CBIT Therapy FAQs

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CBIT Therapy is a telehealth occupational therapy practice affiliated with Online OTs, one of the first OT telehealth practices established  in the United States. CBIT Therapy was founded in 2020 to help address the COVID healthcare crisis. The clinical director, Susan Eppling, brings extensive experience from working in both school and home health settings to help patients manage tics and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRB). Online OTs' provides CBIT and ComB Habit Reversal Training for the following conditions:

• Tourette Syndrome
• Vocal Tic Disorder
• Motor Tic Disorder
• Coprolalia
• Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
• Functional Neurological Disorder tic-like behaviors
• TikTok Tics

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a specialized form of Habit Reversal Training that helps patients manage tics. The emphasis is on briefly blocking muscles involved in making tic movements or vocalizations. To illustrate, a tic that involves clenching the toes may be addressed by stretching the toes apart while pressing into the floor for one minute. OVer time the brain begins craving that tic less causing a decrease in intensity and frequency.

ComB is a specialized form of Habit Reversal training designed to support people with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors such as Trichotillomania and compulsive nail biting and skin picking. The emphasis is on reducing shame and increasing pro-active behavior such as putting barriers over fingers that are causing harm. Band-aids, medical tape, gloves, and acrylic nails (which are softer than natural nails) often can be used to gain control.

Tic and BFRB treatment with CBIT Therapy also involves an understanding of sensory, cognitive, affective, motor, and environmental factors that either trigger or reduce symptoms.

CBIT Therapy is based in the greater Boston area and provides telehealth throughout CT, MA, NH, ME, NY, and VT.

Referrals ensure that you hve been seen by a PCP to rule out other possible causes for tics or body-focused repetitive behaviors. Referrals can be Faxed to 857-202-5085.

The following insurance plans are accepted:

• Mass General Brigham Health Plan HMO and PPO plans.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO and PPO plans.
• Anthem BCBS PPO plans.
• Anthem BCBS HMO Massachusetts plans 

Under our insurance contract, we cannot accept Anthem HMO plans from states other than Massachusetts. 

The private pay occupational therapy fees for CBIT Therapy are as follows:

• Evaluation: $249
• Training Session: $215

Most patients participate in approximately five sessions. Fees are often applied to HSA accounts or reimbursed by out-of network insurers.

Provide your insurance company with the following practice information to determine if you are eligible for reimbursement.

Occupational Therapist: Susan Eppling

Practice:  Online OTs LLC (DBA CBIT Therapy)

Service: Occupational Therapy Habilitation

NPI 2: 1669082277  (Group Practice)

NPI 1: 1285893081  (Individual)

Telehealth Address: 43 Nylander Way, Acton, MA  01720 

Phone: 617-221-5944 

Fax: 857-202-5085 

Billing codes: 97165, 97530, 97168, 97535

Services: Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and/or Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment (ComB) for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. 

We are not able to contact insurers or submit requests on your behalf.

Patients will be charged $100 for missed appointments or cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice. Insurance will not cover this fee, so mark your calendar and set up reminders!

Yes, patients under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. Some adults also include family members in our appointments to help with carry over. You are also welcome to bring pets and fidgets!