Day therapy for Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment used primarily for severe mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and some forms of schizophrenia.
ECT involves sending small electrical currents through the brain to induce a controlled seizure. This therapeutic seizure can help alleviate symptoms and improve mental health, particularly when other treatments have not been effective.
Who is suitable for Electroconvulsive Therapy?
Electroconvulsive Therapy is typically considered for individuals who:
- have severe depression that has not responded to medication or psychotherapy.
- are experiencing acute mania or psychosis.
- have a history of treatment-resistant conditions.
- are in urgent need of rapid symptom relief, particularly if their condition poses a risk to their health or safety.
Our medical team will conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine if ECT is the right treatment option for you, considering your unique medical history and current health status.
Throughout the treatment, an anaesthetist, psychiatrist, and an ECT-trained nurse will be there to monitor and support you, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience.
What happens in a typical Electroconvulsive Therapy session?
The actual procedure is brief, taking only a few minutes, and you’ll wake up in recovery soon after it’s completed.
Electroconvulsive Therapy treatment schedule and ongoing care
Once the initial treatment phase is complete, to sustain the benefits, you might need ongoing ECT sessions. This maintenance phase allows us to gradually reduce the frequency of treatments while continuing to support your mental health.
Our team will work closely with you to tailor the treatment schedule to your needs and ensure optimal outcomes.
Possible Side Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy
Like any medical treatment, ECT can have potential side effects. These may include:
- short-term memory loss
- confusion
- nausea
- headaches
- muscle aches
Our team is dedicated to monitoring and managing any side effects you may experience.
Is Electroconvulsive Therapy an inpatient or day patient treatment?
Our service is designed to support both inpatient and day patient needs, ensuring flexibility and tailored care for each individual.
Day therapy participants attend at set session times throughout the week; while individuals attending as inpatients stay at the hospital for the duration of the program.
Individuals who join a program as an inpatient have access to a range of additional amenities and services. These include:
- accommodation in oversized boutique hotel-like private rooms
- a flexible dietitian-approved menu selection
- in-room entertainment including audio and video services
- an expansive gymnasium and hydrotherapy centre
- in-house wellness services, which include on-site remedial massage therapy, hair salon and nail technician
- well-appointed relaxation and recreation areas which include table tennis, reading areas, an outdoor alfresco and a communal barbeque area
- comfortable open-plan workstations
- in-hospital cafe with comfortable seating areas.
If you’d prefer to attend this program as an inpatient, you can find out more about this option here.
Costs and coverage of Electroconvulsive Therapy
We strive to make our ECT services accessible and affordable.
The costs for ECT at Matilda Nepean are covered by most private health insurers, as well as the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and workers’ compensation schemes.
We encourage you to contact us directly to confirm coverage specifics based on your individual policy and circumstances. Self-funded options are available.
Contact us for more information about Electroconvulsive Therapy
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about our ECT services or to discuss whether ECT is suitable for you.
Our team is here to answer your questions, provide guidance, and support you throughout your treatment journey.
For a confidential discussion about your needs please contact intake coordinator, Jacki Maher, at tel: (02) 8123 6790 or email: mentalhealth@matildanepean.com.au.
Want to learn more about our other programs and therapies?
We offer a range of mental health day therapy programs tailored to specific mental health needs. These include:
- Trauma Day Program
- Veterans and First Responder PTSD Program
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Day Program
- Mood and Anxiety Day Program
- Introduction to Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Day Program
- Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Day Program
We also offer a range of other therapies including:
- transcranial magnetic stimulation (day therapy and inpatient program)
- approaches for treatment-resistant depression
Everyone’s needs are different. On admission to your program, our clinical team will determine which therapies and treatments are most appropriate for your needs in discussion with you.
