Center for Psychiatric Neuromodulation

If you or a loved one has been treated for a psychiatric disorder, but the symptoms haven't improved with standard treatments, it’s possible to have developed “treatment resistance.” If that happens, it can significantly impair clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Our team at the Center for Psychiatric Neuromodulation implements strategies beyond standard therapies to help treatment-resistance patients relieve symptoms and live a productive, fulfilling life.

Relief for treatment-resistant disorders

Our one-of-a-kind comprehensive center in southwestern PA offers state-of-the-art neuromodulation therapies for treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders,
including: 

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Schizophrenia
  • Catatonia

Neuromodulation therapies

We know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to behavioral health treatment. We use some advanced neuromodulation therapies to address treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders. 

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Performed under general anesthesia, ECT passes small electric currents through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can quickly reverse symptoms of a range of mental health
conditions. ECT is indicated for management of MDD, bipolar disorder,
schizophrenia, and catatonia. Learn more about Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

A neurosurgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in the brain which
deliver electrical impulses that alter the abnormal activity that causes
symptoms in neurological and psychiatric conditions. DBS is indicated for
management of treatment-refractory OCD in addition to being approved for
treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD), essential tremor (ET), and dystonia.

Additional areas of expertise

Our center also provides collaborative care and expertise in assessment and management of behavioral symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients undergoing DBS treatment.

Our team also has a strong research focus on the impact of sleep on neuromodulation outcomes in both psychiatric and neurological disorders.

You are not alone!

You don’t have to face psychiatric or behavioral health issues alone. Help is available.

If you or a loved one is:

  • in immediate danger, call:  911, or go to your nearest Emergency Room, for immediate intervention and support.
  • seeking an evaluation or appointment for psychiatric or behavioral health issues call the Behavioral Health Triage Team at: (412) 330-4429: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Additional crisis hotlines and patient support information can be found on our AHN Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Institute Patient Resource Guide.