Outpatient care is individualized, planned just for you. Psychiatrists, licensed therapists and registered nurses will all work together on your care team. You’ll see a psychiatrist weekly to help you manage medications and make real progress. Our comprehensive discharge planning will smooth your path to the next level of care.

We are very pleased to provide an outpatient Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) suite located within our facility at the main location. Most of the time patients will receive treatments during inpatient treatment, though our suite also accommodates appropriate candidates attending our outpatient treatment programs as well. 

ECT is one of the most common treatments for severe, treatment-resistant depression. ECT is usually only recommended once other treatment doesn’t treat severe mental illness.  Inpatient ECT is a procedure in which a seizure is introduced while under anesthesia. ECT causes changes in brain chemistry that can effectively treat mood disorders.

ECT can provide rapid, effective and significant improvements in patients with symptoms of severe and treatment-resistant depression or schizophrenia. ECT can be effective when psychotherapy and antidepressant medications are unsuccessful. In particularly severe cases, ECT for PTSD and ECT treatment for schizophrenia can be effective.

• Over 1,000 ECT treatments since 1985.
• Duke University fellowship trained.
• Full physical and psychiatric evaluation for all patients prior to treatment.
• Focused consultation and monitoring of progress is conducted throughout the treatment.

ECT is a brief procedure with additional time needed for preparation and recovery. ECT can be done while the patient is hospitalized or as an outpatient procedure. The patient is under anesthesia during the procedure. Side effects are limited to reversible short term memory loss. ECT is usually administered three times per week for up to four weeks.

ECT Treatment Provided by:

• Arthur Ramirez, MD

There are risks associated with any treatment procedure and individual results may vary. Please consult the dedicated professionals within the ECT program at El Paso Behavioral Health System to assess if you are a candidate for ECT treatment. Our medical staff will also consult with you on the risks and benefits of ECT treatment if you are a suitable candidate.

El Paso Behavioral Health is a psychiatric hospital specializing in mental health and chemical dependency treatment, as well as specialized military mental health treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with behavioral health or substance use issues help is here. 

We cannot offer a diagnosis, counseling or recommendations online, however, our professional staff offer 24/7 assessments at no cost. Don’t wait. Begin a healthier future with us today. Call 915-544-4000 for a no-cost, confidential assessment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Se habla español.