Comparing the Fisher Wallace Stimulator with ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)

The Fisher Wallace Stimulator® and ECT both deliver alternating current to the brain for therapeutic effect, but at vastly different doses. The Fisher Wallace Stimulator® provides very gentle stimulation therapy designed for daily home use without doctor supervision - it does not cause a seizure or serious side effects. ECT, while often effective, is performed in a hospital while the patient is under anesthesia and is designed to induce a seizure. ECT often causes memory loss. Following are more differences:

1. ECT delivers 800 – 1000+ mA of electricity, which causes a seizure. 

The Fisher Wallace Stimulator delivers 1 – 4 mA of electricity, which does not cause a seizure.  In fact, the Fisher Wallace Stimulator is recommended for treating substance abuse patients who are prone to seizurse.

2. ECT is administered when a patient is under anesthesia.

The Fisher Wallace Stimulator delivers such a mild current that patients typically wear it while reading a book, on the computer or watching TV.  The stimulation from our device is rarely perceived and is not uncomfortable.

3. ECT delivers a large amount of electricity in a single dose.

The Fisher Wallace Stimulator delivers a gentle amount of electricity on a daily basis.

4. ECT typically costs $30,000 and, while effective initially, its effects wear off.

The Fisher Wallace Stimulator costs $495 - $715 and the effects do not wear off when the device is used on a regular basis.

5. ECT is indicated to treat  severe depression.

The Fisher Wallace Stimulator can be used to treat temporary or situational depression as well as chronic, severe depression.  Our device has also been cleared by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia and pain. 

If the Fisher Wallace Stimulator does not reduce your symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, depression and/or pain within 60 days of receipt, you may return the device for a refund.

How to purchase a device:

To purchase a device, you must obtain written authorization from a licensed healthcare practitioner (such as a Psychiatrist, General Practitioner, Nurse, Acupuncturist, Chiropractor, Osteopath, Psychologist). Either you or your practitioner must fax or email the authorization to Fisher Wallace Laboratories: (800) 657 – 7362 / orders@fisherwallace.com. PATIENTS MAY THEN PURCHASE A DEVICE ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE.

If you do not have a local practitioner, you may call the following licensed, independent practitioner (not a Fisher Wallace employee) for same-day device authorization:

Sandy Root, L.Ac
(917) 538 – 8019
Phone consultation fee with same-day faxed authorization for qualified patients: $50

If you plan on speaking to your own healthcare practitioner about the device, please note that written purchase authorization must include the practitioner’s contact information and license information, the date, and the phrase “I authorize the purchase of a Fisher Wallace Stimulator for (Patient’s Full Name).”

Click here for a written authorization form you can print out.

Click here for information to give to your doctor about our device.

Fax authorization to: (800) 657-7362
Or Email authorization to: orders@fisherwallace.com.

You may also click on the “find a doctor” button below to search for board-certified psychiatrists and other licensed healthcare practitioners in or near your zip code:

If you have questions regarding the device, please contact a Fisher Wallace customer service representative at (800) 692 - 4380.

Important: Patients taking medication should not alter their medication unless advised to do so by their doctor. The Fisher Wallace Stimulator is safe to use in conjunction with medication (there are no contraindications).

Meet our Medical Advisory Board

Our device is designed to used at home, twice a day (morning and evening), for 20 minutes per treatment session.  Symptoms typically begins to recede after 2 weeks of twice daily use - however, it may take 30-45 days to experience results. It is important to use the device every day. If you do not see any results after 45 days of twice-daily use, your symptoms will probably not recede as a result of using the device and you may return it for a refund.

The device may be safely used in conjunction with medication.  Do not stop or reduce your medication without consulting your doctor.