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
Powered UP Parent & Powered UP Player
Healthy video gaming
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
LCSW, CEO
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
LCSW, COO
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
LPC, Director of Trauma Informed Care
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
LPC, Director of Relationship Dynamics
Robin brings over 15 years of experience to The Better Institute. She is an expert on family relationships and dynamics.
Evan Dean
LCSW, CCTP-II, Director of Recovery Support
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
LCSW, Director of Aviation Wellness
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
LSW, IGDC
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
LSW
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.