How much does electroconvulsive therapy cost?
How much does electroconvulsive therapy cost?
$1,500 – $2,500 average cost per treatment
$15,000– $25,000 average total cost (10 sessions)
Electroconvulsive therapy cost
Electroconvulsive therapy costs $1,500 to $2,500 per treatment or $15,000 to $25,000 total for a full course of treatment with 10 sessions. ECT treatment costs depend on your location, the facility, anesthesiologist fees, and whether treatment is provided as an inpatient or outpatient procedure.
| Factor | Average cost without insurance |
|---|---|
| Per treatment | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Total treatment protocol | $15,000 – $25,000 |
Many health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, provide some coverage for ECT when deemed medically necessary, though coverage levels vary significantly between plans.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is used to treat severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and catatonia.
What is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical procedure that involves passing a controlled electric current through the brain to trigger a brief seizure. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is typically used when other treatments fail to provide adequate relief from severe psychiatric disorders.
During an ECT session, electrodes are placed on the patient's head in specific positions based on the treatment approach. The electrical stimulus lasts only a few seconds, while the resulting seizure typically lasts 30 to 60 seconds. The entire procedure, including preparation and recovery time, takes about 1 to 2 hours.
The procedure is conducted by a team of medical professionals, including a psychiatrist, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff. ECT is usually performed as an outpatient procedure for stable patients, though some patients require inpatient hospitalization depending on their condition and circumstances.
Modern ECT is significantly different from older versions of the treatment portrayed in media. Today's ECT uses precise electrical dosing, muscle relaxants, and anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety.
What is ECT therapy used for?
ECT is primarily used to treat severe mental health conditions that haven't responded to medications or other treatments. The most common conditions treated with ECT include:
Treatment-resistant depression, when multiple antidepressant medications and psychotherapy have failed to provide relief
Severe bipolar disorder, particularly during manic episodes that require rapid intervention
Schizophrenia, especially when accompanied by severe psychotic symptoms or catatonia
Catatonia, a condition characterized by abnormal movements, behaviors, and withdrawal that has not responded to other treatments
Suicidal ideation, when immediate intervention is necessary due to acute suicidal thoughts
How does ECT work?
While the exact mechanism by which ECT works is not fully understood, several theories exist about its therapeutic effects. ECT appears to affect the release and function of multiple neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation, including serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
ECT produces changes in brain activity and chemistry that are similar to those caused by antidepressant medications but often more rapidly and robustly. ECT may also promote neuroplasticity, reset dysfunctional neural circuits, reduce neuroinflammation, and normalize stress hormone regulation through the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
FAQs about electroconvulsive therapy
Is ECT treatment still used?
Yes, ECT is still widely used as a treatment for severe depression and certain other mental health conditions. The American Psychiatric Association, the World Health Organization, and other major medical organizations recognize ECT as a valuable treatment option. In the United States, approximately 100,000 people receive ECT annually.
Modern ECT equipment, techniques, and protocols have significantly improved since the treatment was first introduced, making today's ECT safer and more effective with fewer side effects than in the past.
Is ECT therapy safe?
ECT is generally considered safe when performed by qualified medical professionals using modern equipment and techniques. Like any medical procedure, ECT carries some risks, but serious complications are rare.
Common side effects may include:
Confusion immediately after treatment
Memory problems, particularly around the time of treatment
Headache or muscle aches
Nausea
Jaw pain
Most of these side effects are temporary and resolve within hours or days following treatment. Memory issues, which are the most significant concern for many patients, can vary widely:
Short-term memory loss around the time of treatment is common.
Some patients experience gaps in memory from weeks before to months after treatment.
Long-term or permanent memory loss affecting significant life events is less common but possible.
Does electroconvulsive therapy hurt?
No, ECT does not hurt during the procedure because patients are under general anesthesia. The patient is asleep throughout the treatment and feels nothing while the electrical current is applied or during the resulting seizure.
After waking from anesthesia, some patients may experience headaches, jaw pain, muscle soreness, or nausea. These issues are usually treated with standard pain relievers and anti-nausea medication.
How many ECT treatments are needed to feel better?
The number of ECT treatments needed varies based on the individual patient and their condition, but a typical course consists of 8 to 12 treatments. Many patients begin to experience improvement after 3 to 4 treatments, though some may require more sessions before noticing significant benefits. The full therapeutic effect usually develops gradually over the course of treatment.
After completing the initial course of treatment, some patients benefit from periodic maintenance ECT sessions to prevent a relapse.
Does Medicare cover ECT treatments?
Yes, Medicare covers ECT treatments if a doctor certifies them medically necessary and you get ECT in a Medicare-approved facility. You may be responsible for up to 20% of the approved amount, depending on whether you get ECT as an inpatient treatment in a hospital or an outpatient setting.
ECT vs. TMS
ECT is commonly confused with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy, another treatment for severe depression and mental health conditions, but the two treatment methods differ:
ECT involves passing electrical currents through the brain to trigger a brief seizure, and the procedure is performed under general anesthesia.
TMS uses pulsed magnetic fields from a magnetic coil housed in a helmet or attached to an adjustable extension arm positioned near the head. These pulses stimulate electrical activity in specific areas of the brain. Patients remain awake throughout the session and can drive themselves home or return to work immediately afterward.
Because electroconvulsive therapy requires anesthesia and causes more intense side effects, including short-term memory issues, the recovery time after each ECT session is longer than with TMS.
In comparison to ECT treatments, TMS therapy costs $200 to $500 per session or $6,000 to $15,000 for the full treatment protocol.
Where can I get electroconvulsive therapy?
ECT is available at many hospitals and psychiatric facilities. The first step is to meet with a psychiatrist near you who can evaluate whether you're a good candidate for the procedure. Your psychiatrist may refer you to a specialized ECT service or a psychiatrist who administers ECT if they don't provide it themselves.
Follow these tips when choosing an ECT provider:
Select a board-certified psychiatrist with specific training and experience administering ECT.
Choose a provider who clearly communicates the potential side effects, expected outcomes, and alternatives to ECT.
Ask about their specific ECT protocols, including electrode placement preferences, dosing strategies, and number of sessions typically recommended.
Choose someone who listens to your concerns, answers questions thoroughly, and communicates in a way you understand.
Check which hospitals or facilities they work with and ask about inpatient versus outpatient treatment options.
Ask if they offer ultra-brief pulse ECT, which may reduce cognitive side effects.
Contact your health insurance provider for details about coverage and in-network facilities.
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