September 2025 marked a historic milestone for the UTHealth Houston Center for Interventional Psychiatry (CIP) — our clinical team successfully performed over 500 electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) procedures in a single month, setting a new institutional and state record. This achievement underscores our commitment to providing timely, effective, and compassionate care for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions.
A Decade of Growth and Dedication
Since its establishment, the Center has evolved into one of the largest and most comprehensive ECT programs in Texas—and among the busiest in the nation. What began as a single-site service over a decade ago has grown into a multi-facility program integrated within the UT Physicians Interventional Psychiatry Clinic, supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of psychiatrists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and technicians.
Excellence in Patient Care
ECT remains one of the most effective treatments for severe depression, bipolar disorder, and catatonia, with response rates exceeding 70%. At the Center, we emphasize safety, individualized treatment planning, and continuity of care throughout each patient’s journey.
The milestone of 500 monthly procedures represents not only increased capacity but also enhanced access for patients who need rapid and life-saving interventions. This expansion was made possible through streamlined clinical operations, the addition of ECT-trained staff, and increasing community and inpatient referrals.
Leadership and Collaboration
This achievement reflects the collective effort of our entire ECT team—comprising nursing, anesthesia, psychiatry, and support staff—whose dedication and professionalism enable us to deliver exceptional care every day. It also highlights the vision of UTHealth Houston Psychiatry leadership in integrating clinical excellence, research, and education to advance interventional psychiatry.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate this milestone, the Center continues to expand its portfolio of interventional treatments, including TMS, esketamine (Spravato™), intravenous ketamine, magnetic seizure therapy (MST), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Our mission remains clear: to push the boundaries of psychiatric care and bring hope to patients facing the most challenging forms of mental illness.
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Disclaimer:
This article was created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance clarity and readability. All medical content has been reviewed and approved by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD, Director, UTHealth Houston Center for Interventional Psychiatry. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice.