Centers of Excellence Locations

The Tourette Association of America’s Center of Excellence (CofE) program aims to improve the quality of life of people with Tourette syndrome and other Tic Disorders by promoting the highest level of care, research, education & training, and advocacy & awareness for these conditions. The program, which was developed in collaboration with leading medical and scientific experts in Tourette and related conditions, was launched in 2014 with the initial designation of 9 CofEs located at premier medical and academic institutions across the United States.

The Centers are collaborating with the Association and our professional and lay communities to address many needs and concerns across the following key areas as detailed in the program Blueprint.

Children’s of Alabama/University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

Director: Leon Dure, MD
Co-Director: Jan Rowe, Dr. OT
Summary: The COA/UAB TS Center of Excellence is the only specialized Tourette program in the state of Alabama. We have patients come from all over the country to participate in our program and have international patients attend in the summer months. The innovative clinic housed at Children’s of Alabama and associated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has led to other universities being named one of the original 10 Tourette Syndrome Association Centers of Excellence by the Tourette Syndrome Association.

Center’s specialization(s): We specialize in education and direct services/therapy. Our patients and families receive vast education about their tics, co-morbid conditions and how the environment impacts those conditions. We also have great expertise in the administration of CBIT for children and adults. CBIT is administered in both settings by occupational therapists.

Patient population: Our center sees pediatric patients and adults. The children (5 to 21) are seen at the Children’s of Alabama while adults (21+) are seen at the School of Health Professions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, department of occupational therapy.

Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO

Director: Keith Coffman, M.D.
Co-Director: James Batterson, M.D. and John J. Hall, PhD
Coordinator: Sandra K. Price, RN, BSW, MSN
Contact: All appointments to the clinic are scheduled through physician referrals, which can be faxed to the Children’s Mercy Contact Center at (816) 346-1384
Summary: We are a comprehensive Center based on the medical home model. We have a team of neurologists, psychiatrists, nurses, family and occupational therapy, neurosurgery, neuropsychology and clinical pharmacology. We are actively engaged in research studies for Tourette Syndrome as well. All of our intake phone calls are done by our Center coordinator and the visits are tailored to the specific needs of each patient that we see.

Center’s specialization(s): We specialize in personalized, individual care for each patient that we see. As all individuals with Tourette are unique, the care we provide each patient is based on their unique needs. That is why we have a robust team of fifteen staff in our Tourette Center.

Patient population: We are a pediatric only Center of Excellence and will assess new patients up to the age of 18 years.

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY

Director: Robert Jaffe MD
Co-Director: Ariz Rojas PhD
Coordinator: Sarah Yonan
Contact: (212) 241-2135

Center’s specialization(s):Tics and Tourette’s Disorder, OCD, ADHD, Anxiety.

Patient population: Children, Adolescents, Adults

Website: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/behavioral-health/services/ocd-tics/tourette-coe

NYU School of Medicine / NYU Langone Health, New York, NY

Director: Rebecca Rialon Berry, PhD
Co-Director: Glenn S. Hirsch, MD
Coordinator: Tanya Catarine, BS
Contact: (585) 275-2808
Summary: The Center of Excellence at NYU School of Medicine and NYU Langone Health (NYULH) offers comprehensive and specialty care, including assessment, consultation, and treatment in the areas of psychology, psychiatry, developmental pediatrics, and neurology for individuals ranging in age from young child to middle-age adults experiencing tic disorders, Tourette Disorder, and comorbid conditions (ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorders, and depression) in sites across New Jersey, New York City, Westchester, and Long Island. Additionally, led by experts in the areas of neurosurgery and neuromodulation, our Center offers deep brain stimulation for individuals with severe functional impairment and treatment refractory tics.

