Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Treatment in Buffalo, NY

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Buffalo, NY is one of the most effective and rapidly acting treatments available for severe depression and other serious mental health conditions. BryLin Hospital’s Center of Excellence for ECT provides both outpatient and inpatient ECT services to adults throughout Buffalo and Western New York. Our highly experienced team delivers personalized, compassionate care in a safe, supportive, and healing environment.

Led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjay Gupta, BryLin Hospital is the only provider of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Western New York. Recognized nationally for excellence in behavioral healthcare, our ECT program offers evidence-based treatment for adults experiencing severe depression, treatment-resistant depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, catatonia, and other complex psychiatric conditions.

BryLin Hospital’s ECT Program has been designated a Center of Excellence through a framework developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Dale Jarvis & Associates. This designation recognizes programs that demonstrate exceptional quality, adherence to nationally recognized standards, and a commitment to continuous improvement in patient care.

“This Center of Excellence designation recognizes BryLin’s ECT program as demonstrating a level of excellence within a set of expected standards established nationally. We are very proud of this accomplishment,” said Eric Pleskow, CEO of BryLin Hospital.

ECT for Treatment-Resistant Depression

When depression does not improve with medications, psychotherapy, or other treatments, it may be considered treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In these cases, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) can offer significant symptom relief when other approaches have not been effective.

ECT is one of the most effective treatments for severe depression, with studies showing remission rates of approximately 70% to 90% in appropriately selected patients. While about 60% to 70% of people with major depressive disorder respond to antidepressant medications, ECT may be especially helpful for those who do not respond to standard treatments.

ECT is administered under general anesthesia in both inpatient and outpatient settings using carefully controlled protocols.

In addition to depression, ECT may also be used for severe mania, psychosis, catatonia, severe agitation in dementia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and suicidal ideation.

BryLin’s ECT team collaborates with referring providers and families to determine whether ECT is appropriate and to develop an individualized treatment plan focused on recovery and improved quality of life.

Who Can Benefit from ECT?

Each year, approximately 100,000 patients in the United States receive Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for the treatment of severe mental health conditions.

ECT is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as a safe and effective treatment for major depression and other serious psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia spectrum conditions.

ECT may be especially beneficial for individuals who:

• Have not responded adequately to medications or psychotherapy
• Require rapid symptom improvement due to the severity of their condition
• Are experiencing severe depression with suicidal thoughts or functional impairment

Clinical evidence suggests that for individuals with severe, uncomplicated major depression, ECT can result in significant symptom improvement in a large majority of appropriately selected patients.

ECT is most commonly used when other treatment approaches have not provided sufficient relief.

BryLin Hospital: A Positive Place for Healing

BryLin Hospital’s state-of-the-art Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Department is the only outpatient (ambulatory) ECT center in Buffalo and Western New York, providing advanced, evidence-based care in a safe and supportive environment.

What We Offer

At BryLin, patients receiving ECT benefit from:

• Personalized care delivered by a highly trained and compassionate clinical team
• High-quality medical treatment guided by evidence-based best practices
• A therapeutic environment designed to be safe, supportive, and welcoming

Our Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Treatment Team

BryLin’s ECT Program is led by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjay Gupta and supported by a multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and specialized support staff.

Our team works collaboratively with each patient and their family to ensure individualized care, safety, and the best possible treatment outcomes.

How Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Works at BryLin Hospital

ECT is a medical procedure performed under general anesthesia in a controlled clinical setting.

During treatment:

• A patient is placed under brief general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety
• A carefully controlled electrical stimulus is delivered to the brain
• This induces a brief therapeutic seizure that helps regulate brain chemistry and improve mood and behavior
• An anesthesiologist manages anesthesia, airway support, and patient monitoring throughout the procedure
• A physician determines the appropriate stimulation level and treatment parameters for each individual

Most patients receive a course of 6 to 12 treatments over approximately 4 to 5 weeks. Some individuals may begin noticing improvement within the first one to two weeks of treatment.

Requirements for Receiving ECT Treatment at BryLin Hospital:

Documentation Requirements

To begin Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) at BryLin Hospital, we require documentation from your mental health provider (psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or other licensed mental health professional) confirming that you have discussed ECT, including its risks and benefits.

This documentation helps ensure that you and your provider have had a thorough conversation about whether ECT is an appropriate treatment option for your condition.

Support Person Requirement

Because ECT is delivered over a series of treatments, patients must have a designated family member or friend who can provide transportation and support.

After each treatment session, our team discharges patients into the care of a responsible adult.

What to Expect Before Starting ECT

If your mental health provider believes you may be a candidate for ECT, they can contact the BryLin ECT Department at (716) 886-8200 ext. 2196 to begin coordinating services. A release of information may be required so our team can obtain relevant treatment records.

You may also contact our office directly, and we will help facilitate communication between you and your provider.

In addition, we encourage open communication between you and your mental health provider so you are fully informed about the treatment process.

Clinical Review and Evaluation

Our clinical team — including psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses — reviews your records to determine whether ECT is an appropriate treatment option.

If our team determines that ECT is appropriate, we will request updated medical information to help ensure your safety during treatment. Within the past 6 months, you will need the following evaluations:

• History and Physical / Medical Clearance
• Bloodwork
• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)

Completing Medical Requirements

These evaluations can be completed through BryLin Hospital, often in a single coordinated visit for convenience.

Alternatively, your primary care provider may complete the required testing and fax the results directly to the BryLin ECT Department.

Consultation and Treatment Scheduling

Once both your psychiatric records and medical clearance have been reviewed, our office will contact you to schedule an initial psychiatric consultation with one of our ECT providers.

In many cases, when appropriate, we may also schedule both the initial consultation and the first treatment on the same day to help expedite the start of care.

Treatment Schedule

ECT treatments are typically provided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, usually in the morning.

To help you plan ahead, we schedule appointment times in advance and call you the day before each treatment to confirm your exact arrival time.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Ambulatory ECT Treatment

In addition, to help you prepare for your care experience, we provide detailed resources outlining what to expect before, during, and after Ambulatory Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) treatment.

• Pre & Post Ambulatory ECT Instructions:
  Review important preparation and recovery guidance here → BryLin Ambulatory ECT Instructions
• ECT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
  Everything You Need to Know about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) Program → [HERE]
• Downloadable Brochure:
  Access our informational brochure for a complete overview of the program → Center of Excellence ECT Program Brochure

For additional questions or to speak with our ECT team, please contact us at (716) 886-8200 ext. 2196.

⇒WATCH THIS SHORT VIDEO BELOW: Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) – Treating Severe Depression⇐

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains the most effective treatment for severe depression and Treatment Restive Depression (TRD).

This video provides an introduction to ECT for patients, family members and clinicians that may be considering this treatment option.

Frequently Asked Questions About ECT:

• What is ECT?
• Is ECT right for me?
• How effective is it?
• How is it administered?
• Is it safe?
• What are the side effects?
• Does it cause memory loss?
• How does it work?
• Will insurance cover it?
• Why does it have a negative public image?

How Do I Learn More About ECT at BryLin Hospital or Get a Referral?

To learn more about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), please visit our webpage, “Everything You Need to Know About ECT,” or contact our ECT Department directly.

Phone: (716) 886-8200 ext. 2196
Fax: (716) 885-1812

Or contact us today to get started.

Our team is available to answer questions, discuss referrals, and help determine whether ECT may be the right treatment option for you or your patient.

With HELP, There’s HOPE℠