CMI, Gaudenzia launch contingency management pilot for stimulant use disorder

Contingency Management Innovations is partnering with Gaudenzia to roll out a 12-week contingency management pilot aimed at improving engagement for people with stimulant use disorder. The program combines Gaudenzia’s clinical teams, CMI’s JANUS platform and training from UCLA ISAP as providers look to bring an evidence-based treatment model into routine care.

Why it matters: - Contingency management is widely viewed as an evidence-based approach for stimulant use disorder and could help more patients stay in treatment. - The pilot is designed to give care teams a structured way to reinforce recovery behaviors, track progress and document rewards with audit-ready records. - The initiative could offer a model for translating a proven intervention into everyday clinical practice.

What happened: - Contingency Management Innovations announced a partnership with Gaudenzia to implement a contingency management initiative for stimulant use disorder. - The pilot combines Gaudenzia’s clinical expertise, CMI’s JANUS technology platform and contingency management training from UCLA Integrated Substance Use and Addiction Programs. - The announcement was made Sept. 16, 2026, in Boston. - CMI will serve as the prime contractor.

The details: - The program is built around a 12-week treatment plan with two visits per week. - Participants can earn incentives of up to $599 each. - The program rewards clearly defined behaviors such as attending treatment, taking medications as prescribed or providing substance-negative test results. - Rewards are delivered promptly when a participant meets a goal. - Reward values can increase as progress continues, with protocol-based resets if a target behavior is not met. - CMI’s JANUS platform will be configured to Gaudenzia’s reinforcement schedule, targeted behaviors and budget. - The platform will calculate earned rewards and support delivery by text message, email or printable file. - The engagement also includes program configuration, implementation support, reporting setup, hosting, security, staff account activation, maintenance and ongoing technical support. - UCLA ISAP will provide clinical contingency management training. - Gaudenzia administrators and clinical staff will also receive remote training on the JANUS platform. - Research has shown that well-designed contingency management programs can improve treatment attendance and retention, strengthen adherence and reduce substance use, including opioids and stimulants. - The American Society of Addiction Medicine identifies contingency management as the current standard of care for stimulant use disorder. - Gaudenzia serves more than 20,000 people annually across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C. - Gaudenzia provides addiction treatment, mental health services and supportive housing across the region. - Gaudenzia was founded in 1968.

Between the lines: - The partnership reflects a broader push to move contingency management from a research-backed intervention into routine treatment settings. - The emphasis on protocol fidelity, reporting and transparency suggests providers are looking for ways to scale CM without losing consistency. - UCLA ISAP’s training role signals that implementation support, not just technology, is central to the rollout. - Gaudenzia’s size and regional footprint make the pilot potentially meaningful beyond a single site or program.

What's next: - The organizations plan to use the pilot to create a practical and consistent experience for participants and staff. - Gaudenzia’s teams will use the program to recognize progress and support recovery momentum. - CMI will continue providing platform support as the initiative moves into implementation. - Learn more about the companies’ announcement