For individuals struggling with treatment-resistant depression or depression accompanied by suicidal thoughts, standard antidepressants and talk therapy may not always provide enough relief. In recent years, a fast-acting and innovative treatment has emerged: ketamine, and more specifically, Spravato (esketamine).
At Reverence Behavioral Health Services, we offer Spravato (esketamine) as part of our advanced, personalized mental health treatment program. If you’ve tried multiple therapies without success, this option may offer a new way forward. In this blog, we’ll explain what ketamine is, how Spravato works, who it may help, and what to expect from treatment at our clinic.
What Is Ketamine?
Ketamine has been used for decades in medical settings as an anesthetic. Over time, researchers discovered that at lower doses, it has a rapid and significant effect on mood, especially for individuals experiencing severe or treatment-resistant depression.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which act on serotonin and other neurotransmitters and may take weeks to start working, ketamine affects a different system in the brain called the glutamate system. This system plays a key role in mood regulation, emotional response, and the brain’s ability to adapt and heal.
Ketamine appears to enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections, which may explain why many individuals report quick relief from depressive symptoms, sometimes within hours or days.
What Is Spravato (Esketamine)?
Spravato is a form of ketamine known as esketamine. It’s an FDA-approved nasal spray specifically indicated for adults with:
- Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
- Major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior
Esketamine is closely related to traditional ketamine but is more refined in its structure, making it a powerful and targeted tool for improving mood and restoring hope in individuals who have not responded to other interventions.
Spravato is not used at home. It must be administered in a certified medical setting under direct supervision. At Reverence Behavioral Health Services, we provide a comfortable, private environment where patients can receive this treatment safely and with the support of our experienced care team.
How Does Spravato Work?
Unlike oral antidepressants that circulate through your entire system, Spravato is delivered intranasally, where it is absorbed quickly and begins acting on brain receptors that are involved in mood, emotion, and stress regulation.
The exact way esketamine works is still being studied, but we do know that it:
- Targets NMDA receptors, which influence the brain’s glutamate system
- Helps stimulate brain cell growth and improve neural connectivity
- May help reduce the intensity of suicidal thoughts or severe depressive symptoms quickly
- Often works well in combination with traditional oral antidepressants
Because of its fast-acting nature, Spravato is especially valuable when someone is in crisis or when previous treatments have failed to provide sustained relief.
What to Expect During Spravato Treatment
Your treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation to determine whether Spravato is right for you. If approved, your first session will be scheduled in one of our dedicated treatment rooms at Reverence.
Here’s what the process typically looks like:
- Arrival & Preparation. You’ll be welcomed into a private room, where you can relax before your session. A provider will walk you through what to expect and answer any last-minute questions.
- Nasal Spray Administration. You’ll self-administer the nasal spray under supervision. The medication is absorbed quickly and begins to take effect within minutes.
- Observation & Support. You’ll remain in our care for about two hours after each session so we can monitor your response and ensure your comfort. Many people feel a sense of detachment, relaxation, or dissociation during the experience. This is expected and typically passes within the observation period.
- Aftercare & Transportation. Because Spravato can cause temporary sedation or dizziness, you will need a trusted adult to drive you home after your session.
Spravato is typically administered twice a week for the first four weeks, followed by once-weekly or biweekly maintenance sessions, depending on how you respond.
Who Might Benefit from Spravato?
You may be a candidate for Spravato if:
- You’ve tried two or more antidepressants without meaningful relief
- You’re experiencing significant depressive symptoms that impact your ability to function
- You’ve had thoughts of self-harm or hopelessness that have not improved with traditional care
- You are willing to commit to in-person treatment sessions and follow-up monitoring
Spravato is not appropriate for everyone, so our team carefully evaluates each patient’s full medical and psychiatric history before recommending this treatment.
Personalized Care at Reverence
At Reverence Behavioral Health Services, Spravato is never offered in isolation. It is part of a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that may include:
- EEG brain mapping to track brain activity
- Genetic testing to guide medication choices
- Psychotherapy to process and build long-term emotional resilience
- IV hydration and nutritional support to promote brain-body health
By combining Spravato with these advanced tools and therapies, we aim to address both the biological and emotional layers of depression, offering you a truly integrative path to recovery.
Support for Warrenville, IL
If you’re living with treatment-resistant depression, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of options. But science is evolving, and so is care. Spravato (esketamine) represents a new chapter in depression treatment: one that focuses on fast-acting, brain-based relief when it’s needed most.
At Reverence Behavioral Health Services, we’re here to guide you with clarity, compassion, and personalized expertise. If you’d like to learn more about Spravato or begin the process of evaluation, we invite you to reach out. You don’t have to face this alone and you don’t have to settle for feeling stuck. For appointments in Warrenville, IL, call us today at 312-471-1639.
