Find New Hope with Spravato®

What is Spravato and how does it differ from other antidepressants?

Spravato is a nasal spray that contains esketamine, a form of ketamine, specifically designed to work faster than traditional antidepressants. It’s used alongside an oral antidepressant and offers a unique mechanism targeting NMDA receptors rather than serotonin.

How quickly does Spravato work, and how long do effects last?

Many patients notice improvements within hours to days, unlike SSRIs and SNRIs which can take weeks. Effects can vary, but consistent use over weeks is typical for sustained improvement 

Is Spravato safe, and what effects should I expect?

Common side effects include dizziness, dissociation, sedation, and blood pressure spikes. Due to these risks, Spravato requires in-office administration with post-dose monitoring for at least two hours

What is the treatment process like?

Spravato sessions involve self-administering the nasal spray under supervision, followed by monitoring for side effects. Treatment usually starts with two sessions per week for the first month, gradually tapering down as maintenance

Who is eligible for Spravato?

Spravato is generally reserved for adults with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation, especially for those who haven’t responded to multiple other treatments

Will my Insurance cover Spravato treatments? 

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover Spravato, though costs vary. Insurance generally covers it if it’s deemed medically necessary. SPRAVATO withme has a suite of patient support resources includes a Care Navigator, cost support, an explanation of insurance coverage, and specialty pharmacy services. Once you and your provider have determined SPRAVATO® is right for you, you can enroll in SPRAVATO withMe at SPRAVATOwithMePatientAuth.com

Can I stop my antidepressants?

No, Spravato is intended as an adjunct therapy and should be taken alongside an oral antidepressant

Are there long term effects of taking Spravato?

Studies suggest ongoing benefits with continued treatment, but long-term effects are still being evaluated. Treatment plans are typically individualized based on patient response

What is the difference between Spravato and ketamine?

Spravato contains esketamine (the S-enantiomer of ketamine), which is a refined, FDA-approved form for treatment-resistant depression and depression with acute suicidal symptoms. Traditional ketamine is a mix of two molecular forms and is often used off-label for depression.

How are they administered?

Spravato is a nasal spray that patients self-administer under medical supervision in a certified setting, while ketamine is typically given by intravenous (IV) infusion in clinics.

Are they regulated differently?

Yes, Spravato is closely regulated and requires administration under a REMS program, ensuring in-clinic use due to potential side effects. Ketamine infusions are also monitored, but oversight can vary by clinic as ketamine is used off-label for mental health.

Which is more effective?

Both Spravato and ketamine show promise for rapidly reducing depressive symptoms. Because Spravato targets only esketamine, it may have slightly different effects, but both treatments are generally effective for treatment-resistant depression.

Insurance typically covers Spravato, while they do not cover ketamine.

Why do I need a Psychiatrist?

At Aether Psychiatric Consultants, we specialize in administering Spravato (nasal esketamine) as an adjunctive treatment for moderate to severe depression. This form of ketamine treatment is designed to complement an established therapeutic regimen, and patients must be on a stable dose of an antidepressant to qualify for Spravato. Since we are not structured to provide primary medication management, we believe it’s essential to have a psychiatrist—a specialist in psychiatric medications—on your team. Your psychiatrist serves as your primary mental health provider, responsible for managing your overall medication needs, while we operate as ancillary members of your wellness team, focusing on ketamine-assisted therapy.

Do I need a Therapist?

Ketamine treatment can be a powerful catalyst for healing, often bringing emotional and psychological insights to the surface. This process requires an openness to exploring and integrating what arises, and it is essential to have therapeutic support. We offer one structured post-Spravato process group per week facilitated by widely respected and seasoned group facilitator and trauma therapist, Kim Skelton, LCMHC, LCAS (bio). This group therapy session is offered during the second hour of the required monitoring period. All of our other Spravato treatment sessions are held in a semi-private environment where patients share a space; however, every effort is made to provide privacy. Throughout the session, providers are available to offer support and to assist in the early integration process. Please note that it is Aether Psychiatric Consultants, PC policy that all of our patients have an individual therapist throughout their treatment.

This type of therapeutic integration—whether in a group setting or with an individual therapist—is critical for maximizing the benefits of ketamine while helping to minimize any distress that may arise, especially if memories of past trauma surface. We believe in the concept of an “internal healing intelligence”—an innate wisdom each person has to guide their healing process, much like the body naturally heals physical wounds. Through therapy, you can tap into this inner wisdom, processing and integrating what emerges during ketamine treatment. With therapeutic support, you can progress in meaningful ways and achieve lasting change as part of your mental health journey.

How is Aether different from other Spravato sites?

At Aether, we believe that the best outcomes with ketamine come from combining its therapeutic effects with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). Research shows that patients often experience deeper insight and more sustained improvement when ketamine is paired with guided therapeutic support. To enhance this benefit, Aether offers a unique approach where patients participate in a group therapy format during the second hour of their required monitoring period. This format allows patients to process shared experiences and common themes that often arise during treatment, adding to the depth and effectiveness of their therapy.

Each patient starts with individual sessions led by a medical provider to ensure they’re ready for the group setting, creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone. This integrative approach leverages both the medical and psychological benefits of ketamine, setting Aether apart as a holistic and community-centered treatment facility.

Does Aether offer Medication Management?

Aether Psychiatric Consultants does not provide outpatient psychiatric medication management. Our focus is on offering Spravato (nasal esketamine) as an ancillary treatment to support your existing mental health regimen. Spravato is designed to work alongside an established therapeutic plan, which requires patients to be on a stable dose of an antidepressant.

For this reason, we believe it’s essential to have a psychiatrist—a specialist in psychiatric medications—on your team. Your psychiatrist serves as your primary mental health provider, overseeing your medication management and ensuring your regimen remains balanced and effective. In this context, Aether operates as a complementary part of your wellness team, dedicated to providing ketamine-assisted therapy to support your therapeutic goals.

What do I do if I’m in Crisis?

Aether Psychiatric Consultants is not equipped to provide 24-hour crisis management services. If you are experiencing a mental health or other kind of emergency, please hang up immediately and call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

For mental health crises, RHA Mobile Crisis is available 24/7 and can be reached at 888-573-1006. They are trained to provide immediate support during difficult moments.

If you have a question specifically about your psychiatric medication, please contact your psychiatrist. For questions about Spravato treatment, you may leave a message, and one of our team members will return your call as soon as possible during our regular hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities, and we encourage you to seek help immediately if you are in need of urgent assistance.