The Better Institute

11/05/2025

The rise of mobile sports betting has brought the issue of gambling addiction to the forefront.

Our CEO, Jody Bechtold, recently lent her expert perspective to a major Rolling Stone feature discussing the serious risks associated with this surge.

At The Better Institute, we know this isn't just a trend—it's a critical public health concern. If you or a loved one is struggling with the speed and accessibility of modern gambling, you are not alone. Our team provides specialized, compassionate care to help you regain control.

Click the link to read Jody’s insights on how mobile sports betting is changing the landscape of addiction: https://loom.ly/UmsuvZU

The rise of mobile sports-bet operators like FanDuel and DraftKings has coincided with a spike in problem gambling among young men in America.

10/30/2025

Meet the newest addition to The Better Institute!

Stephanie Higgins is an intern at The Better Institute and a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program at Salisbury University. She is known for her compassionate approach to supporting individuals and families as they heal from the impacts of problem gambling. Stephanie understands how gambling can strain trust, disrupt family systems, and create financial instability, and she approaches her work with both compassion and practical guidance.

With professional designations as an Accredited Financial Counselor®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Military Qualified Financial Planner®, Stephanie blends technical financial expertise with a recovery-focused perspective. Her experience includes working with military service members, their families, and those living abroad.

Stephanie’s counseling style is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on practical strategies while also honoring the emotional aspects of recovery. She values working alongside clients and their support networks to rebuild stability, restore trust, and create a healthier future.
As part of The Better Institute’s commitment to quality, affordable mental health care, we’re pleased to offer no-cost sessions with Stephanie under the supervision of Rob Bumbaco, LCSW.

Stephanie works with individuals focusing on:
Anxiety
Depression
Problem Gambling
Related Mental Health Concerns

Learn more at: https://loom.ly/n9JTs9s

10/28/2025

Your Fall Mental Wellness Toolkit 🛠️

As fall routines settle in, use these five quick, actionable strategies from The Better Institute to intentionally prioritize your mental health all month long.

We’ve created a simple plan to help you check in, set boundaries, and reset your mind when stress spikes:

🛠️Check In With Yourself: Like you would a good friend, take a moment today to ask: “How am I really doing right now?” 💬 Genuine self-awareness is the first step toward self-care.

🛠️Boundaries Protect Peace: It is absolutely okay to say no without guilt. 🧡 Setting a healthy boundary isn't selfish—it's necessary for protecting your energy and your peace.

🛠️Gratitude Before Bed: Shift your perspective before you sleep. 🙏 Tonight, write down three things you’re sincerely thankful for. This simple habit can rewire your brain for positivity.

🛠️Fill Your Cup First: Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. 💧 Prioritize small, necessary acts of self-care so you have the energy to show up fully for the people and work you value.

🛠️Breathe to Calm: When stress spikes, use 4x4 Box Breathing: 🌬️ Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4. It’s a powerful, simple reset you can use anytime, anywhere.

Save this post and use it as your guide this month! Which tool are you using today? Let us know in the comments! 👇

10/22/2025

Feeling like gambling has taken control? 🎲 You're not alone, and help is here.

In our newest YouTube playlist, CEO of The Better Institute, Jody Bechtold, breaks down the complexities of problem gambling with compassion and clarity.

This playlist is for you if you want to learn about:
Warning signs: Identify the behaviors that may signal a problem.
Getting help: Normalize the process of seeking support and discover that it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
Available resources: Find out about a variety of tools and organizations that can help you or a loved one.

It’s time to get your life back in the game. Watch the full playlist now: https://loom.ly/kwajJwM

Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC-II, BACC, IGDC, CGT is a globally recognized gambling addiction expert who works with individuals, organizations, and associations....

10/15/2025

Ever wonder about the mental risks athletes face in today's world?

We're thrilled to share that our COO, Rob Bumbaco (LCSW, Certified Mental Coach), recently sat down for a powerful conversation on a recent episode of The Modern Meeting!

Rob brings his unique perspective as a former Division I athlete to discuss:
🧠 The founding story of The Better Institute and our mission.
🏅 The unique mental health challenges and risks athletes face today.
⚖️ The urgent need for awareness and support in the evolving landscape of sports and life.

If you're interested in the intersection of sports and mental health, this episode is a must-listen. 🔗https://loom.ly/YBN72BI

The Modern Meeting · Episode

10/09/2025

Feeling ready to take your game to the next level? 🎯

Our free YouTube playlist, Back in the Game: Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level? is here to help you master the mental side of sports. We've broken down the six essential mental skills that can make a real difference in your athletic performance.

