Electroconvulsive Therapy Program (ECT)

What is ECT?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure used to treat a range of mental health conditions that uses a mild electrical current to cause a brief seizure while the patient is under anesthesia.

What does ECT treat?

• Treatment-resistant depression/severe major depression
• Bipolar depression and mania
• Catatonia
• Suicidality
• Severe psychosis

How many times does a patient receive ECT?

• Often 2-3 times a week for about a month (approximately 12 sessions) but depends on:
  • The severity of symptoms (some patients have received more than 12)
  • How the patient responds

Outpatient Referrals for ECT Treatment

*Please note that ECT treatment is provided in an outpatient setting at Kern Medical.*

*All documentation must be submitted prior to ECT review by our ECT Physician.*

Patients eligible for referral:

1. Voluntary patients from Outpatient clinics
2. Voluntary patients from local Inpatient Units (with transportation and sitter provided by inpatient units)
3. Involuntary conserved patients from local Inpatient Units (with transportation and sitter provided by inpatient units)

Outpatient ECT Referral Checklist:

• Facesheet (Patient Demographics)
• Insurance card copy (Front and Back)
• Electroconvulsive Therapy Referral Form
• Court Order for ECT Treatment (For conserved patients if not voluntary)
• Legal Hold Status Document (Conservatorship document if not voluntary)
• Psychiatric Evaluation Notes (Initial)

*Fax referral form and supporting documentation to 661-321-7461, with Attn: ECT Clinic. If you have any questions, please contact the Medical Assistant at 661-862-7341.

Inpatient Referrals for ECT Treatment

*Please note that ECT treatment is provided in an outpatient setting at Kern Medical.*

*All documentation must be submitted prior to ECT review by our ECT Physician.*

Patients eligible for referral:

1. Voluntary patients from an inpatient unit
2. Involuntary conserved patient from an Inpatient Unit

Inpatient ECT Referral Checklist:

• Facesheet (Patient Demographics)
• Insurance Card Copy (Front and Back)
• Electroconvulsive Therapy Referral Form
• Court Order for ECT Treatment (For conserved patients if not voluntary)
• Legal Hold Status Document (Conservatorship document if not voluntary)
• History and Physical (H&P)
• Psychiatric Evaluation Notes (Initial)
• Progress Notes (last 7 days)
• Medication Administration Record (MAR)
• ALL Inpatient and Outpatient Records Available

*For an inpatient bed request for ECT please call transfer coordinator at 661-326-2733, Fax 661-326-2687. For out-of-county referrals, an LPS conservatorship must be in place prior to the referral being sent.