ECT
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) provides safe, modern medical brain stimulation for rapid, profound symptom relief.
What it is
ECT acts like a gentle, medically supervised "system reboot." By using precise, brief stimulation while you sleep comfortably under anesthesia, it prompts the brain to instantly reset its chemical pathways. It delivers rapid, noticeable relief when other daily treatments haven't quite been enough.
When to Consider ECT
This treatment is designed for individuals who need a more powerful, decisive approach to healing.
It is often the right fit if:
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You have tried multiple medications or talk therapies without seeing significant improvement, or you experience physical intolerances to standard prescriptions.
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You are navigating severe, overwhelming mental health symptoms, such as intense depression, suicidal thoughts, catatonia, mania, or psychosis, and cannot wait weeks for a standard medication to kick in.
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You need a safe, highly scientific intervention because other pathways have left you feeling stuck.
Your Care Journey
What to expect from your initial consultation through your ongoing treatment.
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Your journey begins with a private consultation alongside our board-certified psychiatrists to ensure this is the safest, right path for you. The procedure itself takes place in our fully accredited outpatient surgical center using state-of-the-art equipment. Because it is performed under general anesthesia, you are completely asleep and will feel absolutely nothing.
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During the session, a physician and psychiatrist work side-by-side to deliver a highly controlled, brief stimulation tailored precisely to your brain’s needs.
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Our medical staff will monitor you closely until you are fully awake and comfortable, allowing you to return home to sleep in your own bed the same night. Your overall care consists of a personalized series of sessions tailored to your progress, paired with compassionate follow-up to track your ongoing relief.
Documented Relief
Proven Outcomes
Clinical studies consistently show that roughly 7 to 9 out of 10 individuals with severe or treatment-resistant depression experience significant symptom improvement.
Clinical Efficacy
Multi-center data shows a high clinical response rate, with over 50% of patients noting a measurable lifting of symptoms within their first three sessions.
Established History
Backed by over 80 years of medical refinement, it remains one of the most thoroughly documented and historically reliable interventions in psychiatric care.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure in which brief, controlled electrical pulses are delivered to the brain under general anesthesia to produce a therapeutic seizure. Despite its portrayal in older media, modern ECT is a safe, carefully monitored procedure and one of the most effective treatments available for severe or treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions.
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ECT is most commonly used for severe Major Depressive Disorder, bipolar disorder (particularly depressive or mixed episodes), catatonia, and psychotic depression. It is often considered when medications and other treatments haven't worked, or when a rapid response is medically necessary.
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Both treatments use electrical or magnetic energy to stimulate the brain, but they differ significantly in intensity and application. TMS is non-invasive, requires no anesthesia, and is used for moderate treatment-resistant depression. ECT involves general anesthesia, produces a brief seizure, and is typically reserved for more severe or complex cases. ECT generally produces faster and more robust results, but with a different side effect profile.
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ECT at TSPC is performed at Skyway Surgery Center. It is an outpatient procedure, you do not need to be admitted to a hospital overnight.
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ECT is administered by Dr. Abouesh, our board-certified psychiatrist, in a fully equipped surgical setting with anesthesia support.
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ECT requires evaluation by two of our providers before treatment begins. This ensures the decision is clinically sound, that you've been fully informed, and that ECT is the right fit for your situation. Our team will coordinate the evaluation appointments and walk you through each step.
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No. We accept both self-referrals and referrals from outside providers. If your current psychiatrist or primary care doctor has recommended ECT, we're happy to coordinate with them as well.
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You'll arrive at Skyway Surgery Center, where you'll be prepped by the anesthesia team. Once you're under general anesthesia, Dr. Abouesh delivers a brief, carefully calibrated electrical pulse to the scalp. The induced seizure lasts approximately 30–60 seconds. You wake up in a recovery area and are monitored before being cleared to go home. The entire process typically takes a few hours.
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Yes. Because ECT involves general anesthesia, you cannot drive yourself. You'll need a responsible adult to bring you to and from every session.
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ECT follows a structured schedule tailored to your response:
Month 1: 3 sessions per week
Month 2: 1 session per week
Month 3: 1 session every two weeks
Your provider will monitor your progress throughout and adjust the plan as needed.
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The most common side effect is temporary memory difficulty, particularly around the time of treatment. Most patients experience some short-term confusion or memory gaps that improve after the treatment course ends. Headache, muscle aches, and nausea on the day of treatment are also common. Serious complications are rare given the outpatient surgical setting and anesthesia oversight.
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Yes. Modern ECT is performed under general anesthesia with full medical monitoring and is considered one of the safest procedures done under anesthesia. The risks are similar to those of other brief outpatient procedures requiring anesthesia.
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Some medications may need to be adjusted before or during ECT, certain drugs can interfere with the seizure threshold or anesthesia. Your provider will review your full medication list during the evaluation and give you specific instructions.
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ECT is covered by most major commercial insurance plans. Prior authorization is typically required. Our office will assist with that process. Please note we do not accept Medi-Cal or Partnership HealthPlan, Nor Medicare for ECT.