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Initiative combines Gaudenzia's clinical expertise, CMI's JANUS technology platform and contingency management training from UCLA ISAP

BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES, September 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Contingency Management Innovations (CMI) announced today that it is partnering with Gaudenzia, one of the Mid-Atlantic's largest nonprofit substance use disorder treatment providers, to implement a contingency management initiative designed to strengthen treatment engagement for individuals with stimulant use disorder. The pilot combines Gaudenzia's clinical expertise with CMI's JANUS technology platform and contingency management training provided by UCLA Integrated Substance Use and Addiction Programs (UCLA ISAP).

"Gaudenzia has always been willing to lead where others wait. Contingency management is the standard of care for stimulant use disorder, and we're not going to sit on the evidence while people are struggling to stay engaged in treatment. This initiative reflects our broader commitment to investing in what works, building the clinical infrastructure to deliver it well, and holding ourselves accountable to the outcomes."
Dr. Deja Gilbert, PhD, MBA, FACHE, LPC, LMHC, President & CEO, Gaudenzia

Contingency management (CM) is an evidence-based behavioral intervention that uses tangible incentives to recognize and reinforce clearly defined recovery-supporting behaviors. The program design calls for a 12-week treatment plan with two visits per week and incentives of up to $599 per participant.
CM works by setting measurable goals - such as attending treatment, taking medications as prescribed or providing substance-negative test results - and delivering a reward promptly when a participant meets the goal. Reward values may increase as progress continues, with protocol-based resets when a target behavior is not met. This immediate, predictable reinforcement helps participants build momentum toward longer-term recovery.
Research has shown that well-designed CM programs can improve treatment attendance and retention, strengthen adherence and reduce substance use including opioids and stimulants. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) identifies contingency management as the current standard of care for stimulant use disorder. For care teams, a structured CM protocol can also support consistent reward decisions, fidelity monitoring and transparent, audit-ready program administration.

Gaudenzia is one of the largest nonprofit substance use and co-occurring disorders treatment providers. Its evidence-based, person-centered model supports more than 20,000 individuals annually through a comprehensive continuum of addiction treatment, mental health services, and supportive housing across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C.

"We know contingency management is supported by strong evidence, particularly in treating stimulant use disorder. The opportunity—and responsibility—for providers is to translate that evidence into care that clinicians can deliver consistently and that patients can meaningfully engage with. This initiative gives our teams another practical tool to recognize progress, strengthen engagement and support people as they build momentum in recovery."
Trish Caldwell, MFT, LPC, CAADC, CCDP-D, Chief Clinical Officer, Gaudenzia

"Contingency management is the most effective treatment currently available for stimulant use disorder, yet it remains underused in routine care. Expanding access with well-trained teams and consistent, high-fidelity delivery can help more people stay engaged in treatment and make measurable progress in recovery."
Thomas E. Freese, PhD, Director, UCLA Integrated Substance Use and Addiction Programs (ISAP)

Technology and training designed for consistent delivery
CMI's web-based JANUS platform will be configured around Gaudenzia's reinforcement schedule, targeted behaviors and program budget. The system will calculate earned rewards and support delivery through text message, email or a printable file. The engagement also includes program configuration, implementation support, reporting setup, hosting, security, staff account activation, maintenance and ongoing technical support.
CMI will serve as the prime contractor. Clinical contingency management training will be provided by the UCLA Integrated Substance Use and Addiction Programs (UCLA ISAP), complemented by remote training for Gaudenzia administrators and clinical staff on the JANUS platform.

"Gaudenzia brings tremendous clinical depth and a clear commitment to person-centered, evidence-based care. Our role is to give its teams a practical and consistent way to deliver every reinforcement according to protocol, recognize progress quickly and maintain accurate, transparent and audit-ready program records."
Steven Jenkins, Founder and CEO, Contingency Management Innovations

Together, the organizations aim to translate an evidence-based intervention into a practical, consistent program experience for participants and the professionals supporting them.

About Gaudenzia
Gaudenzia, Inc. is one of the largest nonprofit behavioral health organizations in the Mid-Atlantic region, providing residential and outpatient addiction treatment, mental health services, and supportive housing across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. Founded in 1968, Gaudenzia serves thousands of individuals annually, with a focus on the most complex and underserved populations. Learn more at gaudenzia.org.

About UCLA Integrated Substance Use and Addiction Programs
The ISAP Training Department contributes to the UCLA education mission by developing and adapting training and technical assistance in treatment protocols and research processes, and locally responsive, evidence-based and promising practices for treatment substance use disorders. Thomas E. Freese, PhD, ISAP Director, and Beth A. Rutkowski, MPH, ISAP Director of Training, are Co-Principal Investigators for training and implementation support for multiple CM program efforts to implement contingency management for the treatment of stimulant use disorder across the country.

About Contingency Management Innovations
Contingency Management Innovations (CMI), a division of Q2i, provides technology that powers streamlined, high-fidelity contingency management programs for public agencies, healthcare organizations and treatment providers. Its solutions support protocol configuration, eligibility, reward logic, escalating and reset schedules, exception handling, fidelity monitoring and audit-ready reporting. Learn more at contingency-management.com.

Lawrence Klimczyk
Contingency Management Innovations
+1 970-393-2275
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