Bristlecone Problem Gambling Center (BPGC) is named after the Bristlecone Pine Tree, a long-lived tree that is resilient to harsh weather and bad soils. This remarkable tree can fully regenerate itself, even on the brink of death. Just like the Bristlecone Pine, the people who seek help at our facility for addiction, gambling, and mental health issues have experienced negative environments, weathered many storms and come dangerously close to death. They have arrived at a pivotal point in their lives where they have determined they need and want treatment and counseling. They have always had the ability inside to regenerate. We simply provide the nurturing environment, proven treatments and compassionate counseling to become strong, healthy and vibrant. 

BPGC offers comprehensive problem gambling, addiction, and mental wellness treatment services in Nevada. Bristlecone customizes treatment plans which then serve as a road map for clients in pursuit of a clean and healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families. 

Bristlecone Problem Gambling Center’s (BPGC) GATE Program is a full spectrum gambling addiction treatment center offering both in-patient and outpatient services as well as a robust aftercare program and family treatment. Our Gambling Addiction Treatment and Education (GATE) Program is one of the only in-patient gambling addiction treatment centers in the western United States.  

BPGC bases its treatment planning on Gambling Addiction Treatment and Education (GATE) principles. These principles require addressing many obstacles that clients face. Education, job training, finances, child care, transportation, health care, occupational, and life skills training are just a few of the needs we help clients address. Only by tackling a client’s needs head-on does the individual have the tools to thrive in a successful recovery program. 

Keeping up on the latest research and best practices is a primary focus for Bristlecone’s expert staff. Counselors, MHT’s, and Peer Support staff regularly attend training and conferences to keep abreast of the latest research, and many of our staff are pursuing advanced degrees. Our treatment planning focuses on Evidence Based Practices that have been demonstrated successful through research and clinical practice. 

Bristlecone Problem Gambling Center, originally Bristlecone Family Services, was formed in 2002 when two longtime Reno treatment centers merged into one community-focused agency. Both Sage 
Wind Adolescent Treatment Center and NorthStar Treatment Center (formerly NASAC) combined had served northern Nevada for over 60 years. BPGC continues to build upon this rich history and as stated above, is named after the Bristlecone Pine Tree because this remarkable tree has the ability to fully regenerate itself, even on the brink of death. This name represents not only our agency’s rich and lengthy history, but it also describes the experience of our clients who have survived and overcome difficult circumstances and are now healthy and thriving individuals. 

Bristlecone continues to build upon its history by expanding and evolving to fit the needs of our community. Our agency has a full-service problem gambling program -one of the only residential gambling treatment programs in the western United States as well as a full continuum of substance use and addiction treatment services. 

---

This site was produced with support from the Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Agency, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, State Opioid Response Grant, GATE, and the Center for Applied Substance Abuse Technologies. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent an official position or policy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the other agencies listed above.

Our Staff

Executive Director: Peter Ott
[email protected]

Clinical Director: Heather Milligan
[email protected]

Admissions: Cory Young Rogers
[email protected]

Human Resources Specialist: Kristin Manguso
[email protected]
 
Gambling Program Administrator: Donna Meyers
[email protected]

and Many Other Compassionate Counselors and Staff

Our Board

Board Chair
Tray Abney, Government Relations
Abney Tauchen Group
Member Since 2011
 
Vice Chair
Ben Florsheim
Real Estate Investment
Member Since 2020
 
Secretary & Development Chair
Kevin Stroupe
Clark & Sullivan
Member Since 2007
 
Member
Steve Calabrese
Retired Washoe County Youth Parole Division Director
Member Since 2018
 
Member
Andriea A. Aden, Esq., Chtd
Family Law Attorney
Member Since 2022
 
Member
Shannon Bryant
Attorney
Member Since 2023
 
Member
Melissa Davies
Clark & Associates
Member since 2010

Member
​Jared Rossi 
LP Insurance
Member Since 2023​

Join our mission.

Get Involved

Volunteer, Donate, Advocate.