statistical insights underline the growing public health concern of gambling disorder within Pennsylvania. Data indicates that between 60% and 73% of adults in the state have participated in either online or offline gambling activities, with a significant subset — between 2.5% and 6.4% — meeting the diagnostic criteria for problem gambling.