S6 E4: Advocacy, Treatment, and Education: Breaking Barriers in Problem Gambling with Denise Quirk

In this episode of CASAT Conversations, we welcome Denise Quirk, a seasoned addiction counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist, and nationally recognized advocate in the field of problem gambling. With over three decades of experience, Denise has played a pivotal role in shaping treatment, education, and policy for those affected by gambling disorder. From founding Red Hawk Counseling to serving as the CEO and Clinical Director of the Reno Problem Gambling Center, she has dedicated her career to ensuring individuals and families receive the support they need.

Denise’s influence extends far beyond clinical practice—she was instrumental in establishing the highest standards for Certified Problem Gambling Counselors in Nevada and advocated for legislation that allows treatment diversion for individuals in the legal system. She co-authored the Gambling Patient Placement Criteria (GPPC) handbook, continues to educate future professionals through her university course, and provides expert testimony in Nevada’s courts. Through her ongoing work as a therapist, educator, and consultant, Denise remains committed to advocating for better access to care and breaking down barriers in the field.

In this episode, Denise discusses:

• The experiences that have shaped her career in addiction and problem gambling treatment
• What initially drew her to this field and how her passion has evolved
• The most surprising turns in her professional journey
• The rewards and challenges of working in gambling disorder treatment and advocacy
• How her work has influenced her personal life and identity
• Advice for those entering the field of mental health and addiction counseling

Join us for an insightful conversation on the intersection of advocacy, clinical practice, and education, and how Denise Quirk continues to lead the way in transforming problem gambling treatment.

Denise has been an addictions counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist in Reno, Nevada since 1992 when she opened her private practice, Red Hawk Counseling. She was the CEO and Clinical Director of the Reno Problem Gambling Center (RPGC), a non-profit outpatient treatment center for people affected by gambling disorder from 2006 – 2022. She created and continues to teach an online senior/graduate course called “Exploring Gambling Behaviors” for the University of Nevada, Reno. Denise advocated for the nation’s highest standard for Certified Problem Gambling Counselors in Nevada. She also testified in support of AB 102, which became law as part of NRS 458 in 2009, paving the way for treatment diversion for people with gambling disorder in the legal system. Denise continues to do presentations on gambling topics at conferences, roundtables, and in front of any interested group around the nation. She has supervised Certified Problem Gambling Counselor-Interns around the state of Nevada through face-to-face and distance supervision since 2006. Denise co-authored the “Gambling Patient Placement Criteria” (GPPC) treatment handbook with the help of a grant from the Nevada Problem Gambling Revolving Fund in 2010. Denise serves as the Vice-Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling (ACPG) and has been a member of the ACPG since its inception in 2005. She served on the State of Nevada’s Board of Alcohol, Drug, and Gambling Counselors for five years. She is the recipient of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling’s Bybee Award for excellence in education and advocacy in the problem gambling field in Nevada. Denise has testified as an expert witness in Nevada’s District and Federal Courts to advocate for clients affected by gambling disorder. She continues to serve people who have been incarcerated by conducting evaluations in jails and prisons. Denise enjoys her marriage to her amazing husband, being mother to four incredible children and grandmother of six delightful grandchildren. In her Miracle Morning (see Hal Elrod's publications) she prays, drinks water, reads, watches birds, exercises, writes, knits, and does daily planning with an emphasis on serving others. Denise is focused on serving, teaching, consulting and advocating for the best life for all.