The Child Study Center’s Tics, Tourette Disorder, and Trichotillomania program within the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s extensive and multispecialty group practice at NYULH provides research-supported behavioral and psychiatric treatments aiming to reduce tic severity and improve attention and control unwanted urges. This clinic provides education and training to school and medical professionals, school consultation services, and supervision and consultation with community providers. With extensive psychology and psychiatry training programs across NYULH and Bellevue Hospital, our Center is able to offer reduced fees for families in need.

We also work closely with the Tourette Association of America – New York City and New Jersey chapters, to advocate for children and adults with Tourette Disorder and to improve their quality of life through education, consultation, and community outreach activities.

Center’s specialization(s): Psychiatric and Neurological evaluations, Neuropsychological and Educational assessments, Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), Evidence-based treatments of comorbid disorders with specific focus on cognitive-behavioral therapy, including Exposure and Response Prevention, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychopharmacological treatment for tics, Tourette Disorder, and comorbid conditions, Botulinum toxin injections, Deep Brain Stimulation and Neurosurgery, Educational programs in Tourette Disorder, School Consultation

Patient population: Our Center offers specialty services for youth (starting at age 3 years), young adults, middle-aged individuals, as well as families. Conditions treated include Tics Disorders, Tourette Disorders, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, OCD, Anxiety and Mood Disorders, and ADHD.

Rush University Medical Center Tourette Center of Excellence, Chicago, Illinois

Director: Katie Kompoliti, MD
Co-Director: Lucia Blasucci
Summary: The Rush Movement Disorder Center Tourette syndrome team includes 5 movement disorders neurologists, an adult psychiatrist, and two neuropsychologists, all practicing in the same suite so that patients and families come to one center for care. The psychologists are trained in neuropsychological testing techniques, counseling, and have specific expertise in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), relaxation training, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and hypnosis. We have also established a network of community psychologists, psychiatrists, and educational specialists for patients needing resources closer to home. The physicians in our center have extensive experience in botulinum toxin injections. Finally, we have a team dedicated to Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Movement Disorders, consisting of 3 neurologists, one neurosurgeon, and a physician’s assistant. A social worker, is available on a case by case level, upon request. In the research realm, we are involved in clinical protocols testing new treatments for patients with Tourette syndrome and tic disorders as well as investigator initiated studies designed to further characterize different aspects of Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders as well as environmental influences on their manifestations.

Center’s specialization(s): Clinical care for children and adults with Tourette and other tic disorders provided by Movement Disorders Neurologists, Psychiatric care for adults with Tourette and other tic disorders provided by a psychiatrist, Neuropsychologists for standardized neuropsychological testing and therapy (CBIT, CBT, relaxation training, hypnosis), Botulinum toxin clinic for children and adults with Tourette and other tic disorders provided by Movement Disorders Neurologists, Deep Brain Stimulation team, Opportunities to participate in research, ongoing clinical trials for new treatments for, Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders, Social work services

Patient population: We treat children and adults with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. We can address tics and co-morbidities and provide neuropsychological testing to help obtain individualized educational plans at school.

Links: https://www.rush.edu/patients-visitors/patients/insurance

https://www.rush.edu/patients-visitors/patients/financial-assistance

TAA Center of Excellence, Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX

Director: Joseph Jankovic, M.D.
Coordinator: Christine Hunter, RN, BSN

Summary: The TAA Center of Excellence at Baylor College of Medicine provides a multidisciplinary team approach that integrates neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, psychologists, social workers, and experts in behavioral therapy. The Center works closely with each patient, his/her family and their primary care physicians or pediatric neurologists or psychiatrists to find the most appropriate services tailored to their individual needs. In addition to addressing motor and phonic tics the physicians discuss various behavioral aspects of TS, including attention deficit disorders, obsessive-compulsive behavior, impulse control and conduct disorders, depression and anxiety, and other behavioral co-morbidities or academic/social challenges. The biological and genetic aspects of TS are discussed and the patients are offered to participate in our experimental therapeutics programs. We treat all ages with TS from early childhood through adulthood, from newly diagnosed TS to refractory TS, all with compassionate care. We utilize the available pharmacologic, behavioral, counseling, surgical or other currently available therapies including botulinum toxin. Our TS families are also referred to various support groups offered throughout the state by the TAA Texas Chapter. The TAA Texas Chapter also provides resources to assist families in educating school staff and to optimize available accommodations to achieve the child’s academic success. In addition, the TAA Texas Chapter offers spring camp for children with TS.

