Who is the Best Candidate for SPRAVATO® Treatment?
At Anew Psychiatry, we evaluate each person carefully. In general, the people who are most likely to benefit are those who meet criteria such as:
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Adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have tried at least two different antidepressant medications (in adequate doses for adequate duration) without sufficient relief — this is often called treatment‑resistant depression (TRD)
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Individuals whose depression remains debilitating despite attempting standard treatments — meaning the usual medications, therapies, etc., have not achieved the desired improvement.
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Those who are willing and able to attend treatment sessions in a clinic environment, and willing to be monitored after each administration for about two hours (because of sedation, dissociation, etc.)
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People who may also have depression with suicidal thoughts or behaviors (in conjunction with an oral antidepressant) — because SPRAVATO® has been studied for these uses as well.
It is not appropriate if someone cannot commit to the clinic visits, observation period, or if there are absolute contraindications (for example certain vascular conditions) as indicated in the official prescribing information. Janssen Labels
Does Insurance Pay for SPRAVATO®?
Yes — one of the advantages of SPRAVATO® at our clinic is that it is FDA‑approved, which means many insurance plans do cover it (including many major insurers and Medicare, depending on plan and circumstances).
Here are some important points about insurance & cost:
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Because the treatment is approved for TRD and similar indications, insurance is more likely to cover it after two or more prior antidepressant trials have failed, which is an eligibility criterion in many payer policies.
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Our team helps you explore your insurance benefits, get prior authorization if needed, and can assist with manufacturer copay assistance programs that the manufacturer offers to help cover medication cost and/or office visit cost.
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Even with insurance, you may have some out‑of‑pocket cost depending on your plan (deductible, coinsurance, etc.). We will provide a transparent breakdown of what you can expect before treatment begins.
What to Expect: The Treatment Process
At Anew Psychiatry we ensure that your experience with SPRAVATO® is safe, comfortable, and supportive from start to finish:
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Initial Consultation & Evaluation
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A detailed psychiatric evaluation to determine whether SPRAVATO® is an appropriate option based on your diagnosis, treatment history, medical history, and logistics (can you attend the sessions, do you have a ride home, etc.).
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We review your prior antidepressant treatments (how many, which ones, how long) to confirm eligibility for TRD criteria.
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We explain benefits, risks, side‑effects, clinic logistics, monitoring requirements, and cost/insurance details.
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First Treatment Session (Induction Phase)
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On the day of the nasal spray, you arrive at our clinic, and one of our trained staff administers the spray under supervision.
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You remain in our monitored treatment area for about two hours after administration, to observe for potential side‑effects such as dissociation, sedation, raised blood pressure, etc.
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We have a comfortable, calm, and supportive treatment environment — your comfort is a priority.
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Treatment Schedule
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Typically, the initial phase involves twice‑weekly sessions for about the first 4 weeks (depending on individual response).
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After the induction phase, frequencies may reduce (for example weekly, then every two weeks, then possibly monthly) depending on how you respond and are maintained.
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Each session includes pre‑treatment vitals, administration, monitored observation, and post‑session check‑in.
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Maintenance & Check‑Ins
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We provide ongoing psychiatric support, evaluating how you’re doing clinically, adjusting schedule as needed, and monitoring for any side‑effects or relapses.
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Your safety and comfort are maintained throughout: you’re not just treated with the spray — you’re supported by our team.
What Are the Benefits — And What Should You Know?
Benefits:
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Rapid onset: Some patients notice improvements in symptoms within hours or days (not weeks) of beginning SPRAVATO®.
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A novel mechanism: For people who haven’t responded to typical antidepressants, SPRAVATO® offers a different way to treat depression.
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Administered in a clinic setting with supervision, which may add safety and structure.
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For many patients, the fact that they have additional treatment options gives hope, restores sense of agency, and improves quality of life.
Risks / Things to Know:
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Because of sedation, dissociation (feeling “out of it”), increased blood pressure, and other potential side‑effects, monitoring is required.
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It must be administered in a certified setting; you cannot self‑administer at home.
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It isn’t a guaranteed “cure” — response varies from person to person.
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Cost and insurance coverage vary; out‑of‑pocket costs may apply depending on your plan.
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You must have a ride home after each session since you cannot drive yourself right away.
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Why Choose Anew Psychiatry for SPRAVATO® Treatment?
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We specialize in personalized, trauma‑informed and comprehensive psychiatric care — we understand that you are unique, and we tailor treatments accordingly.
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Our treatment area is designed for comfort, safety, and support — you’ll be in a calm, cozy environment where your feedback matters and your comfort is a priority.
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We handle the administrative side: insurance verification, pre‑authorizations, cost consultations, logistics of clinic visits — so you can focus on healing.
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We follow up: Every session is not just a “spray and go” — we monitor progress, side‑effects, schedule adjustments and support your path to wellness.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you or a loved one have tried multiple antidepressants without the relief you deserve, SPRAVATO® may be the breakthrough treatment you’ve been waiting for. At Anew Psychiatry, we’re here to walk that path with you.
