Intensive Outpatient ECT Program

The Intensive Outpatient ECT (ECT-IOP) program at Centennial Peaks Hospital offers individuals currently engaged in ECT treatment the opportunity to learn more about the ways in which this treatment can help them maximize their improvement through psycho-educational development and lifestyle changes.

ECT-IOP utilizes the same group process from our other IOP programs at CPH to encourage the maximum capacity for psychological growth and self-sustainability. The group engages the Cognitive-Behavioral Model through learning about self-esteem and the importance of affirmations, core beliefs, automatic thoughts, cognitive schemas, irrational beliefs, and cognitive distortions among others. Interpersonal skills focused on increasing emotional resources is a centerpiece to the ECT-IOP experience, with members often able to simulate new skills in their interactions within the group.  Emphasis on communication styles, conflict resolution, and interpersonal effectiveness are incorporated into the groups as well.

For patients struggling with cognitive weakening, the group also provides psychoeducation on memory retention and engagement of memory (sensory, short and long term memory) to better understand and overcome some challenges that can accompany ECT treatments.  

The program also has an intentional focus on nutrition and exercise, given the increased effect of neurotransmission during exercise and nutritional improvement. Patients can learn how to apply a healthy diet, incorporated with exercise, yoga, muscle relaxations, and meditation, to their treatment for long-term growth and wellness.

The ECT-IOP group meets times Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 6 PM to 9 PM for six weeks (for a total 18 sessions).