Spravato Treatment in Georgia: A Breakthrough for Depression

For people struggling with depression that hasn't responded to traditional antidepressants, Spravato (esketamine) offers new hope. This FDA-approved nasal spray represents a breakthrough in depression treatment, working through a completely different mechanism than conventional medications.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, Georgia, we're proud to offer Spravato treatment to patients throughout Metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia.

What Is Spravato?

Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a nasal spray medication approved by the FDA in 2019 for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and in 2020 for major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or actions.

Unlike traditional antidepressants that primarily affect serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, Spravato works on the glutamate system—the brain's most abundant neurotransmitter. This unique mechanism can provide relief when other medications haven't worked.

How Spravato Works

Spravato targets NMDA receptors in the brain, triggering a cascade of effects that:

• Rapidly increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
• Promote new neural connections (synaptogenesis)
• Restore communication between brain cells
• Provide quick relief from depression symptoms

Many patients experience improvement within hours to days, compared to weeks or months with traditional antidepressants.

Who Is a Candidate for Spravato?

Spravato may be right for you if:

• You have treatment-resistant depression (tried at least 2 antidepressants without adequate response)
• You have major depression with suicidal ideation
• Traditional antidepressants haven't provided sufficient relief
• You're looking for faster-acting treatment options

Spravato is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, not as a standalone treatment.

What to Expect During Spravato Treatment

Treatment Sessions

Spravato is administered in a certified healthcare setting—like our Lilburn office—under medical supervision. Here's what a typical session involves:

1. Self-administration: You'll spray the medication into your nose under our guidance
2. Monitoring period: You'll relax in our comfortable treatment room for at least 2 hours while we monitor you
3. Common effects: You may experience dissociation, dizziness, or sedation during this time
4. Safe departure: You must have someone drive you home; no driving until the next day

Treatment Schedule

A typical Spravato treatment plan includes:

• Weeks 1-4: Twice-weekly sessions
• Weeks 5-8: Once-weekly sessions
• Week 9 and beyond: Weekly or every-other-week maintenance sessions

Insurance Coverage for Spravato in Georgia

Many insurance plans cover Spravato treatment. At Next Step Psychiatry, we work with major insurers including:

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Cigna
• United Healthcare
• Medicare

Our team helps navigate prior authorization requirements and works to maximize your insurance benefits.

Why Choose Next Step Psychiatry for Spravato?

As a certified REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) provider, Next Step Psychiatry meets all FDA requirements for administering Spravato safely. Our advantages include:

• Experienced providers: Our team is specially trained in Spravato administration
• Comfortable setting: Relaxing treatment rooms designed for your comfort
• Comprehensive care: We manage your entire depression treatment, not just Spravato
• Convenient location: Easy access from anywhere in Metro Atlanta
• Insurance expertise: We help you understand and maximize coverage

Spravato Results

Clinical trials showed significant improvement in depression symptoms:

• Many patients see improvement within 24 hours of first treatment
• Continued improvement with ongoing treatment
• Sustained benefits with maintenance sessions
• Particularly effective for treatment-resistant cases

Start Spravato Treatment in Georgia

If you've been struggling with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments, Spravato could be the breakthrough you've been waiting for. Next Step Psychiatry serves patients from Atlanta, Gwinnett County, Fulton County, DeKalb County, and throughout Georgia.

Schedule a consultation to find out if Spravato is right for you. You can also contact us with questions or to learn more about the treatment process.