Quit Genius, a New York City-based digital addiction treatment provider, is making waves in the behavioral health industry by adopting a full-risk payment model in digital addiction treatment for its business-to-business (B2B) services. This bold move signifies a fundamental shift in how digital addiction treatment providers structure contracts and prioritize patient outcomes. Previously, Quit Genius tied only 50% of its B2B contract revenue to performance goals, but it is now putting 100% of its contract fees at risk under this full-risk payment model in digital addiction treatment.
A Bold Commitment to Outcomes
CEO Dr. Yusuf Sherwani told Behavioral Health Business that this full-risk payment model in digital addiction treatment reflects Quit Genius’ confidence in its clinical results. “If we don’t hit those goals, we’re going to lose some of our fees, all the way to 100% if we miss all of our goals,” Sherwani said. By fully embracing this model, Quit Genius sends a clear message to clients that it is accountable for delivering measurable, positive outcomes.
The company’s full-risk payment model in digital addiction treatment aims to differentiate it in a competitive B2B mental health market, where many providers still rely on partial risk or fee-for-service arrangements.
Successful Pilot Leads to Company-Wide Adoption
Quit Genius first piloted the full-risk payment model in digital addiction treatment in early 2022 with a select group of high-profile clients. While specific client names were not disclosed, Sherwani shared that the pilot’s success was a major factor in deciding to expand the model across all contracts. “It was a big part of why [they] procured Quit Genius,” he explained.
Serving health plans, employers, health systems, and individual patients, Quit Genius treats alcohol use disorder (AUD), opioid use disorder (OUD), and smoking cessation. Its platform combines self-guided tools with telehealth services to provide comprehensive, accessible care — all underpinned by its full-risk payment model in digital addiction treatment.
Moving Beyond Fee-for-Service
Quit Genius is moving away from the typical fee-for-service models common in digital health. Sherwani noted that some competitors focus heavily on medication management or surface-level engagement metrics, which may boost revenue but don’t necessarily improve clinical outcomes.
“This full-risk payment model in digital addiction treatment aligns incentives differently,” Sherwani said. “It’s not difficult to create a slick user interface or good engagement stats. What’s difficult is generating, tracking, and durably improving outcomes — and that’s our true north.”
Partnering for Shared Success
The full-risk payment model in virtual addiction treatment requires close collaboration between Quit Genius and its business clients. Rather than simply covering eligible lives, the model focuses on active use and engagement, with partners helping to track goals and raise awareness of Quit Genius services.
Sherwani emphasized the importance of alignment: “Everyone is very well calibrated from the start as to what we are all working towards.” This clarity supports shared accountability for clinical, operational, engagement, satisfaction, and performance goals.
Rapid Growth Driven by Proven Results
Quit Genius’ full-risk payment model in virtual addiction treatment has supported remarkable growth. The company now partners with over 100 employers, covering 2.5 million people. Over the past 18 months, Quit Genius has expanded its reach by an order of magnitude, a feat Sherwani credits to consistently delivering on promises.
Despite this rapid growth, Quit Genius remains focused exclusively on addiction treatment rather than broadening into other chronic conditions. This laser focus enhances its ability to create meaningful impact in the fight against addiction.
Tackling the Overdose Crisis with Innovation
The company’s commitment comes amid a worsening drug overdose crisis in the U.S., where an estimated 108,600 Americans died from overdoses in the 12 months ending in January 2025. Sherwani stressed that Quit Genius’ full-risk payment model in virtual addiction treatment is part of a moral and strategic focus to reverse this trend by delivering high-quality, outcome-driven care.
Looking Ahead: Investment and Expansion
Quit Genius recently raised $64 million in a Series B funding round led by Kinnevik and Atomico, further supporting its growth and the expansion of its full-risk payment model in addiction treatment. While shared savings incentives are not yet part of the model, Sherwani indicated they may be explored in the future.
Conclusion
Quit Genius’ adoption of a full-risk payment model in addiction treatment marks a new standard for accountability and value in behavioral health. By putting its entire contract revenue on the line for performance, the company is setting itself apart in a crowded digital health market. Its focus on measurable outcomes, strong partnerships, and rapid growth position Quit Genius to lead the transformation of addiction treatment through truly value-based care.
