PennWest University will host a two-day virtual continuing education training this summer focused on gaming disorder, gambling addiction, digital behavior and behavioral health treatment.

The training, “International Gaming Disorder Training: Bridging Clinical Practice and Behavioral Health in Digital Environments,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 22-23 via Zoom. The program is led by Stephanie Diez, associate professor and director of PennWest’s Master of Social Work program.

Designed for social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, behavioral health professionals, educators and related practitioners, the online training provides specialized continuing education focused on gaming disorder, problematic internet use, gambling-related concerns and technology-driven behavioral health challenges.

Participants will earn 15 ASWB ACE-compliant continuing education hours that may be used toward professional licensure renewal and the International Gaming Disorder Certificate (IGDC) through the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization.

Registration is $150. Additional information and registration are available through the official training registration page. Questions may be directed to Bethann Grolemund at or 814-393-2413.

“Technology-driven behaviors continue to evolve rapidly, and clinicians increasingly encounter individuals and families impacted by gaming and gambling-related challenges,” Diez said. “This training is designed to provide evidence-informed tools and practical strategies professionals can immediately apply in clinical and community settings.”

Training topics include gaming disorder diagnosis and prevalence, behavioral addiction research, neurobiological and psychological mechanisms, evidence-based assessment tools, trauma-informed care, prevention strategies and the use of digital tools in clinical practice. Interactive breakout sessions and case-based learning activities will help participants apply concepts in real-world scenarios involving youth, families and communities.

Diez is internationally recognized for her work in gaming disorder, problematic internet use and behavioral addictions. She serves on the board of the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board and has presented at national and international conferences focused on gambling addiction, responsible gaming and behavioral health treatment.

Additional information about Diez’s research, publications and professional contributions is available through her ResearchGate profile and Google Scholar profile.

In addition to her work at PennWest, Diez founded Reboot & Recover, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, prevention, treatment and research related to technology-driven behavioral health concerns.

PennWest’s social work programs are fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, and the university is a pre-approved provider of continuing education for social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors through the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.