Frequently Asked Questions About Spravato Treatment

Everything you need to know about FDA-approved esketamine therapy for treatment-resistant depression. Honest answers from New Jersey's most experienced Spravato specialists.

Treatment & Effectiveness

How Spravato works, success rates, and what to expect from your treatment journey.

Safety & Side Effects

FDA approval, monitoring protocols, and comprehensive safety information.

Insurance & Costs

Coverage details, copay assistance, and financial options for treatment.

Scheduling & Process

Appointment booking, treatment timeline, and what happens during visits.

Getting
Started

Qualification criteria, consultation process, and first steps to treatment.

Treatment & Effectiveness

Get clear answers about how Spravato works and what to expect from treatment. Our team has administered over 20,000 treatments and can help you understand this breakthrough therapy's effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression.
Here is the list of the 5 most common questions our patients ask us during our evaluations.

Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin, Spravato (esketamine) works on the brain's glutamate system through NMDA receptors. This different pathway allows it to help patients who haven't responded to 2+ traditional medications and often provides relief within hours rather than weeks.

Clinical studies show that approximately 70% of patients with treatment-resistant depression experience significant improvement with Spravato. In our practice with over 20,000 treatments, we've seen consistent results well exceeding these clinical trial outcomes.

Many patients notice improvement within hours to days after their first treatment, with the full benefits typically emerging over the first 4-8 weeks of treatment. This rapid action is one of Spravato's key advantages over traditional antidepressants.

Each Spravato session lasts approximately 2 hours. This includes the nasal spray administration (about 15 minutes) and a required 2-hour observation period where our medical team monitors you for any side effects.

Treatment-resistant depression is diagnosed when a patient hasn't achieved adequate relief after trying at least 2 different antidepressants at proper doses for sufficient time periods during their current depressive episode.

When covered by insurance, Spravato is often more cost-effective than ongoing therapy sessions, multiple medication trials, or inpatient psychiatric treatment. The rapid effectiveness can also reduce the overall cost and duration of treatment compared to traditional approaches.

Safety & Side Effects

Let's be completely transparent about what you might experience during and after Spravato treatment. Most side effects are mild to moderate, predictable, and resolve within 2 hours. Our experienced team knows exactly how to help you through any discomfort, and we monitor you continuously to ensure your safety.

Spravato is FDA-approved with extensive clinical trial data supporting its safety profile. It's administered only at REMS-certified treatment centers like ours, ensuring the highest safety standards. With over 20,000 treatments administered, our team has extensive experience managing the treatment safely and effectively.

The most common side effects include: dissociation (feeling disconnected), dizziness, nausea, sedation, and increased blood pressure. These effects are typically mild to moderate and occur during or shortly after treatment. Our medical team monitors you throughout the process and knows how to manage each of these effectively.

Most side effects resolve within 1-2 hours after treatment, which is why we monitor you for a full 2 hours before you're cleared to leave. By the time you go home, you should feel back to normal. Side effects lasting longer than 24 hours are very uncommon.

During every treatment, we monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and overall well-being. You'll be in a comfortable, supervised environment with trained medical staff. We require that someone else drives you home, and we provide clear instructions for post-treatment care and what to watch for.

Spravato is not recommended for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, history of brain aneurysm, or active substance abuse. During your consultation, Dr. Boguslavsky and his medical team will review your complete medical history to ensure Spravato is safe and appropriate for you.

No, Spravato is not addictive when used as prescribed in a medical setting. While ketamine has been misused recreationally, Spravato (esketamine) is administered under strict medical supervision at certified treatment centers. The controlled dosing, medical monitoring, and treatment protocol significantly reduce any risk of dependency. Our patients take Spravato only during scheduled appointments with our medical team present.

Insurance & Costs

We believe cost should never be a barrier to breakthrough depression treatment. With a 97%+ insurance approval rate, most patients pay little to nothing for Spravato therapy. Our team handles all prior authorization paperwork and works directly with your insurance company to maximize your benefits.

Here are the most important things to know about Spravato costs and coverage.

Yes, most major insurance plans cover Spravato when medically necessary for treatment-resistant depression. We have a 97% approval rate with insurance companies. Coverage typically includes both the medication and the required monitoring visits. We verify your specific benefits before starting treatment.

Most patients pay only their standard copay (typically $10-40 per visit). Even those with high-deductible plans, pay fairly little due to the SpravatoWithMe program from Janssen, and their costs are significantly less than paying out-of-pocket for other depression treatments. We can provide you with more details after verifying your insurance benefits.

Absolutely. Our team handles all insurance paperwork, prior authorization requests, and appeals if needed. We work directly with your insurance company to get approval, which typically takes 3-10 business days. You won't need to navigate the insurance process yourself.

If initial coverage is denied, we file appeals with additional medical documentation. We also help patients access the SpravatoWithMe copay assistance program, which can reduce costs to as little as $10 per treatment for eligible patients. We explore every option to make this genuinely transformative treatment affordable.

