Getting Started with Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Since ECT is an elective procedure, patients should first discuss the option of ECT with their psychiatrist. A psychiatrist must send a referral to the ECT Service at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center for an ECT evaluation.

Once the referral is received, the patient will be contacted to set up the initial evaluation with an ECT psychiatrist. The initial ECT evaluation takes place at the W.O. Walker Building located at 10524 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106. The psychiatrist will explain the procedure, the pros and cons of ECT, and all pre-ECT requirements. During the evaluation, the psychiatrist will determine if the patient is a good candidate for ECT. A letter will be sent to the patient’s psychiatrist detailing his/her recommendation and the patient’s decision. If the patient is a good candidate and decides to receive ECT treatment, the patient will be contacted to schedule pre-admission testing as well as ECT treatments.