The program provides focused, individualized treatment for children with Tourette’s, tics, trichotillomania, and other body-focused repetitive behaviors. Treatment is condensed into multiple hours per day, multiple days a week.
Bubrick Center for Pediatric OCD
Tourette’s and Trichotillomania Program
Intensive treatment for children, teens, and young adults with Tourette’s, tics, and trichotillomania.
What Are Tourette’s, Tics, and Trichotillomania?
Tourette’s and other tic disorders involve repeated movements or sounds that can be difficult to control. Trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors involve repeated behaviors such as hair pulling, skin picking, nail biting, or gum picking. When these symptoms interfere with school, family life, or friendships, specialized treatment can help.
We can work with families to schedule treatment during school breaks and, when needed, help families find tutoring support. Treatment is tailored to each child’s needs and typically spans 2 to 4 weeks.
About Our Tourette's and Trichotillomania Program
The Child Mind Institute’s Intensive Tourette’s, Trichotillomania and Related Disorders Program provides focused, personalized treatment designed to help children make significant progress in a short time.
This intensive may be a good choice if:
- Symptoms are impacting school, family life, or friendships
- Previous treatments have not yielded the desired results
- Specialized treatment options are limited in your area
Treatment Approaches
Treatment is tailored to each child’s needs and uses evidence-based approaches to help children build skills and make meaningful progress.
Treatment is customized based on your child’s symptoms and needs. Parents are also involved so they can help children practice new skills outside of sessions.
One-on-One Treatment (CBIT and ComB)
Children work individually with a clinician using evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Treatment using Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and the Comprehensive Behavioral Model (ComB) can lead to significant improvements, with gains that last over time.
We collaborate closely with families to develop customized incentive and reward systems to drive treatment progress.
Education and Treatment Planning
The initial phase of the intensive program focuses on educating both parents and patients on Tourette’s tics, trichotillomania and related disorders, and establishing a personalized roadmap for success. We provide guidance on effective parenting strategies for children with these conditions, review the specific components planned for your child, and outline the expected progression over time.
Parent Involvement
Recognizing the critical role parents play in their children’s lives, we actively involve families in the treatment process. Parents are encouraged to assist their children in practicing new skills at home and to participate in sessions with Dr. Benson.
Families can continue care at the Child Mind Institute or receive referrals to local providers. We can also coordinate with your child’s other providers and school.
Evaluation and Follow-Up Care
All patients receive a diagnostic evaluation before beginning the intensive. The process starts with an initial consultation to determine whether the program is appropriate and what level of intervention your child needs.
At the end of the program, families participate in a discharge and future planning session to review progress and recommendations for next steps.
Why Choose Our Tourette’s and Trichotillomania Program?
Our intensive approach provides individualized treatment and family support. Benefits include:
Individualized Care
Condenses treatment into 2 to 4 weeks to help children make progress quickly.
Evidence-Based Care
Uses individualized approaches such as CBIT and ComB.
Expert Leadership
Led by Dr. William Benson, who works closely with families and coordinates with other providers.
Our Team
William Benson, PsyD
Associate Clinical Director, Training; Director, Tourette’s and Trichotillomania Program; Psychologist, ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center
Qiuyuan Liu, LCSW, DSW
Director, Social Worker, Anxiety Disorders Center
Theresa Welles, PhD
Shapiro Family Director, Bubrick Center for Pediatric OCD
Sandra L. Whitehouse, PhD
Associate Clinical Director, Senior Psychologist, Anxiety Disorder Center
Melissa Jeffay, PsyD
Psychologist, Anxiety Disorders Center
Kim Keller, PsyD
Psychologist, ADHD and Behavior Disorders Center
Jennifer Louie, PhD
Senior Psychologist, Training Coordinator, Anxiety Disorders Center
Emma C Woodward, PhD
Psychologist, Anxiety Disorders Center
Frequently Asked Questions
The intensive may be appropriate for children whose symptoms interfere with school, family life, or friendships, who have not made enough progress with previous treatment, or who have limited access to specialized care.
Children receive personalized, evidence-based treatment designed to help them make significant progress in a short period of time. Parents are also involved in treatment to help children practice their new skills at home.
Treatment is customized to each child’s needs and typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
Ready to Get Started?
Please submit our interest form or call us at 212.308.3118.
More OCD Treatments & Services
The Bubrick Center for Pediatric OCD also offers the following specialized group treatment programs and services.
Intensive OCD Program
An intensive treatment program for those struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders.
Tourette’s and Trichotillomania Service
Learn more about our comprehensive care for children and teenagers confronting the challenges of Tourette’s and Tics.
Other Care Services
Explore evidence-based care for children, teens, and young adults with mental health and learning challenges.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Request an appointment at the Child Mind Institute to get your child evaluated by one of our expert clinicians today.
