Is Spravato Right for You — And Who Is It Really For?
Do you still feel stuck in your depression, even though you’ve tried multiple antidepressants? Ever find yourself wondering if you’ll ever actually feel better?
If so, you’re not alone. Many people continue to struggle with depression despite trying multiple medications. It can be discouraging to wonder, “If I’m doing everything right, why do I still feel this way?”
When depression doesn’t respond to standard medications, it’s often called treatment-resistant depression. This doesn’t mean you can’t get better—it simply means your brain may need a different type of approach. Spravato (esketamine) is one option that may help when traditional antidepressants haven’t been enough.
What Spravato Is
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal-spray form of esketamine, a medication related to ketamine. It is specifically approved for adults with treatment-resistant depression and is always used in combination with an oral antidepressant.
Unlike traditional antidepressants that work mainly on serotonin, Spravato targets a different system in the brain. Because of this, it may offer a path forward for people who haven’t experienced meaningful improvement with standard medication options.
How Spravato Works in the Brain
Spravato acts on a neurotransmitter called glutamate, which plays a role in mood, learning, and how the brain processes experiences. By influencing this system, Spravato may help the brain form new neural connections—often referred to as neuroplasticity.
For some people, this allows for:
moving closer to depression remission
feeling less “stuck”
improved mood and clarity
improved emotional resilience
Some people notice early shifts in their symptoms within the first day or two of treatment, while for others the changes are more gradual over the first several weeks. We monitor your response closely from the very beginning so we can understand how you’re progressing and adjust your plan as needed.
What a Spravato Session Is Like
At Breakthrough HQ, Spravato sessions are designed to feel calm, comfortable, and supportive. Each session lasts about 2 hours and follows a structured process:
checking in and having your vital signs taken
self-administering the nasal spray under supervision
settling into a comfortable reclining chair in our Spravato treatment area while the medication takes effect
continuous monitoring and check-ins
arranging a ride home, since you won’t be able to drive after treatment
Many people describe the experience as calming, reflective, or mildly dissociative. Our team stays nearby to help you feel safe, grounded, and informed throughout the visit.
Who Spravato May Be Right For
Spravato may be considered for adults who:
have tried at least two antidepressants without enough improvement
continue to experience significant depressive symptoms
want a structured, medically supervised treatment
prefer an FDA-approved option backed by research
Before starting treatment, we complete a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation to determine whether Spravato is an appropriate next step for you.
Insurance and Cost
Many people are surprised to learn that Spravato is often covered by commercial insurance once prior authorization is obtained. This typically includes the medication and the required monitoring time. Our team handles the authorization process and reviews expected costs with you so there are fewer surprises.
How Spravato Can Help
Every person’s experience with Spravato is unique, but people who benefit often describe:
improved overall mood
feeling lighter or less weighed down
fewer or less intense suicidal thoughts
more energy or motivation
better day-to-day functioning
a renewed sense of possibility after feeling stuck for so long
For many, the biggest shift is that something finally starts to change after years of feeling like nothing worked.
Taking the Next Step
If you’ve tried multiple medications for depression and still feel stuck, it does not mean you’re out of options. Spravato may be a next step worth exploring as part of a thoughtful, individualized treatment plan.
At Breakthrough HQ, we offer Spravato in a calm and supportive environment with a team that knows your story and walks with you through every step of the process. Our goal is to help you feel safe, informed, and genuinely supported as you move through treatment.
You don’t have to stay in the same place forever. With the right support and approach, it is possible to feel differently—and to feel more like yourself again.
