I wonder if it's still true that ECT is still inaccessible in Northern California due to this Berkeley ban. I had not heard of it before.

It's a scary therapy alright, but I know it helps many seriously depressed people. Not without side effects such as memory loss sometimes, but it is worth the risk for some who have not been helped by other therapies. Certainly a valuable tool where appropriate. And we are NOT talking about forced therapy. Voluntary.

Besides being scary and possible side effects, one other reason for the poor reputation of ECT is that for decades it was used on patients with afflictions NOT helped by it. Schizophrenia and similar conditions are not helped by ECT. It was used possibly as a way to "do something" when the then available medications proved ineffective.

There are new therapies that may one day perhaps replace ECT. There is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, which uses an electromagnet specifically targeting certain areas of the brain, which is showing good results for depression. Very peaceful procedure, no drama. Also for some other mental problems such as OCD.