SPRAVATO (esketamine)
SPRAVATO Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Decatur, GA
SPRAVATO Offered at MindBodySoul Mental Health & Family Practice in Decatur GA.
If you’re struggling with treatment-resistant depression or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts and haven’t found relief through traditional oral antidepressants, SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray may be a breakthrough option for you. MindBodySoul Health is proud to offer certified SPRAVATO® treatment services at our Decatur, GA clinic under the guidance of experienced mental health professionals.
What is Spravato Nasal Spray and How Does It Work?
Spravato® is an innovative treatment that offers transformative relief from depression symptoms, especially for individuals who haven’t found success with traditional antidepressants. During Spravato® therapy, a certified clinical professional administers a nasal spray form of esketamine (a refined half-molecule of ketamine) in a safe, medically supervised setting.
Spravato® is currently the only FDA-approved ketamine-based therapy for depression and is covered by most major insurance plans, making it accessible for many patients seeking advanced treatment options. It has become one of the most promising therapies for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), particularly for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who experience suicidal thoughts or actions.
Unlike standard antidepressants—such as SSRIs and SNRIs—that focus on serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, Spravato® takes a different approach. It works by blocking the NMDA receptor, which stimulates rapid increases in neural connectivity. This process helps “rewire” the brain’s pathways, allowing patients to form healthier thought patterns and experience improvements in mood, energy, and overall outlook.
FDA-Approved and Insurance-Covered Treatment Option
Spravato® is a prescription nasal spray specifically approved for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Its unique mechanism targets NMDA receptors, offering a new therapeutic pathway for individuals who have not improved with traditional antidepressants. This FDA-approved treatment is covered by most insurance plans for eligible patients.
SPRAVATO Dosing Guide: What to Expect
1. Induction Phase (Weeks 1–4):
- Twice-weekly treatments
- 56 mg or 84 mg dose per session
- Helps assess individual tolerance and rapid symptom relief
2. Maintenance Phase (Week 5 and beyond):
- Once-weekly doses (Weeks 5–8)
- Every 2 weeks or as clinically needed thereafter
- Dose may be 56 mg or 84 mg depending on therapeutic response
How Is SPRAVATO Administered?
SPRAVATO® is a nasal spray self-administered by the patient under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider at a certified SPRAVATO® treatment center.
It is not taken at home and must always be given in a controlled medical setting that participates in the REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program.
Step-by-Step Process
- Pre-Treatment
- Patients are advised to avoid eating for at least 2 hours and avoid drinking liquids for 30 minutes before treatment.
- Vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen) are checked before dosing.
- Administration
- SPRAVATO® comes in single-use nasal spray devices (each device delivers 28 mg of esketamine in two sprays — one per nostril).
- Depending on the prescribed dose:
- 56 mg = 2 devices
- 84 mg = 3 devices
- The patient sprays once in each nostril per device, under provider guidance.
- A 5-minute rest period is observed between devices to allow absorption.
- Observation Period
- After dosing, patients remain in the clinic for at least 2 hours for monitoring of:
- Blood pressure
- Sedation, dissociation, and alertness
- A provider determines when the patient is safe to leave.
- After dosing, patients remain in the clinic for at least 2 hours for monitoring of:
- Post-Treatment
- Patients cannot drive or operate machinery until the next day after a full night’s rest.
- They must arrange for transportation home after each session.
Important Safety Information About SPRAVATO
What is the most important information I should know about SPRAVATO®?
- Sedation, dissociation, and respiratory depression. You may feel sleepy, faint, dizzy, anxious, or disconnected from your body or surroundings.
- Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you feel like you cannot stay awake or if you are going to pass out.
- Your healthcare provider must monitor you for serious side effects for at least 2 hours after taking SPRAVATO®.
Abuse and Misuse
- SPRAVATO® carries a risk for abuse and dependence.
- Inform your provider if you have a history of substance use disorders.
SPRAVATO® REMS Program
- SPRAVATO® is only available through the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program.
- MindBodySoul Health is a certified REMS treatment center.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
- Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts in patients aged 24 and under.
- Depression and serious mental illnesses are leading causes of suicidal behavior.
- You and your family should monitor any changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts.
- Contact your provider or emergency services if symptoms worsen.
Symptoms to watch for:
- New or worsening depression
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Anxiety, panic attacks, restlessness
- Aggression or unusual mood changes
How to Use SPRAVATO Nasal Spray
- Do not blow your nose prior to use.
- Insert spray into one nostril, press plunger.
- Repeat in the second nostril. Wait 5 minutes between sprays if using multiple devices.
- Sit upright for 5 minutes post-use.
Is SPRAVATO Right for You?
- Individuals with a history of aneurysms or intracerebral bleeding
- Those with substance use disorders (evaluated case-by-case)
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- Patients under 18 years old
SPRAVATO at MindBodySoul Mental Health & Family Practice in Decatur, GA
Spravato® treatment spaces are intentionally designed to promote safety, comfort, and emotional healing. Every element of our environment reflects trauma-informed design, ensuring that patients feel supported, respected, and at ease from the moment they enter their room.
