Spravato® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Approved in 2019, Spravato represents the first major advancement in antidepressant treatment in more than three decades and offers a new option for individuals who have not experienced adequate relief with traditional medications or other depression treatments.
Pacific Mind Health provides Spravato treatment in Los Angeles and at additional outpatient psychiatry locations throughout California. As an in-network healthcare provider with most major insurance plans, Pacific Mind Health offers Spravato in a structured, medically supervised setting designed to adequately treat depression and support safety, consistency, and long-term outcomes.
Spravato is a prescription esketamine nasal spray administered in-office under clinical supervision. In many cases, treatment is covered by insurance. Patients receive coordinated psychiatric care before, during, and after treatment, ensuring Spravato is delivered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than a standalone intervention.
Schedule a consultation to learn whether Spravato treatment at Pacific Mind Health is appropriate for you.
Spravato treatment uses esketamine, a compound derived from ketamine. Esketamine is a more potent version of ketamine, which has been used for many years to treat depression. While often discussed alongside ketamine treatments, Spravato is a distinct, FDA-approved therapy specifically indicated for treatment-resistant depression and delivered under strict medical protocols. While both Spravato and ketamine infusions are derived from ketamine, Spravato is administered as a nasal spray, whereas ketamine infusions are delivered intravenously, with each method offering unique benefits.
Patients often ask what Spravato treatment is and how it differs from standard antidepressants or other drugs used for depression. Spravato has a unique mechanism of action: it acts on the glutamate system in the brain rather than serotonin, targeting neural pathways involved in mood regulation and cognitive flexibility. Esketamine increases levels of glutamate, the brain’s most abundant chemical messenger, thereby improving communication between brain cells and influencing mood and thought patterns.
For individuals who have struggled to improve with traditional approaches, Spravato treatment may provide a clinically supported alternative under the guidance of experienced psychiatric healthcare providers.
Request an information session to discuss treatment options with Pacific Mind Health.
Spravato increases glutamate levels, the brain’s most abundant chemical messenger, which plays a critical role in communication between nerve cells. By enhancing these pathways, Spravato may help strengthen neural connections involved in mood, motivation, and emotional regulation.
Unlike an oral antidepressant that may take months to show benefit, Spravato treatment can lead to improvement within weeks for some patients. Individual response varies, and ongoing psychiatric oversight is essential to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Pacific Mind Health integrates Spravato into a broader psychiatric plan that may include medication management, follow-up visits, and long-term monitoring to support sustained improvement.
Treatment-resistant depression occurs when major depressive disorder symptoms persist despite appropriate trials of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy. Individuals with this condition often experience prolonged distress, functional impairment, and repeated treatment setbacks.
Spravato is specifically approved for this population. Patients who may benefit include those who have experienced:
Limited or no response to multiple antidepressants
Intolerable medication side effects
Recurring depressive episodes
Severe depression symptoms accompanied by anxiety symptoms
Spravato is used for adults with treatment-resistant depression who require a different therapeutic approach under medical supervision.
Schedule a psychiatric evaluation at Pacific Mind Health to determine eligibility.
Patients often want to know what to do during Spravato treatment. Each visit takes place at a certified Spravato treatment center and follows a structured protocol.
During treatment, patients self-administer the nasal spray under supervision. They remain in the clinic for at least two hours for monitoring. During this time, patients may read, listen to music, or rest comfortably.
Because temporary sedation or dissociation may occur, patients must arrange transportation home and should not drive or operate machinery for the remainder of the day.
Treatment schedules vary, but many patients ask how long is Spravato treatment. Initial treatment typically involves twice-weekly sessions for four weeks, followed by weekly or maintenance sessions depending on response.
Pacific Mind Health offers Spravato within a full outpatient psychiatry practice rather than as an isolated service. This model supports better coordination, safety, and long-term outcomes.
Key advantages include:
In-network coverage with most major insurers
Treatment delivered by experienced psychiatric clinicians
Ongoing medication management and follow-up care
Structured monitoring in a certified Spravato treatment center
Convenient Los Angeles and California locations
This integrated approach ensures that Spravato treatment aligns with each patient’s broader mental health needs.
Spravato treatment is designed for carefully selected patients. Ideal candidates typically meet the following criteria:
Diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression
Ongoing oral antidepressant treatment
Moderate to severe symptoms affecting daily functioning
Ability to comply with in-clinic monitoring requirements
Contraindications may include uncontrolled hypertension, certain vascular conditions, or a history of psychotic disorders. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is required before starting treatment.
Spravato is primarily designed for individuals diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression. This condition is defined as having tried at least two different antidepressant medications at adequate dosages and durations (6–8 weeks per medication) without achieving sufficient symptom relief. These individuals typically experience persistent depressive symptoms despite standard interventions.
Spravato side effects are generally temporary and monitored closely during each visit. Common side effects may include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, dissociation, or temporary increases in blood pressure.
Patients may ask about long-term side effects of Spravato. Current evidence indicates that long-term risks are low when treatment is administered in a controlled, medically supervised setting. Ongoing research continues to evaluate long-term outcomes.
Pacific Mind Health clinicians remain actively involved throughout treatment to ensure safety and comfort.
If you are exploring Spravato treatment in Los Angeles, Pacific Mind Health offers a supportive, clinically grounded environment focused on long-term improvement rather than short-term relief alone.
As a trusted Spravato treatment center, Pacific Mind Health combines advanced treatment options with personalized psychiatric care.
Schedule your consultation today to determine whether Spravato treatment is right for you.