Center’s specialization(s): In addition to multidisciplinary team approach that integrates neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, psychologists, social workers, and experts in behavioral therapy, we provide state-of-art behavioral, medical and surgical treatments as well as experimental therapeutics.

Patient population: We evaluate and treat both children and adults with tics and behavioral co-morbidities associated with Tourette syndrome

The Tic and Tourette Service at Akron Children’s Hospital: NeuroDevelopmental Science Center, Akron, OH

Director: Dr. Katrina D Lindsay, PhD NCSP
Co-Director:
Coordinator: Katie Elliott, BS, BA
Summary: Our specialists will determine if your child’s tics interfere with daily functioning or school performance, and/or whether other conditions are present, such as ADHD or obsessive-compulsive disorder. For children and teens ages 7-18, we offer Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), which teaches people to change their behavior over time and tic less. A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found CBIT to be more effective than basic supportive therapy and education. Our program includes an initial evaluation, 6 weekly, 60-minute sessions. To be accepted into the program, you must be able to make this weekly commitment. A referral from your child’s doctor is also required to make sure any other conditions have been addressed. We are also very proud of our rich training opportunities for medical residents and psychology fellows, and also host several community-based outreach programming such as T.I.C. Night Out, Tic Talks at 5’O Clock teen group and parent support throughout the year.

Center’s specialization(s): Multidisciplinary treatment approach to TD involving pediatric psychology, neurology and developmental behavioral pediatrics. On site access to cognitive behavioral therapy with a licensed mental health therapist for tic-associated comorbidities. Active research in partnership with ACH’s Institute for Research and Kent State University, as well as large and active community outreach programming.

Patient population: We serve patients from all over Ohio and western Pennsylvania, both newly diagnosed and those previously diagnosed waiting for treatment. Akron Children’s Hospital is the largest pediatric healthcare system in Northeast Ohio, serving over 900,000 patients each year. Centered around two freestanding children’s hospitals and over 27 primary care offices, ACH provides services at nearly 90 locations across the urban, suburban and rural areas of Ohio.

Links: https://www.akronchildrens.org/departments/Tic-and-Tourette-Service.html

University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

UCLA Child OCD Anxiety and Tic Disorders Program (Psychiatry) and UCLA Movement Disorders Clinic (Neurology)

Director: John Piacentini, Ph.D.Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences
Co-Director: James McCracken, M.D.Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences
Coordinator: Silvia Orellana, anxietyinfo@ucla.edu(310) 825-0122

Summary: The TAA Center of Excellence at UCLA provides a full continuum of clinical care through a comprehensive network of clinical services located in the Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology. Core clinical programs include: The UCLA Child OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorders Program provides evaluation and treatment of youth ages 3-25 with tic and related disorders. Services include Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), medication management,family therapy and support, and diagnostic, treatment planning and school consultation. Evidence-based pharmacologic and behavior therapy is also available, often at no cost, through several ongoing research protocols. The UCLA Movement Disorders Clinic is a multidisciplinary program within the Department of Neurology that provides state of the art diagnosis and therapy, including patient education, medications, physical and occupational therapy, for both adult and pediatric patients. The clinic team consists of specialists in adult movement disorders, neurobehavior, neurogenetics, stereotactic neurosurgery, and neurorehabilitation. Neuropsychological and educational testing for TS and comorbid patients is available through the UCLA Medical Psychology Assessment Center, while inpatient, partial hospital, and intensive outpatient treatment is also available within the Institution.