We offer:
- Private, quiet treatment suites to enhance comfort and relaxation
- Soft blankets and weighted blankets to help calm the nervous system
- Relaxing music options to support grounding and emotional regulation
- A peaceful, low-stimulus atmosphere that encourages mindfulness and healing
- Optional eye masks for clients who prefer a more reflective, inward experience
Our goal is to create a space where you can truly unwind, feel safe, and focus on your healing while our medical team provides attentive, compassionate care throughout your Spravato® session
Why Choose Spravato® (Esketamine) for Your Depression Treatment
For many individuals, trying multiple antidepressants with little benefit can be incredibly frustrating. Spravato®, an FDA-approved nasal spray form of esketamine, offers a significant advantage over standard antidepressant treatments. By acting on unique neural pathways, Spravato® provides promising relief for those who have not responded to traditional medications.
At MindBodySoul Mental Health & Family Practice in Decatur, GA, we offer Spravato® (esketamine) a science-backed option for patients who are tired, overwhelmed, and ready for true progress.
SPRAVATO® Patient Resources
Covered by Most Insurance. We Help You Every Step of the Way
Worried about cost? Many patients are relieved to learn that Spravato® is covered by most major insurance plans for those
with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Our care-advocate team handles the insurance verification for you, explains your benefits clearly, and supports you through the approval process so you can focus on feeling better, not on paperwork.
FMLA/STD PAPERWORK HELP.
At MindBodySoul Mental Health and Family Practice, we understand that seeking advanced treatments like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) and Spravato therapy represents a crucial step in your mental health journey—one that shouldn’t be compromised by workplace pressures or financial strain. Our comprehensive care extends beyond the treatment room to include dedicated support for patients navigating Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Short-Term Disability (STD) processes. These innovative therapies, while life-changing for treatment-resistant depression, often require consistent scheduling over several weeks, making job protection and income security essential components of successful recovery. Our experienced clinical team works closely with patients to provide the detailed medical documentation required for FMLA approval, ensuring you can focus entirely on healing without fear of employment consequences. For those whose symptoms significantly impact their ability to work, we provide thorough STD evaluations and ongoing documentation to support your claim, recognizing that financial stability during treatment is not a luxury—it’s a fundamental part of comprehensive mental healthcare. Because at MindBodySoul, we believe that accessing cutting-edge psychiatric treatments shouldn’t force you to choose between your career and your mental health.
Ben’s Story
Meet Ben, a 40-year-old from New York who has treatment-resistant depression (TRD). His internal struggles led to feelings of worthlessness and isolation, affecting his daily life. Ben had tried multiple antidepressants before his psychiatrist recommended SPRAVATO®. Learn more about Ben’s SPRAVATO® (esketamine) treatment experience and his experience with treatment-resistant depression in this video.
Find Relief When Nothing Else Has Worked – Start SPRAVATO® in Decatur Today
If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants without success, you don’t have to keep waiting for change. SPRAVATO® is a breakthrough FDA-approved treatment for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal thoughts, available right here at MindBodySoul in Decatur. Our certified clinicians provide safe, supportive care in a private setting—so you can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
SPRAVATO® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray derived from ketamine, used to treat treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts. It acts on NMDA receptors in the brain, offering rapid symptom relief when combined with an oral antidepressant.
SPRAVATO® is typically prescribed for adults who have not responded to at least two other antidepressants. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation at MindBodySoul will determine your eligibility based on medical history, diagnosis, and safety profile.
You’ll self-administer the nasal spray under supervision in a private treatment room. Our medical staff monitors you for 2 hours post-administration for safety and side effects such as sedation or dissociation. You cannot drive home afterward, so transportation must be arranged.
Many patients report symptom improvement within the first few sessions—often as early as Week 1 of treatment. However, response time varies. It is important to complete the full induction and maintenance phases for sustained results.
Treatment begins with twice-weekly sessions during the first month (Induction Phase), then typically shifts to weekly or biweekly sessions during the Maintenance Phase. Dosing is individualized based on your progress and tolerability.
Many commercial insurers and Medicare plans cover SPRAVATO®, but prior authorization is usually required. Our team will help verify your benefits, obtain approvals, and minimize out-of-pocket costs wherever possible.
Common side effects include dizziness, dissociation, nausea, sedation, and increased blood pressure. These are typically short-lived and monitored during your visit. Rare but serious risks include respiratory depression and abuse potential, which is why treatment is only available at certified REMS centers like MindBodySoul.
Yes. We provide full support for FMLA and Short-Term Disability (STD) paperwork. Our clinicians are experienced in preparing the documentation you need to protect your job and income during treatment.
While both are derived from ketamine, SPRAVATO® is an FDA-approved nasal spray with a defined dosing protocol and safety monitoring. Ketamine infusions are off-label and typically not covered by insurance. SPRAVATO® is administered only at REMS-certified clinics like ours.
Start by scheduling a consultation at (404) 748-4434. We’ll assess your symptoms, review your treatment history, and determine whether SPRAVATO® is the right option for you. If eligible, we’ll begin the intake and insurance approval process right away.