Yes, we offer flexible payment plans for patients with high out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, the SpravatoWithMe program provides significant copay assistance for commercially insured patients. We also accept HSA and FSA payments for qualified expenses.

When covered by insurance, Spravato is often more cost-effective than ongoing therapy sessions, multiple medication trials, or inpatient psychiatric treatment. The rapid effectiveness can also reduce the overall cost and duration of treatment compared to traditional approaches.

Ready to Get Your Questions Answered by Our Specialists?

After your Benefits and Eligibility Screen, go on to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Boguslavsky and his team to discuss your specific situation and  to determine if Spravato is right for you.

Our REMS-certified specialists will verify your insurance coverage, assess your eligibility for Spravato treatment, and answer any questions about the process. Most screenings are completed within 24 hours, with same-day appointments available for qualified candidates. 

  • No-obligation consultation
  • We handle all insurance verification
  • Rapid relief - often within hours, not weeks
  • FDA-approved and proven effective
  • Most insurance plans accepted
  • Nearly 20,000 treatments administered
  • REMS-certified treatment specialists
  • Same-day evaluations available
  • Many patients able to start treatment next day!
  • No risk of addiction or dependency
  • 97%+ insurance approval rate
  • Comfortable, spa-like treatment environment
  • Comprehensive mental health care
  • No lengthy waiting lists
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    FREE Benefits & Eligibility Screen

    *Insurance information is optional. Include if you'd like us to check your benefits before we call you.

    Scheduling & Process

    Appointment booking, treatment timeline, and what happens during visits at our 5 convenient New Jersey locations. We offer same-day appointments and flexible scheduling to fit your needs.

    Here's what you need to know about scheduling and the treatment process.

    Call us at (908) 450-7002 or complete our online benefits/screening form. Our team will verify your insurance, schedule your consultation with our medical team, and answer any initial questions. Most evaluations can be scheduled within 24-48 hours.

    Yes, we offer same-day appointments when medically appropriate and schedule permitting. For urgent cases or patients experiencing severe symptoms, we prioritize rapid access to care. Call us directly to discuss same-day availability at any of our 5 locations.

    Your first visit, usually conducted via telemedicine from the comfort of your home, is a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Boguslavsky's clinical team to review your medical & psychiatric history, current medications, and treatment goals. We'll determine if you're a candidate for Spravato, explain the process, and answer any and all of your questions. No treatment is administered during this evaluation.

    Initially, treatments are twice weekly for the first 4 weeks, then once weekly for the next 4 weeks. After this induction phase, most patients transition to maintenance treatments every 1-2 weeks. Your specific schedule will be tailored to your response and needs. Crucially, we work side by side with your psychiatrist/therapist to make sure that everyone is on the same page with regards to your treatment plan.

    The initial treatment phase is 8 weeks, followed by ongoing maintenance as needed. Many patients continue with periodic maintenance treatments to sustain their improvement. The duration varies based on individual response and treatment goals.

    Yes, you can receive treatment at any of our 5 New Jersey locations: Bridgewater, Morristown, Hoboken, Nutley, or Chatham. You can even alternate between locations based on your schedule and convenience.

    Getting Started

    Qualification criteria, consultation process, and first steps to treatment. Our team makes it easy to determine if Spravato is right for you and guides you through every step of getting started.

    Here's how to begin your journey to breakthrough depression relief.

    You may be a candidate if you have treatment-resistant depression (haven't responded to 2+ antidepressants) or major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts. Dr. Boguslavsky and his medical team will evaluate your medical history, current symptoms, and previous treatments during your consultation to determine eligibility.

    No referral is required. You can schedule directly with our practice. However, we encourage coordination with your current mental health providers and will keep them informed of your treatment progress with your permission.

    Once you qualify and insurance authorization is approved (typically 1-3 business days), we can usually schedule your first treatment. We are able to see most patients as early as the day the evaluation. For urgent cases, we prioritize scheduling and work to expedite the insurance process.

    Yes, Spravato is designed to be used alongside your current oral antidepressant. Dr. Boguslavsky and his medical team will review all your medications to ensure there are no interactions and may adjust dosages as needed during treatment.

    That's completely normal and we set aside time to discuss all your concerns with our medical team. Your evaluation won't be rushed and there will be plenty of time to answer all your concerns. There's never an obligation to proceed with treatment after the consultation and we want you to feel confident and informed about your decision.

    While approximately 70% of patients see significant improvement, we understand that not every treatment works for everyone. Dr. Boguslavsky and his medical team will work with you to explore other advanced treatment options and coordinate with your healthcare team to find the best approach for your specific situation. You're never alone in this journey!

    Your Breakthrough Moment is Waiting

    When traditional treatments haven't brought relief, hope can feel distant. Our experienced team has helped nearly 20,000 patients find depression relief with Spravato.

    Your journey to feeling like yourself again starts with one conversation. Call today - most insurance plans accepted.

    (908) 450 7002
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