Spravato® (Esketamine) Therapy

A Different Approach for Treatment-Resistant Depression

When depression continues despite multiple medication trials, it may be time to consider a different approach. Greater Houston Psychiatric Associates (GHPA) is a certified Spravato® REMS treatment center providing FDA-approved esketamine therapy for eligible adults living with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and certain forms of major depressive disorder (MDD).

Unlike traditional antidepressants that primarily affect serotonin pathways, Spravato® works through the brain’s glutamate system, helping restore communication between nerve cells involved in mood regulation.  This unique mechanism allows many patients to experience improvement much sooner than with conventional antidepressant therapies.

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What is SPRAVATO®?
(Esketamine)

SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is a prescription nasal spray approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for:

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not experienced adequate improvement after trying multiple antidepressants.

Major Depressive Disorder with Acute Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors
Adults experiencing severe depressive symptoms accompanied by acute suicidal ideation or behavior.

SPRAVATO® is prescribed together with an oral antidepressant and is administered only in certified healthcare settings due to required monitoring protocols.

You may qualify for SPRAVATO® treatment if:

  • You are 18 years of age or older
  • You have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder
  • You have tried at least two antidepressant medications without sufficient improvement
  • You have experienced significant side effects that prevented successful treatment with traditional medications
  • Your psychiatrist believes an alternative evidence-based treatment is medically appropriate

Every patient undergoes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation before treatment is recommended.

How SPRAVATO® Works

Most antidepressants influence serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine pathways.
SPRAVATO® targets a different neurotransmitter system: glutamate, which plays a critical role in learning, memory, emotional regulation, and neural connectivity.

Research suggests that esketamine promotes the formation of new neural connections in areas of the brain associated with mood, resilience, and emotional processing. This process may help restore healthier communication patterns in brain circuits affected by depression.

Because of this unique mechanism, some patients report symptom improvement within days or weeks rather than the several weeks often required with conventional antidepressants.

Patient Experience

Nicole's Story

Allison's Story

What to expect during Spravato treatment

Consumer important safety information

What to Expect During Treatment

Before Your First Session

Our team will:

  • Verify insurance coverage and prior authorization requirements
  • Complete a psychiatric assessment
  • Determine eligibility for treatment
  • Review risks, benefits, and treatment expectations
  • Complete REMS enrollment requirements
During Each Treatment Session

SPRAVATO® is self-administered under the direct supervision of a trained healthcare professional.

A typical treatment visit includes:

  1. Clinical assessment and vital sign review
  2. Administration of SPRAVATO® nasal spray
  3. Relaxation and observation in a comfortable treatment setting
  4. Continuous monitoring for a minimum of two hours
  5. Discharge once medically appropriate

Because SPRAVATO® can affect alertness, patients must arrange transportation home following treatment and may not drive until the following day after a restful night’s sleep.

What Patients Commonly Experience

During treatment, some patients describe:

  • Feeling deeply relaxed
  • Changes in perception of time or surroundings
  • A dream-like state
  • Mild dizziness
  • Temporary detachment from thoughts or emotions
  • Increased emotional clarity
  • Nausea

These experiences are generally temporary and typically resolve before leaving the clinic.

Our clinical staff closely monitors every patient throughout the entire treatment session to ensure safety and comfort.

Treatment Schedule

Treatment is delivered in phases and customized based on clinical response.

Induction Phase

Weeks 1-4

  • Two treatments per week
  • Eight total sessions

Optimization Phase

Weeks 5-8

  • Frequency adjusted according to symptom improvement
  • Typically one treatment per week

Maintenance Phase

  • Individualized schedule based on ongoing response
  • May range from weekly to monthly treatments

Your psychiatrist will work with you to create the maintenance schedule that best supports long-term symptom control.

How Soon Will I Feel Better?

Response times vary from person to person.

Many patients begin noticing improvements during the first month of treatment, including:

  • Improved mood
  • Increased motivation
  • Better concentration
  • Greater emotional resilience
  • Reduced hopelessness
  • Improved daily functioning

For some patients, benefits continue to build over the full treatment course and beyond.

Safety and Monitoring

SPRAVATO® is available only through the FDA-mandated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program.

Because treatment may cause:

  • Sedation
  • Dissociation
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Impaired attention and reaction time

Patients are monitored on-site by trained healthcare professionals for at least two hours following each treatment session. [ghpa.net], [ghpa.net]

Schedule A Consultation

Why Choose GHPA?

Certified SPRAVATO® REMS Treatment Cente

GHPA provides:

N

Board-certified psychiatric oversight

N

Experienced SPRAVATO® clinicians

N

Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

N

Insurance and prior authorization assistance

N

Comfortable treatment environments

N

Ongoing outcome monitoring

N

Integrated medication management and psychotherapy services

Our goal is not simply symptom reduction.  We focus on helping patients regain functioning, relationships, productivity, and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SPRAVATO® the same as ketamine?

SPRAVATO® contains esketamine, a medication derived from ketamine. It is the only FDA-approved intranasal esketamine treatment for depression and is administered within a regulated treatment program.

Will my insurance cover treatment?

Many commercial insurers and Medicare plans provide coverage when medical necessity criteria are met. Our team will assist with benefits verification and prior authorization.

Can I drive after treatment?

No. You must arrange transportation home and should not drive or operate machinery until the next day.

Do I continue my antidepressant medication?

Yes. SPRAVATO® is generally prescribed in combination with an oral antidepressant unless otherwise directed by your psychiatrist.

Take the Next Step

If you have struggled to find relief from depression despite multiple medication trials, SPRAVATO® may be an appropriate treatment option.

Contact our SPRAVATO® Program Coordinator at 713-346-1548 to schedule a consultation and determine whether this innovative therapy is right for you.

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