Mission Model

02/06/2026

🏈 Super Bowl weekend is here! While many enjoy the excitement, it’s important to remember that gambling can quickly go from fun to harmful. If you or someone you know struggles with gambling or wants more information, check out our MISSION Problem Gambling Toolkit: https://www.missionmodel.org/

If you choose to bet, set limits, stick to a plan, and treat wagering as entertainment - not income.

Major sportsbooks and regulators agree:
- Only wager what you can afford to lose
- Know when to stop
- Use legal, regulated platforms
- Avoid illegal or offshore sites

If betting starts to feel stressful, impulsive, or out of control, you're not alone - and help is available.

📞 Immediate support: 1-800-GAMBLER
📞 MA Gambling Helpline: 800-327-5050
🧰 Ongoing support & tools: Explore the MISSION Toolkit for practical strategies to regain control, reduce harm, and reconnect with what matters.

Play with a plan. Watch for the fun. Support is always okay.

12/02/2025

On this Giving Tuesday, we are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on the impact our lab strives to make each day. The MISSION Behavioral Health Lab is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders through rigorous research, innovative intervention development, and strong community partnerships.

When you support our lab, you help drive:
• Evidence-based approaches to treatment
• New tools and technologies that expand access to care
• Research that uplifts underserved populations
• Real-world solutions for addiction and mental health challenges

Your generosity directly strengthens this mission.
If you are able, please consider donating today. Your support truly makes a difference.
Click the button below to contribute.

https://www.umassmed.edu/mbhlab/donate/

09/26/2025

Check out the link below to read more from Dr. Paige Shaffer who recently honored her father and mentor, Dr. Howard Shaffer on his retirement.

Congratulations, Dr. Howard Shaffer!

Dr. Howard Shaffer is arguably the father of problem gambling research. His role with the National Center for Responsible Gaming (now the International Center) in the 1990s set the standard for all such research going forward. His accomplished daughter, Dr. Paige Shaffer, reminisces about the man an...

04/04/2025

03/25/2025

The Sweet 16 is not so sweet for everyone. Learn more about problem gambling and gambling addiction and find resources here: https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/faqs-what-is-problem-gambling/

03/19/2025

March Madness is the largest betting event of the year. Get a free download of our evidence-based clinical interventions for problem gambling at https://www.missionmodel.org/gambling-disorder-interventions-counselors-therapists

03/11/2025

Today is Gambling Disorder Screening Day. Find resources for screening and intervention at our website https://www.missionmodel.org/gambling-toolkit and at Cambridge Health Alliance's Division on Addiction information center https://www.divisiononaddiction.org/outreach-resources/gdsd

The MISSION Behavioral Health Lab at UMass Chan Medical School supports this Harvard Medical School-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), Division on Addiction initiative to expand access to screening and resources to people who may have gaming-related problems.Year-round we are committed t...

03/03/2025

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Learn more about this hidden addiction at buff.ly/aDHSNHJ .

10/10/2024

October 10 is , focused on worldwide awareness of mental health, particularly in the workplace. Join us in helping to spread today.

09/05/2024

NFL and NCAA football seasons have begun...if you're working with clients struggling with problem gambling or gambling disorder, this packet of free evidence-based activities adapted from the core MISSION DRT curriculum is for you. Get it here: https://buff.ly/3WZFLVK

09/03/2024

September is . National Recovery Month focuses on showcasing evidence-based treatment and recovery practices for substance use and mental health conditions, it's also a great way to promote awareness of mental health and addiction recovery and celebrate the providers, peers, and communities who make recovery possible.

08/30/2024

MISSION staffers Marinna, Sydney, and Leslie were in attendance at the Overdose Awareness Day vigil in Worcester on 8/28. We always appreciate the opportunity to support the City of Worcester and the incredible treatment, social services, and law enforcement professionals who have worked hard to reduce the number of overdoses in the city. The ever-personable Marinna even made a new friend!