The Brazilian municipality of Ribeirão Preto has introduced free psychological support for residents experiencing problems associated with betting and gambling.
The service is available through the health network using the Cuidar + On mobile application. Users can connect with a psychologist through teleconsultation at any time of day without making an appointment.
Initial treatment comprises up to 12 sessions, according to health secretary Mauricio Godinho. Additional consultations may be provided where the clinician determines that continued support is required.
Psychologists will assess the severity of each patient’s condition during treatment. Where there is a risk to the individual’s safety or that of other people, or where more intensive intervention is needed, the patient may be referred to an in-person specialist mental health service.
Residents requiring immediate assistance can also attend Ribeirão Preto’s Mental Health Emergency Service. The facility operates continuously and is located on Rua Bruno Pelicani in the Quintino Facci II neighbourhood.
To access the remote service, residents must download Cuidar + On and register their personal details. Their information must also be current at a primary healthcare unit.
Within the application, users select the teleconsultation option followed by emotional emergency care, before waiting to be connected with a psychology professional.
The municipality said the programme is intended for people facing difficulties linked to compulsive use of gambling and betting platforms.
The initiative reflects the treatment of gambling-related harm as a public-health issue in Brazil. The municipal service adds to the country's expanding gambling-harm support network, following the launch of a federal telehealth initiative and Superbet’s 24/7 Superlinha telephone and WhatsApp service.
The initial 12-session treatment allocation can be extended when a psychologist determines that continued support is required
