Spravato (Esketamine): How It Works and Where to Get It Near You
- Dr. Jennifer Shore
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Searching for new treatment options can feel overwhelming, especially if you've been living with depression that hasn't improved despite therapy, medication, or other approaches. It's natural to have questions about treatments you've recently heard about, including how they work, what the process involves, and whether they're available close to home.
One treatment that has received increasing attention is Spravato® (esketamine). Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for certain forms of depression, it offers a different approach for individuals who have not experienced enough relief with traditional antidepressants.
Understanding how this treatment works, what to expect during the process, and where it can be safely administered can help you have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider. At Fairfax Mental Health & Wellness, we believe that knowing your options is an important step toward finding the care that's right for you.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is a prescription nasal spray containing esketamine, a medication approved by the FDA for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It is used alongside an oral antidepressant, rather than as a replacement for one.
In certain situations, it may also be considered for adults with major depressive disorder who are experiencing acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors, as determined by a qualified healthcare provider.
Unlike medications that are taken at home, Spravato is administered only in a certified healthcare setting. This allows trained clinicians to monitor patients during and after treatment, ensuring the process is both safe and supportive.
How Does Spravato Work?
Most traditional antidepressants work by affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine. While these medications help many people, they do not work the same way for everyone, and some individuals continue to experience symptoms despite trying multiple medications.
Spravato works differently.
Rather than primarily targeting serotonin, it acts on the brain's glutamate system, which plays an important role in communication between nerve cells. Researchers believe this pathway supports the brain's ability to form and strengthen neural connections involved in mood, learning, and emotional processing.
Because it works through a different mechanism, Spravato may be considered when conventional antidepressant treatments have not provided sufficient improvement.
Although every person's response is unique, understanding that depression can be treated in different ways gives many individuals renewed hope that another approach may be available.
What Does Spravato Treatment Involve?
As it is a relatively new treatment, there is understandably some doubt along with hope. Knowing what the treatment actually entails can make the whole experience more manageable.
Your Initial Evaluation
Before treatment begins, you'll meet with a qualified mental health provider who will review your symptoms, previous treatments, medical history, and overall goals for care. This evaluation helps determine whether Spravato is an appropriate option for your individual needs.
During Treatment Sessions
If treatment is recommended, appointments take place in a REMS-certified healthcare setting where the medication is administered under clinical supervision.
Following each session, patients remain at the clinic for a period of observation so the care team can monitor how they're feeling before they return home. Treatment typically takes place over multiple sessions scheduled across several weeks, with progress reviewed regularly throughout the process.
Rather than focusing solely on medication, providers work closely with patients to understand how they're responding and ensure treatment continues to align with their needs and goals.
Where Can You Receive Spravato Treatment?
Because Spravato has specific safety requirements, it is available only through healthcare providers and treatment centers that are certified under the FDA's Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. This ensures the medication is administered in a controlled clinical setting where patients can be appropriately monitored after each treatment session.
When looking for a provider near you, it's helpful to consider more than just location. A comprehensive evaluation, personalized treatment planning, and ongoing communication throughout your care can all contribute to a more supportive treatment experience.
At Fairfax Mental Health & Wellness, treatment is delivered with a patient-centered approach. The focus is on understanding your unique history, answering your questions, and developing a care plan that reflects your individual needs. If you're considering Spravato, our team can help determine whether it's an appropriate option and discuss how it may fit into your overall treatment plan.
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Spravato Provider
Finding the right treatment center is also about finding a team you feel comfortable with.
Consider asking questions such as:
- Is the treatment center certified to administer Spravato?
- How is eligibility for treatment determined?
- What happens during each treatment session?
- How will my progress be monitored throughout treatment?
- How does this treatment fit into my broader mental health care plan?
A provider who takes the time to answer your questions and explain your options can help you feel more informed and confident as you move forward.
Taking the Next Step Toward Relief
Living with depression can sometimes make it feel as though you've exhausted your options. While no single treatment is right for everyone, advances in mental health care continue to provide new possibilities for individuals who have not found adequate relief with traditional approaches.
A thorough evaluation with an experienced mental health provider can help determine the best path forward based on your symptoms, treatment history, and personal goals.
New possibilities begin with understanding your options. If you're considering Spravato, we are here to listen, guide and help you determine the treatment approach that's right for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation.