Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) and Transcranial Magnetic
Stimulation (TMS) Information Sheet
Stimulation (TMS) Information Sheet
Please review the information below so that you are familiar when callers ask
questions about ECT or TMS and if these services are offered at DMH.
Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT)
What is ECT? - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly
used in patients with severe major depression or bipolar disorder that has not responded
to other treatments.
ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under
anesthesia. It is typically administered by a team of trained medical professionals that
includes a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and a nurse or physician assistant.
Does DMH provide this service? - Yes, through an authorization process by the
Intensive Care Division (ICD). This can be approved only for existing DMH clients.
anesthesia. It is typically administered by a team of trained medical professionals that
includes a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and a nurse or physician assistant.
Does DMH provide this service? - Yes, through an authorization process by the
Intensive Care Division (ICD). This can be approved only for existing DMH clients.
The DMH outpatient physician has to request authorization per the procedures that
can be viewed from the Policy and Procedure – 200.06.
Please refer to Policy # 200.06 and for more information on Procedures click on the link
below
https://secure2.compliancebridge.com/lacdmh/public/index.php?fuseaction=print.print&d
ocID=3556
can be viewed from the Policy and Procedure – 200.06.
Please refer to Policy # 200.06 and for more information on Procedures click on the link
below
https://secure2.compliancebridge.com/lacdmh/public/index.php?fuseaction=print.print&d
ocID=3556
The contact email id for authorization in ICD is ED_ECT_Auths@dmh.lacounty.gov
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
What is TMS? - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is used to treat depression that
has not responded to other therapies. It involves the use of rapidly alternating magnetic
fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. The patient remains awake through the
noninvasive process.
Does DMH provide this service? -Yes, but only through a referral and approval process
for existing DMH clients from directly operated programs.
What is TMS? - Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is used to treat depression that
has not responded to other therapies. It involves the use of rapidly alternating magnetic
fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. The patient remains awake through the
noninvasive process.
Does DMH provide this service? -Yes, but only through a referral and approval process
for existing DMH clients from directly operated programs.
TMS is provided at Harbor UCLA. However, clients need to be open in DMH directly
operated programs and have a psychiatrist in the directly operated program. The DMH
psychiatrist can then refer them to Harbor for consultation using a referral form. Clients
from outside agencies are not accepted. ACCESS Agents can direct existing clients
from directly operated programs inquiring about this service to contact their psychiatrist