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Tourette Syndrome Clinic

  1. Centers & Clinical Services
  2. Center for Psychological Services
  3. Specialty Clinics
  4. The Tourette Syndrome Clinic
  5. Clinical Services

Clinical Services

Individual and Family Therapy

The Tourette Syndrome Clinic offers individual and family therapy for individuals affected by Tourette Syndrome, emphasizing evidence-based treatments for TS and related conditions. All of our therapists are trained in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), which includes Habit Reversal Training (HRT), as well as cognitive behavioral therapy for common comorbid conditions such as ADHD, OCD, ASD, and anxiety and mood disorders. Individual and family therapy may also include supportive, psychoeducational, and skill-building interventions (e.g., social skills training).

Social-Emotional Skills Groups for Children and Teens with Tourette Syndrome

The Tourette Syndrome Clinic offers socio-emotional skills groups for school-aged children and teens. These groups typically begin in February each year.

There is a growing body of research indicating that the day-to-day challenges of living with tics and TS can have long-term effects on a child’s social-emotional functioning. Many children may experience anxiety, develop negative self-perceptions, are teased and bullied, and avoid social situations as a result of their tics.

In response to these challenges, the Rutgers TS Program has developed a 10-week program that aims to help children build resilience and develop the skills that they need to better navigate life with tics. The program is based on the research-supported principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and is uniquely designed to help youth:

  • Learn about tics in a developmentally appropriate way,
  • Build confidence,
  • Identify and managing difficult thoughts and feelings
  • Navigate the various social issues that often come along with having tics, such as talking to others about tics and responding to teasing

Additionally, the groups provide a supportive environment for children and adolescents to meet peers with tics, discuss their experiences living with the condition, and give and receive advice. Past group members have enjoyed speaking freely about their tics while learning practical strategies for living with tics in a fun and interactive manner.

This 10-week program typically begins in February each year. If you are interested in having your child participate, please contact the TS Program for more information and/or to get yourself on the list for the next cycle of groups, (848) 445-6111, ext. 40150.

Supportive Services

The Tourette Syndrome Clinic also offers a variety of additional supportive services including:

  • Diagnostic evaluation
  • Consultation on TS and associated disorders for practitioners, physicians, educators and students
  • Assistance with referrals for physicians, and access to additional resources and services for the TS community.
  • In-service presentations