Neuromodulation Program

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)


What is ECT?
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most commonly used in
ECT Brochure 
Click here to download the ECT Brochure 
patients with severe mental illness that have not responded to other treatments. 

ECT involves a brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.

The treatment is administered by a team of trained medical professionals that includes a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist, and a nurse or physician assistant.

ECT has a long history that dates back to the late 1930s. Many advances have been made since then making the practice a modern and well-established medical procedure. 

What is ECT used for?
ECT is used to safely and effectively treat various mental illnesses including major depression, bipolar disorder (mania, depression and mixed state), schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, catatonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, perinatal disorders and Parkinson’s disease. There are growing reports suggesting its benefit in treating post stroke depression, delirium, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic pain and self-injurious behavior in Autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. 

Other factors that determine treatment with ECT include:
  * Nature and severity of symptomology;
  * Treatment history, particularly treatment resistance;
  * Risk versus benefit; and
  * Patient preference.

Recent research suggests that ECT works by changing neurons in your brain through growth and reorganization. 

About Waypoint's ECT Clinic
The ECT Program at Waypoint has been expanding and adapting to the growing need for several years and we are now able to treat Waypoint inpatients and outpatients five days a week. The ECT Suite is located on the 2nd floor of the Toanche building (Main entrance).

Referrals are accepted through our Central Intake Office. All referrals will be reviewed by our ECT consulting psychiatrist to determine appropriateness of the referral. The ECT team will maintain contact with the patient throughout this referral and treatment process.

Referrals
Referrals are accepted through our Central Intake Office. Click here to access our referral form.


Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS)


What is rTMS?

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is a specialized treatment for people with severe depression and other mental illnesses whose conditions have not responded to other medications or therapies.

It is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment that uses focused magnetic fields to target areas of the brain responsible for mood regulation, thought and behaviour.

The treatment can be helpful for people who may not tolerate medication due to side effects or conditions such as pregnancy. In severe cases, it can work more quickly than other therapies and it can be used in combination with other treatments for better outcomes.

What to expect during treatmentAbout rTMS
A cushioned helmet is placed on the patient’s head. It’s through this device that the magnetic pulses are repetitively delivered direct to the brain to immediately stimulate brain activity. 

There is a noise and the patient will feel a tapping sensation on their scalp. Some patients may experience minor side effects such as headache or mild pain. 

Each treatment lasts around five minutes, and a full course of treatment is administered five times a week for six weeks. Patients can typically return to their regular activities immediately afterwards.

About Waypoint's rTMS Clinic
Waypoint’s rTMS Program officially launched in October 2024 and serves both inpatients and outpatients. The program is located on the 2nd floor of the Toanche building (Main entrance).

Referrals
Referrals are accepted through our Central Intake Office. Click here to access the referral form.