Spravato Treatment Process
Everything you need to know about what to expect before, during, and after Spravato treatment—from your first consultation through maintenance sessions.
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation
What We'll Review
- Complete depression history and previous treatments
- Documentation of treatment-resistant depression
- Current medications and medical conditions
- Cardiovascular health and blood pressure history
- Substance use history
Eligibility Criteria
- Diagnosed with major depressive disorder
- Failed at least 2 antidepressant trials OR
- MDD with acute suicidal ideation
- No uncontrolled hypertension
- Able to have a reliable ride home
Your Treatment Session
Each session takes approximately 2-2.5 hours total
Pre-Treatment Preparation
- Don't eat for 2 hours before treatment (light snack okay if needed)
- Don't drink large amounts of liquid before treatment
- Take your regular medications as prescribed
- Arrange your ride home—you cannot drive for 24 hours
- Wear comfortable clothing
Baseline Assessment
- Check-in and paperwork completion
- Blood pressure measurement
- Brief wellness check with our team
- Review of any concerns or questions
Spravato Administration
- Seated in our comfortable treatment room
- Self-administer nasal spray under supervision (2-3 devices)
- Each spray takes about 5 minutes
- Total administration takes 5-15 minutes
Monitoring Period
- Rest in a comfortable, quiet environment
- Blood pressure checked at 40 minutes and 2 hours
- Staff available if you need anything
- You may experience dissociation, dizziness, or drowsiness
- These effects typically resolve within 90 minutes
Post-Treatment & Departure
- Final blood pressure and cognitive assessment
- Provider clearance before leaving
- Your designated driver takes you home
- Rest for the remainder of the day recommended
Treatment Schedule
Spravato treatment follows a phased approach
Induction Phase
Weeks 1-4
Frequency
Twice weekly
Sessions
8 sessions
Intensive treatment to establish therapeutic response
Maintenance Phase
Weeks 5-8
Frequency
Once weekly
Sessions
4 sessions
Weekly sessions to stabilize improvement
Long-term Maintenance
Week 9+
Frequency
Weekly or bi-weekly
Sessions
Individualized
Personalized schedule based on your response
When Will I Feel Better?
Response times vary, but many patients report improvement within the first few treatments:
- 24-48 hours: Some patients notice initial changes
- 1-2 weeks: Many experience noticeable improvement
- 4-8 weeks: Optimal response typically achieved
Important Requirements
Transportation Requirement
You cannot drive yourself home after Spravato treatment. This is a safety requirement, not a suggestion.
- Arrange a ride before your appointment
- Don't drive until the next day after a good night's sleep
- Uber/Lyft is acceptable if you don't have a personal ride
Concurrent Oral Antidepressant
Spravato is approved to be used alongside an oral antidepressant, not as a standalone treatment.
- Continue your current oral antidepressant
- We'll optimize your medication regimen
- Combined approach provides best results
Told Spravato Isn't Covered? Give Us a Chance.
We specialize in obtaining Spravato coverage when other clinics couldn't. Whether you have commercial insurance, marketplace plans, Medicare, Medicaid, or other coverage—we very likely can figure it out.
Ready to Start Your Spravato Journey?
Our team will guide you through every step of the process. Schedule your initial consultation to see if Spravato is right for you.
Next Step Psychiatry • 4145 Lawrenceville Hwy STE 100, Lilburn, GA 30047