Center’s specialization(s): Comprehensive assessment of Tourette’s and related conditions for children and adults, Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) for children and adults, Psychopharmacology for Tourette’s and related conditions for children and adults, Psychological testing for children and adults, School consulation.

Patient population: The Child OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorders Program sees patients aged 3-25 years with Tourette’s and other tic disorders. We also see children aged 3-18 with OCD spectrum (trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, hoarding), anxiety disorders, and other disorders commonly associated with Tourette’s and tics. The UCLA Movement Disorders Clinic sees children and adults of all ages with Tourettes, other tic disorders, and a range of neurological conditions.

University of Florida Health Tourette Center of Excellence, Gainesville, FL

Director: Irene A. Malaty, MD and Carol A. Mathews, MD
Coordinator: Heather Simpson, OTD, OTR/L
Contact: Neurology – 352-294-5400
Psychiatry – 352-265-4357
Summary: The UF Health Tourette Center of Excellence is comprised of two world-renowned clinical care centers. The Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases (FIND) and the Center for OCD, Anxiety and Related Disorders (COARD) are home to clinicians and scientists at UF Health who are committed to the multi-disciplinary care of people living with tics, Tourette syndrome, and related disorders. Our core team consists of fellowship-trained movement disorder neurologists who are focused on Tourette syndrome along with our expert psychiatrists and psychologists, focusing on co-occurring conditions including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders and ADHD. Our occupational therapists are trained in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and organize community outreach with support groups. We treat patients of all ages at our center. We offer botulinum toxin therapy if indicated, and have clinical trials in new medications for Tourette syndrome, deep brain stimulation therapy, and studies to unravel the complex genetics and other aspects of TS. We are committed to educating our patients and their families and to driving the field forward toward ever-improving therapeutic options.

Center’s specialization(s): a. Pediatric and Adult Tourette Syndrome and Co-Occurring Conditions Care
b. Deep Brain Stimulation
c. Genetics
d. Interdisciplinary Care Assessment and Treatment

Patient population: Pediatric and Adult Tourette Syndrome and Co-Occurring Conditions

Links: https://movementdisorders.ufhealth.org/for-patients/clinics/tourette-syndrome-and-tic-clinic/

Insurances Accepted: https://ufhealth.org/accepted-insurances-uf-health-shands-hospital-and-university-florida-health-physicians

Financial Assistance: https://ufhealth.org/financial-assistance

University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL

Director: Barbara Coffey, M.D. M.S
Co-Director: Jill Ehrenreich-May, Ph.D.
Coordinator: Maria Cruz
Contact: (305) 243-6489
Summary: The University of Miami medical and university campuses and the UHealth System 1) provide state of the art, evidence-based personalized care to patients of all ages through the life cycle, 2) conduct state of the science clinical research to further our understanding of the neurobiology of tic disorders and Tourette Syndrome, and to investigate novel, potentially promising treatments, 3) play an active role in training and medical education of students, residents, psychology and post doctoral trainees and our international colleagues, and 4) provide clinical and education based outreach to patients, families, and health care professionals in the diverse, multicultural community of greater Miami and MiamiDade county.

Center’s specialization(s): Tics, Tourette Syndrome, OCD, ADHD and Related Disorders. Psychiatric and Neurological evaluations, Neuropsychological and Educational Evaluations; Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), Psychopharmacological treatment for tics, Tourette’s Disorder, and comorbid conditions.

Patient population: Children, adolescents and adults with tics, OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and related disorders

Links: https://umiamihealth.org/billing-,-a-,-insurance/insurance-plans-accepted

University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, FL

Director: Adam Lewin, Ph.D.
Co-Director: Tanya Murphy, M.D.
Coordinator: Jane Mutch
Contact: (727) 767-8230, (352)294-5385
Summary: The USF Rothman Center offers an integrated practice of clinical care for individuals with autism, OCD, anxiety, trichotillomania and related disorders. Our healthcare professionals function as an interdisciplinary team to deliver safe and effective treatments that include a focus on the whole person as well as the family unit. We provide evidence-based, data driven therapies that are individualized and personalized. Rothman Center offers individualized assessments, educational testing and autism spectrum evaluations, cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure & response prevention, comprehensive behavioral intervention for Tics and habit reversal therapy.

