Investment in new, no-cost services to facilitate problem gambling recovery across the state

The Arizona Department of Gaming’s Division of Problem Gambling (Division) announced today that it has awarded its first peer support and recovery services program contract to Dezerve Counseling LLC, which was selected following a competitive Request for Proposal to develop, launch, and manage the State of Arizona’s first problem gambling peer support and recovery program. The award marks a significant public investment in problem gambling recovery in Arizona, where peer support services will be provided free of charge and confidentially.

“Creating an additional pathway to recovery for Arizona community members negatively impacted by problem gambling – via the peer support and recovery services program – is exciting for our agency and the people we serve,” said Elise Mikkelsen, Director, Division of Problem Gambling. “We are proud of our track record of offering timely and effective assistance to Arizonans, and we look forward to adding peer support and recovery services to enhance the comprehensive options available through the Division of Problem Gambling.”

Each client participating in the program will be paired with a Peer Support and Recovery Specialist who has deep, lived experience with problem gambling; entered the problem gambling recovery community themself or supported a loved one doing so; and has been rigorously trained in peer support practice, including through applicable professional certifications. With first-hand, lived experience in addiction, specialists can provide a non-clinician point of view with real-time, confidential advice and support.

“We at Dezerve Counseling are honored and excited to partner with the Division of Problem Gambling to launch a dedicated peer support and recovery program for problem gambling,” said Darfetta Muhammad, Chief Administrative Officer at Dezerve Counseling. “We believe, just as the Division does, that recovery begins with a single step forward. We are proud that Dezerve Counseling can now offer that vital next step to individuals and families navigating problem gambling.”

For convenience and maximum impact, peer support will be available statewide and offered in-person, virtually, and over the phone, and will be provided in one-on-one settings as well as in group settings led by a specialist. Importantly, Arizonans may access the peer support program at any stage of their problem gambling journey – this includes individuals experiencing problem gambling and reaching out for assistance for the first time, as well as individuals already seeing a doctor or clinician. There will be no fee for participants and no requirement that the participant have an insurance plan.

To drive workforce capacity to meet the demand for problem gambling support, the program will recruit and train Peer Support and Recovery Specialists who will be ready to make an immediate impact on their clients’ recovery. This workforce component is consistent with the Division’s focus on ensuring gambling treatment programs can meet future community needs while increasing system capacity. Dezerve Counseling and the Division expect the program to launch Spring 2026.

To learn more about the Division of Problem Gambling and its work providing a sustainable continuum of services that reduces the impact of problem gambling across Arizona, please visit problemgambling.az.gov. Always 24/7, free, and confidential, Arizonans who want to inquire about problem gambling services are encouraged to text NEXTSTEP to 53342 or call 1-800-NEXT-STEP.