Hill Crest Behavioral Health» Recreational Therapy | ECT | Electroconvulsive Therapy | Alabama

Therapy / Treatments

Recreational Therapy (RT)

The Recreational Therapy program (Adjunctive Therapy) is a systematic process utilizing recreation and other activity-based interventions. This therapy is based upon the assessed needs of individuals with illness and/or disabling conditions. It also includes specialized group and family therapies.

The purpose of the program is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning. Adjunctive/Recreation Therapy is a supportive atmosphere to the child, adolescent and adult modalities.

Program features:

❖ Teamwork
❖ Self-confidence
❖ Self-esteem
❖ Aerobic dance/exercise
❖ Coed sports
❖ Social skills
❖ Motor skills
❖ Leisure education
❖ Ropes challenge course
❖ Team sports
❖ Music & art therapy
❖ Cookouts
❖ Weightlifting
❖ Treadmill
❖ Campus walk
❖ Exercise bike
❖ Fishing

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

As a facility dedicated to excellence and patient safety, Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services accepts referrals for outpatient Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). ECT is a safe and effective treatment for such disorders as psychotic depression, schizoaffective disorder, catatonia, bipolar disorder and others.

Please contact the admissions department at (205) 833-9000 for information on the referral process. The ongoing outpatient mental health care of the patient will be continued by the referring psychiatrist.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and how does it work?

ECT is effective for some patients. It is particularly useful for those who cannot take or are not responding to medication. ECT is also beneficial for treating those who are of high suicide risk.

How is ECT performed?

ECT has improved significantly in recent years. The treatment is given in the hospital under anesthesia eliminating any discomfort or pain. Most patients undergo 6 to 10 treatments. A low energy current is passed through the brain to cause a controlled seizure, which typically lasts from 20 to 90 seconds. The most common side effect is short-term memory loss, which resolves quickly. Headache is another possible side effect which is usually treated successfully with over-the- counter medications. Vital signs are monitored throughout the process. ECT is conducted by a psychiatrist, an anesthesiologist and assisted by a Registered Nurse. To learn more about ECT, click here.