Depression can make everyday responsibilities, relationships, and personal goals feel increasingly difficult to manage. When multiple medications have not provided adequate relief, it may be time to explore a different approach.
At Pacific Mind Health, we offer Spravato® therapy as part of our personalized approach to treating adults with treatment-resistant depression.
Spravato, also known as esketamine, is a prescription nasal spray administered in a supervised clinical setting. It provides another option for individuals who continue to experience significant depressive symptoms despite trying traditional antidepressant medications.
Our clinicians take the time to understand your symptoms, treatment history, overall health, and goals before recommending care. To find out whether Spravato may be appropriate for you, request a new-patient consultation today.
Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine, a medication related to ketamine.
It works differently from conventional antidepressants by acting on the brain’s glutamate system rather than primarily targeting serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Spravato for adults with treatment-resistant depression, either as a standalone medication or alongside an oral antidepressant. It is also approved, in combination with an oral antidepressant, for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder who are experiencing acute suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Spravato is not taken home like a typical prescription. Each dose is self-administered under the observation of a healthcare professional at an approved treatment location. Patients remain onsite for monitoring afterward so our clinical team can evaluate their response and determine when they are ready to leave.
Treatment-resistant depression generally describes depression that has not improved sufficiently after appropriate trials of multiple antidepressant medications. Some people experience little change in their symptoms, while others initially improve but continue to struggle with recurring or persistent depression.
You may be considered for Spravato depression treatment when:
Spravato is not right for every person. Eligibility depends on your diagnosis, medical history, current medications, cardiovascular health, previous treatment response, and other individual factors.
Our clinical team will complete a psychiatric evaluation before recommending treatment. This gives us an opportunity to review what you have already tried, answer your questions, and determine whether Spravato fits your needs.
Treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment. We will discuss your current symptoms, previous diagnoses, antidepressant history, physical health, and any other treatments you are receiving.
Depression may occur alongside anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or bipolar disorder. Identifying these concerns helps us develop a more complete and appropriate treatment plan rather than focusing on one symptom in isolation.
During each appointment, you administer the prescribed nasal spray while under direct clinical supervision. Your blood pressure is checked before treatment, and our team monitors you for at least two hours after the dose.
Some people experience temporary effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, increased blood pressure, or a sense of disconnection from themselves or their surroundings. These effects commonly arise shortly after administration and typically improve before the monitoring period ends.
You will need someone to drive you home after each appointment. You should not drive, operate machinery, or complete activities requiring full alertness until the following day after a restful night of sleep.
Our Long Beach office provides a comfortable, professionally supervised environment for each session. Contact our team before beginning care so we can explain the process and help you plan for treatment days.
Treatment frequency is determined by the recommended protocol, your clinical response, and your ability to tolerate the medication. For treatment-resistant depression, appointments are generally more frequent during the initial phase and gradually become less frequent during maintenance.
A typical schedule may include:
Your schedule may be adjusted based on your response. Our clinicians evaluate your progress throughout care rather than assuming that the same frequency is appropriate indefinitely.
Spravato may also be coordinated with medication management when additional psychiatric support is needed. We encourage you to contact us with questions about scheduling, transportation, or what to expect before your first session.
Depression is complex, and one intervention may not address every part of the experience. Our approach considers the whole person, including biological, psychological, relational, and lifestyle factors that may influence symptoms.
Your care plan may incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy to help address unhelpful thought patterns and develop practical coping skills. Patients can also explore our broader mental health treatment services based on their diagnosis and goals.
For some individuals, neuromodulation may be another appropriate path. We provide TMS therapy as well as Accelerated TMS for qualifying patients. These treatments use magnetic stimulation rather than medication and may be discussed when comparing options for persistent depression.
Our goal is to recommend care based on your clinical needs, not to push one treatment for every patient. You can read more about our philosophy and commitment to personalized psychiatry on our About Us page.
Depression that has not responded to previous treatment can feel discouraging, but an incomplete response to medication does not mean you are out of options.
Spravato offers a different approach for qualifying adults with treatment-resistant depression, delivered with the structure and supervision needed to prioritize safety.
At Pacific Mind Health, we provide thoughtful evaluations, individualized treatment planning, and compassionate support throughout the process. We will help you understand the potential benefits, limitations, risks, time commitment, and alternatives before you decide whether to proceed.
Take the next step by completing our new-patient request form. Our team will review your information, discuss whether an evaluation is appropriate, and help you explore a treatment plan designed around your needs.
