Tested in two parallel multi-site randomized clinical trials, the Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) procedures combine elements of habit reversal training with psycho-education and function-based behavioral interventions. The results of the child study were published in 2010 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and showed that 52.5% of the children who received CBIT showed significant symptom improvement compared to 18.5% receiving the control treatment. The adult study was published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry in 2012. In this study, 38% of those receiving CBIT showed significant improvement, compared to just 7% who did not receive CBIT treatment. In both studies improvement was sustained for at least 6 months after the end of the study.
Who can benefit from learning CBIT?
CBIT is most appropriate for practitioners with behavioral and clinical expertise, including physicians, psychologists, behavioral therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and other allied health professionals.
Is CBIT for everybody who has TS or tics?
It is important to understand that not everyone will benefit from CBIT. Teaching this technique to children with untreated ADHD may be more difficult because of problems with focusing, impulsivity and low frustration tolerance. Likewise, any other psychiatric or social problem that gets in the way of participating in treatment may make CBIT more difficult. CBIT can be used without treating co-occurring conditions, but we recommend patients address any co-occurring conditions with an evaluation. These conditions or symptoms may hinder their ability to practice CBIT. If you are an individual looking to participate in CBIT, click here.
Two Options to Explore CBIT for Practitioners
The Tourette Association of America offers two options for practitioners to explore CBIT: TS-BTI CBIT Trainings and No-Cost Introduction to CBIT Workshops. Interested in a virtual option? CBIT Trainer is now available.
CBIT Trainings - TS-BTI Program
Recognizing the critical shortage of trained behavioral therapists for treating Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Tic Disorders, the Tourette Association has established the Tourette Syndrome Behavior Therapy Institute (TS-BTI).
Developed by members of the Tourette Association Behavioral Science Consortium, the program is designed to help increase the number and availability of therapists trained in CBIT. Programs are held at regular intervals in different locations around the country by our TAA TS-BTI Faculty.
Participants seeking to attend the TS-BTI must be licensed in one of the following professions to practice independently in their state: social workers, counselors, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, occupational therapists, clinicians, registered nurses, and educational specialists. The program registration fee includes course materials and continuing education credits.
Participants who complete the 2-day training will also be required to complete follow-up phone calls/consultations with their trainer, for which they will need a patient case. Upon satisfactory completion of the 2-day training and consultation sessions, a “TS-BTI Certificate of Completion” will be issued and the participant will be listed on the CBIT therapist referral list.
Learn more through the link below.
No-Cost Introduction to CBIT Workshops - CDC Partnership
In partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the TAA is pleased to offer free CMEs and CEUs for medical providers and allied health professionals to learn more about Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). This no cost workshop provides an overview of TS and associated conditions and an introduction to the CBIT protocol and supportive research. Participants will learn from an expert in the field and walk away with knowledge and skillsets to better understand CBIT when working with their patients with Tourette Syndrome or Tic Disorders.
Through this overview program, we do not formally offer certification to do CBIT. After attending this program we recommend participating in the Behavior Therapy Institute for intensive training in CBIT.
Learn more through the link below.
Upcoming TS-BTI CBIT Trainings
For more information, visit our TS-BTI page or contact us at CBIT@tourette.org
Many of our training attendees for the in-person Tourette Syndrome – Behavior Therapy Institute (TS-BTI) have been able to request reimbursement from their institutions.
