The Limits of Therapy

Therapy also comes with challenges:

- Cost — ongoing sessions can be expensive.

- Accessibility — not everyone has local specialists trained in gambling recovery.

- Scheduling — weekly or biweekly sessions may not be enough during high-risk moments.

- Stigma — some hesitate to seek therapy due to shame or fear of judgment.

Therapy is a strong option, but it isn’t always practical for everyone..

What Gambling Recovery Apps Provide

Apps for recovery are designed to be accessible anytime, anywhere. They typically offer:

- Guided exercises, tools, and sessions that can be used in the moment.

- Habit tracking to build awareness of patterns.

- Privacy and anonymity, reducing fear of stigma.

- Lower cost compared to therapy.

Apps give people the chance to get help on their own terms — on the bus, late at night, or whenever urges strike.

The Limits of Apps

Apps have their limits too:

- They lack the human relationship and real-time dialogue of therapy.

- Without external accountability, it can be easy to disengage.

- Most gambling recovery apps so far have been incomplete or ineffective, leaving people without the depth they need.

This is why many therapists still see apps as a supplement rather than a replacement.

Therapy vs App: Which One Is Right for You?

The truth is, it doesn’t have to be either/or. In fact, most therapists I know agree that the best solution is a blend:

- Therapy provides depth, insight, and accountability.

- Apps provide accessibility, privacy, and support in the critical in-between moments.

I’ve seen clients benefit from therapy but wish they had support outside of the office. And I’ve seen therapists themselves say they want an app to reinforce and enhance the work they’re already doing. That’s why Incumental was designed — not to replace therapy, but to extend it, making recovery support available 24/7.

Conclusion: More Tools, More Support

So, do you need therapy or an app to recover from gambling? The best answer is: whichever gets you started, and ideally, both. Therapy offers guidance from a professional. Apps offer private, always-on support. Together, they provide a more complete pathway to recovery than either could alone.

At Incumental, we’re creating the kind of app therapists wish they could recommend — one that works alongside therapy, or stands alone for those who need a private, accessible starting point. Because recovery is strongest when the right tools come together.

Written by Michael Zhang, PhD

@ 2025 Incumental, Inc. All rights reserved