Substance Abuse Prevention and Control
Contingency Management
Contingency Management (CM) is an evidence-based treatment that can help someone stop using stimulants. Common stimulant drugs include cocaine or meth. CM is an outpatient treatment program where an
eligible participant can receive gift cards for regular negative urine drug tests. Program participants can earn up to $599 in gift cards to use at retail and grocery stores when they don’t use
stimulants.
Overview
This CM program is open to people who:
Eligible participants will participate in a structured 24-week outpatient CM program. In the initial 12 weeks, CM program participants will be asked to visit the treatment setting 2 times per week. For weeks 13-24, participants will only visit the treatment setting once a week. Participants can earn gift card incentives during each visit with a negative urine drug test. The incentive amount for the CM Program is a maximum of $599 per calendar year. After 24 weeks of treatment, there will be 6 or more months of additional treatment and recovery support services without incentives.
Eligible participants can receive CM services while receiving other outpatient services, such as individual and group counseling. Individuals who are receiving care in residential treatment (for example ASAM levels 3.1-4.0) or institutional settings (for example jail) are ineligible for CM services until they transition to an outpatient level of care.
California’s Medicaid reform, California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) and 1915(b) waiver, allows CM services to continue through December 31, 2026. To learn more about the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System and updates related to CalAIM, please see BHIN 24-001.
- Are eligible for Medi-Cal
- Live in Los Angeles County
- Have a medical screening to make sure they’re a good fit
- Agree to regular urine drug testing
Eligible participants will participate in a structured 24-week outpatient CM program. In the initial 12 weeks, CM program participants will be asked to visit the treatment setting 2 times per week. For weeks 13-24, participants will only visit the treatment setting once a week. Participants can earn gift card incentives during each visit with a negative urine drug test. The incentive amount for the CM Program is a maximum of $599 per calendar year. After 24 weeks of treatment, there will be 6 or more months of additional treatment and recovery support services without incentives.
Eligible participants can receive CM services while receiving other outpatient services, such as individual and group counseling. Individuals who are receiving care in residential treatment (for example ASAM levels 3.1-4.0) or institutional settings (for example jail) are ineligible for CM services until they transition to an outpatient level of care.
California’s Medicaid reform, California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) and 1915(b) waiver, allows CM services to continue through December 31, 2026. To learn more about the Drug Medi-Cal Organized Delivery System and updates related to CalAIM, please see BHIN 24-001.
Resources
Updated Resources
CM Guidance
Contacts
For questions or more information about the Contingency Management Program at SAPC, email: SAPC-SOC@ph.lacounty.gov.
