Press & Media Information

Company Overview

The Better Institute helps individuals better themselves through innovative practices, professional services, research outcomes, and education.

The Better Institute was founded to deliver truly progressive therapies that improve our clients’ quality of life. We combine data-backed strategies with an empathetic approach to design an innovative, practical, customized program that sets you up for success. We stay with you along the way, helping you recover from stumbles, celebrate wins, and ultimately succeed at your goals.

Media Inquiries

Please contact info@betterinstitute.com

In Person Therapy

Teletherapy

Back in the Game®

Sports Performance Program

Press Releases

4/2023 Local Therapy Group Spreading the Word About Problem Gambling as Usage Increases

4/2022 As Video Game Addiction Soars Among Teens, Local Therapy Group Hires Specialized Clinician

The Better Institute® in the Media

How to tell a loved one about our gambling problem w/ Jody Bechtold

The Broke Girl Society Podcast

March 2023

Online sports bets changing gambling in PA

Fox 43

February 2023

Back in the Game Program

University of Pittsburgh

Bridges Magazine

Winter 2022

Jody Bechtold: "Prevention starts with the industry itself"

Casino Guru News

November 2022

Understanding Problematic Screen Use

Niznik Behavioral Health

July 2021

Pennsylvanians Gambling in Record Numbers, Online Games Surge

ABC News

May 2021

Jody Bechtold- Distinguished Alumni Award for Social Work Practice

University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

October 2020

Jody Bechtold joins Gamban’s Advisory Board

June 2020

"Jody Bechtold- Licensed Clinical Social Worker"

Business Talk Radio

April 2020

"Locked Down with a Stimulus Check and Online Casinos, Gambling Addicts Face a Perfect Storm"

Newsweek

Reported by Brendan Cole

April 2020

"Profile of the new compulsive gambler: younger and self-destructing online"

Penn Bets

Reported by Gary Rotstein

April 2020

“Sports Betting Gaining Popularity In Pittsburgh”

CBS Pittsburgh

Reporting by Andy Sheehan

November 11, 2019

"As March Madness arrives, so does hint of more sports betting addiction"

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Reported by Gary Rotstein

March 2019

"Online sports betting ramps up risks for gambling addicts"

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Reported by Gary Rotstein

June 2019

"Sports Gambling. Here, There and Everywhere. Increasing risk for gambling addiction."

Social Work Today

Reported by Kate Jackson 

July 2019

Media Assets 

Publications

THE GAMBLING DISORDER TREATMENT HANDBOOK: A GUIDE FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

A clinical handbook to support all mental health professionals learning to treat or already working with people with a gambling disorder. Available for $40 on Amazon.

The Better Institute® Team

Jody Bechtold

Jody Bechtold

LCSW, CEO

jody@betterinstitute.com

Jody brings over 30 years of experience to The Better Institute. She is a professional coach, Gambling Addiction Expert, International Speaker and Trainer, and MBTI Certified Facilitator.

Robert Bumbaco

Robert Bumbaco

LCSW, COO

rob@betterinstitute.com

Rob brings over 20 years of experience to The Better Institute. He is a former Division 1 hockey athlete, at-risk behavioral coach, and clinical social worker.

April Condemi

April Condemi

LPC, Director of Trauma Informed Care

april@betterinstitute.com

April brings over 10 years of experience to The Better Institute. She is the Director of Trauma Informed Care and is a professional resource for First Responders.

Robin Witt

Robin Witt

LPC, Director of Relationship Dynamics

robin@betterinstitute.com

Robin brings over 15 years of experience to The Better Institute. She is an expert on family relationships and dynamics.

Evan Dean

Evan Dean

LCSW, CCTP-II, Director of Recovery Support

evan@betterinstitute.com

Evan brings over 5 years of clinical experience to the Better Institute as an expert in recovery from use, abuse and addiction. In addition, he is a professional musician that loves to work with creative people using the arts in the therapy process.

Doug Hoesch

Doug Hoesch

LCSW, Director of Aviation Wellness

doug@betterinstitute.com

Doug brings over 5-years of clinical experience to The Better Institute. He is a clinical social worker and an Airline Transport Pilot with over 40 years of global flying experience understanding stress, trauma, and their effect on people’s behavior.

Matt Missar

Matt Missar

LSW, IGDC

matt@betterinstitute.com

Matt is a clinician with The Better Institute. He values working with individuals of all ages and specializes in working with younger individuals regarding stress, anxiety, and problematic gaming. 

Tara Smith

Tara Smith

LSW

tara@betterinstitute.com

Tara is a clinician with The Better Institute who works with individuals and with couples. She specializes in addiction, trauma, and working with the LGBTQIA community.

Contact The Better Institute®