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CBIT

CBIT

CBIT is the most effective non-medication treatment that teaches people to change their behavior over time and tic less. Research on CBIT has been done with children and adults with Tourette syndrome. The average length of treatment is anywhere from 5 to 10 sessions. CBIT is targeted for ages 5+

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The most effective non-medication treatment for Tourette’s Syndrome is CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics).

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CBIT FAQs

CBIT is a behavioral method of treating tics consisting of three important components:
(a) Training the patient to be more aware of his or her tics and the urge to tic.
(b) Training patients to do competing behavior when they feel the urge to tic.
(c) Making changes to day to day activities in ways that can be helpful in reducing tics.
 CBIT takes the most effective concepts and blends them with strategies that aid people in learning the techniques quickly.

CBIT is often the best fit for people who want an effective, collaborative, strengths-based no-nonsense approach to relieve their motor and vocal tics and that will teach them tools to prevent relapses in the future.

With Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), we can help you or your child manage and minimize their tics without the challenges and potential side effects of taking medication.

During the 5 (to 10) week Therapy Sessions:

(The schedule may vary depending on the needs of you or your child. … Plan to attend 1 session per week.)

Week 1: Evaluation of your child’s needs. Start a functional analysis.

Week 2: Introduction to techniques: processing functional analysis – what turns the tics up and down

Weeks 3-7: Learn and practice techniques such as identifying the urge, catching it, and rerouting the tics

Week 8: Evaluation of progress and relapse plan for future

Large, multi-site, National Institutes of Health-funded studies show that more than half of the people who undergo CBIT will have significant reductions in tic severity and improved ability to function. Complete elimination of all tics and other TS symptoms does happen occasionally in CBIT. CBIT is not a cure for TS but a tool that helps individuals better manage their tics and improves their quality of life.


A recent study showed that 87% of participants who thrived with CBIT continued to do well six months after treatment. Remember CBIT is not a cure; it is a management strategy. Patients learn a set of management skills that can be applied for the rest of their lives as needed.

Large, multi-site, National Institutes of Health-funded studies show that more than half of the people who undergo CBIT will have significant reductions in tic severity and improved ability to function. Complete elimination of all tics and other TS symptoms does happen occasionally in CBIT. CBIT is not a cure for TS but a tool that helps individuals better manage their tics and improves their quality of life.

A recent study showed that 87% of participants who thrived with CBIT continued to do well six months after treatment. Remember CBIT is not a cure; it is a management strategy. Patients learn a set of management skills that can be applied for the rest of their lives as needed.

When interviewing new therapists, clients should ask if they are Certified in CBIT and licensed as a psychologist, LCSW, or MFT. Some Master’s level therapist who call themselves “Dr.” obtain units to satisfy a doctorate degree but have not gone through the rigorous training and licensure of a licensed psychologist.  Find out how many years of licensed practice they have and what advanced certifications that they may have.