Gambling addicts could begin receiving state-subsidized counseling for the first time later this month, under new guidelines issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The department's Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs has invited therapists with gambling-specific training to become state-approved providers. They could be reimbursed at $65 an hour for up to 20 outpatient sessions treating those with gambling problems or their family members, or $20 for group sessions.

The state would pay the full amount only for those who don't have private insurance covering gambling treatment or who lack income to pay all or part of the cost of the sessions themselves. Because few insurance plans cover gambling counseling, and most gamblers voluntarily entering treatment do so in the midst of severe financial crises, the state in many cases will end up paying the full session cost, acknowledged Robin Rothermel, acting director of the drug and alcohol bureau.

Problem gamblers make up at least 3 percent of the population, some surveys say, with 1 percent of adults falling in the worst pathological category. Fewer than 1 percent of adult Pennsylvanians acknowledged a serious gambling problem in a health department survey last year.

Many of those in the field say they treat few clients for gambling addiction now, but that's been due in part to the lack of funding for treatment.

Yvonne Reed, a Mercy Behavioral Health outpatient therapist, said she treats an average of about two problem gamblers a month. She expects that to increase once Pittsburgh's slots parlor opens, and is pleased the state now has a plan she can participate in.