Center’s specialization(s): OCD , Anxiety, Tourette and tic disorders, PANDAS/PANS, trichotillomania, and related disorder

Patient population: Ages 2-18 years old and adults

University of Rochester Tourette Syndrome Association of America Center of Excellence, Rochester, NY

Director: Jonathan Mink, M.D., Ph.D.
Co-Director: Heather Adams, Ph.D. and Peter Morrison, DO
Coordinator: Kristen Bonifacio
Contact: (585) 275-2808
Summary: Patient and Family-Centered Care:

Care for all aspects of tic disorders, including neurologic, behavioral, and emotional symptoms, Care for individuals throughout the state of New York and beyond, Care for individuals throughout the lifespan, including the transition into from adolescence to adulthood, Educational advocacy, Increase awareness among patients, providers, educators, and the general public about Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders

Research activities:

Research on the psychosocial impacts of tic disorders upon children, families, and communities, Research on diagnosis and treatment of tic disorders, Build collaborations with other Tourette /Tic disorder researchers, Maintain a research participant registry, to contact individuals about future research

Professional Education:

Training for students, residents, fellows, and allied health professionals in Tourette / Tic disorder care, Educational training for teachers and other school personnel

Center’s specialization(s): We provide comprehensive multidisciplinary care across the lifespan including medical, behavioral, and surgical treatments.

Patient population: All ages

Links: https://www.urmc.rochester.ed.u/patients-families/bill-pay/insurance.aspx

Washington University in St. Louis Tourette Center, St. Louis, MO

Director: Kevin J. Black, M.D..
Patient population: Children and adults with tic disorders
Summary: An overview paragraph of the services offered by your Center: We offer clinical care for children and adults with tic disorders. Our clinicians’ expertise includes movement disorders, neuropsychiatry, advanced practice nursing, psychology, and occupational therapy. We also perform cutting-edge research on tics and related symptoms.

Center’s specialization(s): Comprehensive care

Links: https://wuphysicians.wustl.edu/for-patients/accepted-health-insurance

Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY

Director: Shannon Bennett, Ph.D.
Co-Director: Dr. Justin Mohatt, Ph.D.
Contact: Weill Cornell Specialty Care: 646-962-2820; NY Outpatient Department Insurance Related Care: 212-746-3830 (must inform Resource Liaison you are seeking treatment for Tourette through the CofE. To contact Dr. Specht: Resource Liaison NY Presbyterian Hospital Westchester Division Outpatient Psychiatry Department Insurance Related Care: 914-682-6977; Private Care: Dr. Specht: 914-997-4347

Yale Child Study, New Haven, CT

Director: Michael Bloch, M.D., M.S.
Co-Director: Thomas Fernandez M.D.
Coordinator: Heidi Grantz, LCSW
Contact: (203) 785-5880

Summary: We provide an integrated service to our patients beginning with comprehensive assessment, and including, as indicated, behavioral therapy; medication management; consultation with schools, pediatricians, and community clinicians; and parent management training. Behavioral interventions include Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), which we helped to develop; exposure/ response prevention therapy (E/RP) and other forms of CBT for OCD and hair-pulling (Trichotillomania). We also provide psychological and pharmacological treatment for such common co-morbidities as OCD, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and depression.

Center’s specialization(s): Comprehensive evaluation and treatment, psychiatric and medication management by child psychiatric experts, school consultation and collaboration, neuropsychological and Educational Testing, comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP), cutting edge research, current TS Information and educational programs

Patient population: Within the clinical practice, approximately 65% of patients are male, 35% female. 2% of patients are <5 years of age, 48% are 5-12 years of age, 37% are 13-19 years of age, and 13% are 20+ years of age.