Whether you're an individual athlete or part of a team, you'll learn how to:
🎯Boost Your Performance: Build confidence, stay motivated, and handle pressure like a pro.
🎯Stay Consistent: Manage the highs and lows of competition and learn from every game.
🎯Get Personalized Training: Use tools and feedback to improve your mental game in key areas.
🎯Build a Stronger Team: Enhance communication, develop leadership, and work together more effectively.

Ready to play smarter? Click the link to start watching! https://loom.ly/jAe8x7U

Ready to Take Your Game to the Next Level? Back in the Game® Can Help. We’ve identified the six essential mental skills that make a real difference in athlet...

10/07/2025

❇️ Join a Growing Team Committed to BETTER Mental Health

The Better Institute offers:
✨A supportive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment
✨The opportunity to work alongside a team of talented and compassionate clinicians
✨Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
✨Ongoing opportunities for professional development and growth
✨Continuing Education, Health, and 401 monthly benefits

If you're a licensed therapist (PhD, PsyD, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT) committed to evidence-based practices and passionate about helping clients thrive, we want to hear from you!

❇️ Visit https://loom.ly/q0bosm8 to learn more.

10/01/2025

🍂 Feeling the Fall Shift? 🍂

October is here, and with shorter days and cooler air comes that natural shift in our energy and mood. If you're feeling less balanced than usual, you are not alone.

The season is a perfect time to reset and invest in your mental well-being. At The Better Institute, we've put together four quick strategies to help you find stability as the days get shorter:
🍂 Reset Your Routine: Predictable mornings & evenings reduce seasonal stress.
🍂 Prioritize Mental Health: Learn to manage those mood fluctuations caused by less light.
🍂 Get Outside: Fresh air is a proven, powerful mood booster!
🍂 Stay Ahead of Stress: Simple planning beats the October overwhelm.

Ready to thrive this fall? Get the full breakdown and more insights on our blog!

➡️ Tap the link for all 4 strategies! https://loom.ly/alOv4fA

October is here, and with it comes the unmistakable shift of the fall season. The air is crisp, the colors are vibrant, and our routines are naturally changing. Whether you’re navigating a busy work schedule, managing school and activities, or simply looking to find more balance, this time of year...

09/26/2025

Happy National HR Professionals Day!

As the workplace evolves, so do the challenges you face. A new one has emerged that many companies aren't prepared for: gambling and gaming in the workplace.

With the rise of legalized gambling and widespread gaming, outdated policies are creating a gap between employee activities and company rules. This can lead to decreased productivity, misuse of company resources, and even legal and ethical issues.

❓So, how can you tackle this evolving issue? Our latest blog post, "Gambling and Gaming in the Workplace: What Employers and HR Professionals Need to Know," has the answers.

Learn how to:
💡Update your policies to address gambling and gaming.
💡Educate your employees on what's acceptable.
💡Establish referral systems to support employees who need help.

Read the full article and get ahead of this critical issue. 🔗 https://loom.ly/OCAr6Ik

09/24/2025

Building a better routine for a healthier you.

🛌 Sleep = Self-Care: Protect your energy by setting a bedtime routine and sticking to it.

🚲Move to Reset: Movement is medicine. Even a 10-minute walk can lower stress and boost your mood.

Simple habits can have a huge impact. How do you protect your well-being?

09/17/2025

With football season here, so is a surge in sports betting. For student-athletes, this can be a serious risk.

Why are athletes more vulnerable?
👉 Competitive Drive: The "win at all costs" mentality can carry over into betting.
👉 Stress: Gambling can be a way to cope with performance pressure.
👉 "Sports Knowledge": Athletes may feel they have an edge, making them feel safer when placing a bet.

Parents & Coaches, look for these red flags:
⚠️ Spending excessive time watching sports.
⚠️ Mood swings or irritability.
⚠️ Increased preoccupation with money.

Talk to your athletes early and often.

09/15/2025

Mindful Mondays: Start the week with a reset.

✨Take a Pause: Your mind needs rest just like your body. Find just 5 minutes today to pause, breathe, and recenter yourself.
✨Prioritize 3 Things: When stress shows up, simplify. Prioritize 3 things to accomplish today and let the rest wait.

Small steps lead to big change. What's one thing you're doing for your mental health today?