Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a non-medication based intervention which consists of 3 components, as described by the Tourette Association of America (Tourette.org). The three components include:

1) Patient training to recognize the urge to tic and what tics a person is having.

2)Patient training in developing and using a competing response when they feel the urge to tic.

3) Making changes to day to day activities in ways that can help reduce tic occurrence.

Why would an occupational therapist provide CBIT?

As an occupational therapist, I am able to help clients not only identify their tics, urges, and competing responses.

Are providers are able to help clients determine how their tics are interfering with daily activities, environments, and engagement in meaningful activities.

Additionally, Occupational Therapists are skilled in helping clients with sensory processing problems, executive functioning challenges, attention, and learning skills.

These challenges often occur right along side Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. Therefore, working with an occupational therapist for CBIT allows for a more comprehensive approach to intervention.

CBIT may or may not be a good approach for everyone. In general, CBIT is recommended for:

• Persons over the age of 10 years

  • CBIT success requires good body awareness and the ability to manage frustration and emotional responses to stress. Therefore, many children under the age of 10 years, or children who do not have good emotional and self-regulation skills may not be appropriate for CBIT.

• Persons with vocal/phonic and/or motor tics from a tic disorder or Tourette Syndrome.

• A person bothered by their tics or where tics are impacting daily life.

  • The person with the tic(s)must be motivated to participate in CBIT. People who are not bothered by their tics are not likely to complete the program successfully as they will not feel motivated to practice.

Evaluation: Once your phone intake is completed, you will receive our CBIT intake packet through our patient portal. Once completed, our office will contact you to schedule an occupational therapy evaluation.

You should plan 90 minutes for your occupational therapy evaluation.

Your occupational therapist will review medical and developmental history, daily routines and activities, your values, beliefs and community engagement, work and career information (for adults), school and education information, and much more.

For children receiving CBIT services, parents and child are required to attend the evaluation session.

For Adults receiving CBIT services, it is recommended that you bring a supportive person to your evaluations and most therapy sessions in order to help you through the CBIT process.

Following your initial evaluation, you will be able to access the full evaluation report on our Patient Portal.

In General, there are 6 to 12 CBIT sessions that will occur while you are working with your occupational therapist on CBIT.

Weeks 1-6 are scheduled every week at the same time, on the same day each week.

Week 7 and 8 sessions occur every two weeks, to allow you and your support person time to practice what you have learned. After your 8th session of CBIT, additional sessions are considered “Booster” sessions.

Booster Sessions (Sessions 9-11)

Your 9th session is booked 4 weeks after your 8th session and is considered your last “official” session for CBIT. However, two additional sessions (up to 11 sessions) may be added as needed each month, or at any interval needed.

Length of treatment will vary based upon client's age, awareness of tics and urges, attention, behavior and follow through with practice at home between sessions.

Children in Motion accepts Insurance for CBIT. Please see our Insurance Page for more information.

Please check our Insurance Page for more information regarding our current “In-Network” Plans.

For Out of Network Clients:

If Children in Motion is out of network for your insurance plan, you may choose to pay cash for sessions.

• Payment Plans are available if needed.

• Monthly Superbills are available to all out of network clients, once your weekly balance is paid in full.

  • Superbills may be submitted by the client directly to their insurance company for reimbursement.

For Utah residents, CBIT is offered in person at Children in Motion, located in Murray UT.

In person CBIT allows your occupational therapist to engage your family and your child in learning, training, and problem solving in a fun environment.

During each session we will review your current Tics, which tics are the most bothersome, and will work together to develop competing responses for you to practice at home.

Additionally, basic emotional regulation, relaxation, mindfulness, and stress relief strategies will be explored with clients in order to reduce situational and environmental triggers that may increase the urge to tic.

CBIT is well supported by research. Check out these awesome links to help you explore Tourette Syndrome and CBIT Interventions:

CBIT Research by Jan Rowe, PhD, OTR

Tourette Association of America