Advanced treatment for depression and other mental health conditions
If you have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or catatonia, talk with your psychiatrist about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Your psychiatrist can refer you to an electroconvulsive doctor at Ascension Seton in Austin, Texas. Our behavioral and mental health care teams have the expertise to deliver ECT in teens and adults.
ECT may be recommended when other treatments are unsuccessful, but it may not be an option for everyone. Before starting treatment, you will be evaluated to see if ECT is right for you. ECT may be recommended when:
- Antidepressant medications and conventional therapies do not work.
- You are not a good candidate for antidepressants or cannot tolerate their side effects.
- You need rapid relief from symptoms.
What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
During the procedure, you will be under general anesthesia. Your doctor and care team use some of the latest noninvasive ECT technology to deliver small electric currents into the scalp. These small currents stimulate brain cells to help improve symptoms of severe depression and other mental health conditions. During the procedure, your care team closely monitors your response to the brain stimulation. ECT often works when other treatments are unsuccessful, but it may not work for everyone.
Your care team is there for you every step of the way with personalized and compassionate care. During the procedure and recovery, your heart rate and breathing patterns are closely monitored. We take the time to explain what to expect before, during and after the procedure.
Personalized ECT treatment at Ascension Seton
At Ascension Seton, ECT is part of our inpatient and outpatient behavioral and mental health services, and is open to teens and adults ages 16 and older. Individual treatments take place over several weeks. Many people begin to experience improvement in symptoms after 12 to 24 ECT treatments.
Refer a patient for ECT treatment
Your patients can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our electroconvulsive doctor starts by listening to fully understand your patient’s needs and to develop an individualized care plan. To make a doctor referral, please fax a referral form from your provider to our clinic at 512-324-3379. Patients may call the clinic at 512-324-3380 with any questions.
Patient education resources
Locations & contact information
Ascension Medical Group Seton Behavioral Health (ECT Consultation Clinic)
1301 West 38th St #700
Austin, TX 78705
512-324-3380
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin (Treatment Clinic)
1201 West 38th St
Austin, TX 78705
PACU-Pod E
512-324-2034
