Explained in 30 sec
- Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray used for treatment-resistant depression, especially when traditional antidepressants haven’t worked.
- It works differently from standard medications by targeting brain receptors (NMDA) to rapidly improve mood and depressive symptoms.
- Treatment is administered under medical supervision and has shown fast-acting and effective results for many patients with severe depression.
What is Spravato?
If you’re one of the many individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions, finding an effective treatment can feel like a daunting journey. At Advanced TMS, in addition to our other services, we are excited to offer Spravato® (esketamine), an FDA-approved, groundbreaking option for those who haven’t found relief with traditional antidepressants.
Spravato®, a nasal spray, provides rapid relief and is covered by many insurance providers, making it a more accessible choice for those in need.
What to Expect for Treatment
1. Preparation and Initial Assessment
Before beginning Spravato treatment, our Medical Intake Team will conduct a thorough evaluation to ensure you meet the necessary criteria. This initial step is essential to tailor the treatment to your specific needs.
2. During Treatment
Spravato sessions are held in private, calming treatment rooms at one of our Southern California clinics.
Our compassionate Clinical Team will be with you every step of the way, monitoring your comfort and safety. Each session lasts about two hours, during which your vital signs, including blood pressure, will be closely observed. Due to the nature of the treatment, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
3. Integration and Post-Treatment Support
Following your Spravato sessions, our team offers post-treatment support, including integration sessions and talk therapy.
These services are designed to help you process your experiences, set new goals, and continue your mental wellness journey with clarity and purpose.
4. Time Commitment and Long-Term Maintenance
For treatment-resistant depression (TRD), Spravato is initially administered twice a week for four weeks.
After this period, the frequency decreases to once a week through weeks 5-8, and then to once weekly or bi-weekly based on your clinician’s guidance. For MDD with suicidal thoughts or actions, the initial schedule is similar, and the need for ongoing treatment is assessed after the first four weeks.
Safety and Long-Term Efficacy of Spravato
- Spravato has been extensively studied and shown to be safe over long-term use.
- The SUSTAIN-3 trial followed patients for up to six years, confirming its safety and tolerability.
- Additional studies show stable depression symptoms over 5+ years, supporting its long-term effectiveness.
Tricare
We are an in-network provider with Tricare, ensuring that active duty military personnel, reservists, and their families have access to our TMS services. Tricare covers TMS treatment for qualifying conditions, making it accessible for those in need.
TriWest
Through our partnership with TriWest, we extend our TMS services to veterans. TriWest administers the VA’s Community Care Program, allowing veterans to receive TMS therapy at Pacific Health Systems under VA benefits.
Veterans Affairs (VA)
We also work directly with the Veterans Affairs system to provide TMS services to veterans. Our facility is approved to offer care under the VA’s coverage, facilitating access to our specialized treatments for veterans.
In-Network Coverage with Tricare, TriWest, and VA
Financing Options
We provide financing options for our treatments to make them more accessible.
- For Ketamine treatments, we offer financing through CareCredit, a healthcare credit card designed for health and wellness needs.
- For TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) therapy, financing is available through the Advanced Care Card.
These financing options can help manage the cost of treatment, making it easier for you to access the care you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about TMS therapy? Here are answers to some of the most common concerns from our patients.
What is Spravato and how does It work?
Spravato (esketamine) is a unique, fast-acting medication administered through a nasal spray, specifically designed for individuals whose depression has not improved with other treatments. Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks or months to show effects, Spravato works quickly, with many patients experiencing significant improvement within just a few sessions. This treatment is conducted under the careful supervision of Klarisana’s experienced medical team to ensure safety and optimal outcomes.
Is Spravato covered by insurance?
Our team understands that figuring out insurance can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to mental health treatments. Spravato® is covered by most major insurance providers, including many Blue Cross Blue Shield and Colorado Medicaid plans. We’re here to walk you through every step of the process—verifying your benefits, handling authorizations, and helping you understand any out-of-pocket costs.
How long does Spravato last?
Many patients experience improvements that last days to weeks, especially when paired with psychotherapy.
What is ketamine nasal spray used to treat?
SPRAVATO is used to treat treatment-resistant depression and depression with suicidal thoughts in adults.
Why is in-clinic treatment required?
Spravato is a supervised, clinic-administered treatment that must be given in a certified healthcare setting under medical observation. Because Spravato can affect your alertness, blood pressure, and coordination, you’ll need to stay in the clinic for monitoring after each dose. This helps ensure your safety and allows the care team to respond quickly to any side effects.