Proven, effective and FDA approved ketamine therapy for depressive disorder and treatment resistant depression.
Available at Stella clinics in Boston, Chicago and New York, more locations across the US are coming soon.
Spravato® is a treatment that provides transformative relief from depression symptoms. In a Spravato® therapy, a nasal spray form of esketamine (half molecule of ketamine) is administered by certified clinical staff. Currently, it is the only FDA-approved ketamine therapy accessible to patients and is covered by most insurances. It has shown to be one of the most promising modalities for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions.
Unlike traditional antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) that primarily affect serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels, esketamine works by blocking the NMDA receptor in the brain, resulting increase in neural connections, effectively rewires circuits in the brain and help patients form new and more positive patterns of thinking.
Spravato represents a significant advancement in depression treatment. Unlike traditional oral antidepressants that target serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, Spravato® works on the glutamate system in the brain. This allows for a more widespread impact on brain cells, potentially leading to rapid and sustained improvements in mood.
The nasal spray administration allows for quick absorption, bypassing the digestive system. This method contributes to Spravato's fast-acting nature, often providing relief within hours rather than weeks. This rapid onset can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing severe depressive symptoms.
Spravato's supervised administration protocol in a clinical setting ensures patient safety while providing a supportive environment for treatment. This combination of innovative pharmacology and carefully managed care offers new hope for those with treatment-resistant depression who have found little relief from conventional therapies.
For patients seeking Spravato treatment in Boston and Chicago, treatment costs are covered by select insurances. In New York, Spravato is considered an out-of-network benefit with co-pay as low as $10 depending on coverage.
Don't see you insurance listed below? Call our care advocates to see if we accept your coverage.
Coverage for additional services like intake appointments varies by state, plan and deductible.
This FDA-approved nasal spray form of esketamine provides significant advantages over traditional antidepressants. By targeting different neural pathways, Spravato offers hope for those who've struggled to find relief through other methods. Let's explore why Spravato might be the right choice for your depression treatment.
Spravato provides rapid relief from depressive symptoms. Unlike conventional treatments, Spravato® can produce noticeable improvements within hours or days.
Safety is paramount. Spravato is administered under medical supervision, and most patients experience only minor, short-lasting side effects.
Spravato therapy is covered by major insurance plans for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who had multiple previous failed treatments. Please contact our care advocate team to verify your insurance eligibility.
75% of our patients have shown a significant reduction in depression scores (PHQ-9) after Spravato treatment.
Spravato offers a pathway to breaking free from the grip of depressive thoughts and symptoms that have resisted conventional treatments. By targeting different neural pathways, it provides an opportunity for patients to experience relief and regain control over their lives. The nasal spray administration allows for a non-invasive treatment approach, which can be particularly appealing to those who have struggled with daily oral medications.
Spravato Cost & FAQ
Spravato is an FDA-approved variant of eketamine that is delivered intranasally. Also known by its generic name, esketamine, it is one of the two mirror-image molecules that together make up regular ketamine. Ketamine is a chemical that is used medically as an anesthetic for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. It has been also been researched and used for many years to treat depression symptoms.
Yes. Spravato has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since March 5, 2019.
Stella follows the FDA-approved protocol, in sequence, the frequency of treatments will be:
- Introduction phase: Twice weekly for 4 weeks,
- Optimization phase: Once weekly for 4 weeks,
- Maintenance phase: Once every 2 weeks
- Ongoing maintenance phase: Once every 3-4 weeks if the patients' mood is stable
Spravato can treat symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), which include low mood, lack of pleasure in activities, too much or too little sleep, feelings of guilt/worthlessness/hopelessness, low energy, poor concentration, too much or too little appetite, slowing of speech or movement, and/or suicidal thinking. Especially, Spravato is indicated for treatment resistant depression (TRD), under which condition patients experience persistent depression symptoms after trying 2 or more antidepressants and talk therapy.
The first step is to complete an intake assessment with one of our advanced practice practitioners to determine if you meet the criteria for Spravato. Some of these criteria are based on your medical and psychiatric history and others are determined by requirements set by your health plan. Insurance coverage for Spravato typically requires a prior authorization to be approved by your insurance. Once approved, you will be able to begin Spravato treatment.
Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, that is, MDD that has not responded to at least two antidepressants, with adequate dose and duration. Patients must also be on an antidepressant during the Spravato treatment. Insurance coverage varies among locations and plans. Call our care advocate team to check your insurance eligibility.
A course of treatment with Spravato involves an induction phase, which consists of twice weekly treatments for 4 weeks, followed by once weekly treatments for 4 weeks. This phase is important to maximize the efficacy of the medication. After the induction phase comes the maintenance phase. Patients typically receive treatments once every other week, but may come as frequently as weekly, depending on their symptoms.
Spravato FDA-approved, and self-administered intranasally under the direction of a healthcare provider. Whereas IV ketamine is FDA-cleared for off-label use, and administered directly by a healthcare provider.
When covered by insurance, the co-pay/cost for a Spravato treatment visit is comparable to that of a typical outpatient mental health visit, sometimes as low as $10 per treatment. Though the out-of-pocket cost ultimately depends on each person's specific insurance plan, deductible, etc.