At Ascend Psychiatry in Union, NJ, we provide medically supervised Spravato® (esketamine) treatment for individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression.
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray that works differently from traditional antidepressants by targeting NMDA receptors involved in mood regulation. Unlike standard antidepressant medications that can take weeks to show results, Spravato may help relieve depressive symptoms more rapidly for eligible patients.
Treatment is administered in-office under medical supervision as part of a structured treatment program. At Ascend Psychiatry, Spravato therapy is provided within a comprehensive, evidence-based mental health care plan designed to support individuals who have not found adequate improvement with traditional treatments.
Ascend Psychiatry is a Spravato REMS-certified treatment center, ensuring patients receive treatment in a safe and medically monitored setting.
Spravato is FDA-approved for the treatment of Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) in adults.
Treatment-resistant depression occurs when depressive symptoms do not improve after trying at least two different antidepressant medications at adequate doses.
Spravato works by targeting glutamate pathways in the brain, which play a key role in mood regulation and neural connectivity.
Spravato may be considered for individuals experiencing:
Because Spravato is a specialized treatment, it must be administered in a certified medical clinic under physician supervision.
Spravato treatment may be appropriate for individuals whose depression has not improved with traditional treatments.
You may be a candidate if:
During a consultation at Ascend Psychiatry in Union, NJ, a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is performed to determine whether Spravato treatment is appropriate for your condition.
Spravato treatment is administered in a structured clinical setting to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Your psychiatrist reviews your diagnosis, treatment history, and current symptoms to determine eligibility for Spravato therapy.
Spravato is delivered as a nasal spray under medical supervision in our office.
Patients remain in the clinic for approximately two hours of observation following each treatment session to monitor response and ensure safety.
Spravato is typically administered in phases:
Induction phase
Two treatments per week for the first four weeks.
Maintenance phase
Treatments are gradually spaced out depending on symptom response and clinical progress.
Spravato must be administered under the FDA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, which ensures safe and supervised use.
This structured monitoring process helps ensure both safety and optimal treatment
response for those seeking care at Ascend Psychiatry.
Patients often ask what the experience of Spravato treatment feels like. During treatment, some individuals notice temporary changes in perception, relaxation, or a sense of mental distance from usual thoughts and emotions.
Common short-term effects during or shortly after treatment may include:
These effects typically occur during the observation period and gradually resolve within a few hours. Because of these temporary effects, patients remain in the clinic for monitoring after treatment and must arrange transportation home.
Many patients describe the experience as calm or reflective, and some report noticing improvements in mood over the course of treatment sessions.
At Ascend Psychiatry, our team assists with the insurance authorization process and helps determine whether Spravato treatment is covered under your plan. During your consultation, we review expected coverage, potential out-of-pocket costs, and available treatment options.
Many insurance plans cover Spravato treatment for treatment-resistant depression when clinical criteria are met.
Coverage typically requires:
Spravato works on the NMDA receptor in the brain rather than focusing solely on serotonin levels. This unique mechanism may provide faster relief for treatment-resistant depression.
Yes, when administered in a certified medical office under supervision, Spravato is considered safe and FDA-approved. Patients are monitored for at least two hours after each dose to ensure stability.
The initial phase typically involves twice-weekly treatments for four weeks. Afterward, sessions are gradually reduced based on patient response.
If you are struggling with depression that has not improved with traditional treatments, Spravato therapy may offer another treatment option.
Ascend Psychiatry offers comprehensive consultations to determine whether Spravato treatment is appropriate for your condition.
Contact our office to schedule an evaluation and learn more about Spravato treatment.