Spravato Therapy
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray that works differently than traditional antidepressants. Many patients notice improvement within the first three to four weeks of treatment.
Considering Spravato?
Spravato is designed for adults who haven't found adequate relief from other depression treatments. You may want to talk to your provider about Spravato if:
You've tried two or more antidepressants that haven't provided adequate relief
You have a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
You're still experiencing significant symptoms of depression despite ongoing treatment
You're an adult (18+) and able to attend in-office treatment sessions
Want to prepare before you reach out? Walk through a few questions and print a one-page guide for your provider.
Build a guide for your providerAbout the Treatment
Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine, Spravato works on the brain's glutamate system, the most common chemical messenger in the brain. This different mechanism is why Spravato can help when other medications haven't.
Spravato is administered as a nasal spray in our office under medical supervision. It's not a take-home medication. You'll relax in a comfortable, private treatment room while our clinical team monitors you throughout each session.
Many patients report noticeable improvement within the first three to four weeks of treatment, a significant difference from traditional antidepressants that can take 4 to 6 weeks to take effect.
Backed by rigorous clinical trials and FDA approval since 2019
Treatment and monitoring completed in a single office visit
Most patients begin noticing improvement within the first month of treatment
Your Treatment Journey
From referral to ongoing care, here's what the Spravato treatment process looks like at Harbors North.
Ask your primary care doctor, psychiatrist, or nurse practitioner for a referral to Harbors North. Once we receive it, our team will review your history and reach out to let you know if we're able to move forward.
You'll meet with our nurse practitioner for an initial evaluation. We'll review your treatment history, current medications, and determine if Spravato is the right fit for you.
You'll self-administer the nasal spray in our private treatment room under clinical supervision. Sessions are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You cannot drive yourself home on treatment days — please arrange a ride in advance.
After administration, you'll relax in our office for about two hours while our team monitors your vitals and overall response to the treatment.
Treatment typically starts at twice per week for the first month, then transitions to weekly and eventually every other week as your symptoms improve.
Insurance & Cost
Spravato is covered by most major insurance plans. Because it's FDA-approved, coverage is often more straightforward than you might expect. Our team handles the prior authorization process for you, so you don't have to navigate the insurance paperwork on your own.
We work with your insurance company directly to get the approvals in place before your first session.
Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your insurance plan, including your deductible and copay structure. Once your deductible is met, typical copays range from $10 to $60 per treatment session.
For eligible commercially insured patients, Janssen offers a Spravato With Me savings program that can further reduce your cost.
We'll walk you through costs upfront so there are no surprises. Call us and we'll check your benefits before your first session.
Patient Stories
Real stories from real patients at Harbors North who found relief through Spravato treatment.
Jessica's Story
Spravato Patient
Jamie's Story
Spravato Patient
Common Questions
A few of the most common ones, answered here. Full list on our FAQs page.
Here's what a typical Spravato session involves:
Self-Administration: You'll self-administer the nasal spray dose in our office under supervision.
Monitoring Period: You'll be monitored by our clinical team for approximately 2 hours after administration.
Potential Effects: You may experience dissociation, sedation, dizziness, or other side effects, which typically resolve within a few hours.
Ride Home Required: Due to potential impairment, you'll need to arrange a ride home. You cannot drive yourself.
Recovery: Most patients feel back to normal by evening and can return to their regular activities the next day.
Spravato treatment frequency varies depending on your response:
Induction Phase: Twice weekly for the first 4 weeks (this is the standard starting schedule).
Maintenance Phase: After 4 weeks, if you're responding well, treatment may be reduced to once weekly or every other week, depending on your individual progress and clinical judgment.
Your treatment schedule will be personalized based on how you respond and your clinical needs.
Timeline varies by individual, but typically:
Weeks 3-4: Many patients notice initial improvement in mood, energy, or sleep within 3-4 weeks of starting treatment.
Variable Response: Some patients respond faster, others take longer. This is normal and expected.
Full Benefits: The most significant improvements often emerge over the first 8-12 weeks of treatment as the full course progresses.
If you have concerns about your progress, contact us so we can adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Common side effects of Spravato typically occur during and shortly after treatment and include:
Dissociation — A feeling of detachment from reality (temporary, usually mild).
Sedation — Drowsiness or sleepiness.
Increased Blood Pressure — Blood pressure may temporarily rise; we monitor this closely.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness — Common during the monitoring period.
Nausea — Some patients experience mild nausea.
Most side effects resolve within a few hours and are well-tolerated. Our team monitors you throughout your session and can manage any discomfort. Serious side effects are rare in a supervised clinical setting.
Copay amounts vary by insurance plan:
Medicaid: Typically $0 (most state Medicaid plans cover Spravato with little to no patient cost).
Commercial Plans: Once your deductible is met, copays typically range from $10–$60 per session. Before your deductible is met, costs may be higher. Exact amounts depend on your specific plan.
Savings Programs: Janssen Pharmaceuticals offers the "Spravato With Me" savings program for eligible patients, which may further reduce or eliminate copays.
Call us to verify your exact costs. We can often provide a cost estimate based on your specific insurance plan.
Take the First Step
Call us to review your treatment history and find out if Spravato is the right next step. No cost, no obligation.
(231) 829-7126Insurance Accepted
BCBSM · BCN · Priority Health · Medicare · Medicaid · Aetna · UHC/Optum · McLaren · and others