Individuals suffering from problem gambling can now be guaranteed a counseling appointment thanks to ConnexOntario Health Services Information's addition of appointment booking facilities.

ConnexOntario announced their service expansions on Friday, January 29. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care approved the additions in November 2009. It included over half a million dollars in one-time funding.

The organization has found that by providing clients with a set appointment time, they are more likely to attend the session, which increases their chances of sticking with treatments and reaching recovery.

“The ones who have appointments made, 75 per cent attend those appointments,” said MPP and Ontario Health Minister, Deb Matthews.

ConnexOntario's ability to see when registered organizations have appointment bookings open has already served to benefit its clients.

One client called from a casino in Thunder Bay on a Sunday night, remorseful that he had lost a lot of money including his rent, said executive director of ConnexOntario, Brad Davey. But they were able to check availability for appointments in that area and had the client into a session at 9 a.m. the next morning. That client is currently now in treatment.

“There's the urgency of a moment we haven't been able to respond to until now,” said Matthews.

In addition to the appointment booking facilities, ConnexOntario will also be offering a “warmline,” which allows clients to call for support and a sympathetic but not formal counseling.

ConnexOntario helps make access to services regarding problem gambling, mental health and drug and alcohol abuse, easier for individuals in Ontario.

The Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline is 1-888-230-3505.

For more information on ConnexOntario, visit http://www.connexontario.ca.