For those living with treatment-resistant depression, it’s common to feel like you’ve tried everything — multiple medications, therapy, lifestyle changes — and still, the cloud won’t lift. At Blue Umbrella Psychiatry, we offer Spravato® (esketamine) as a powerful, FDA-approved treatment option when standard antidepressants haven’t provided relief.
Spravato isn’t a first-line treatment — it’s for patients who have tried at least two other antidepressants without success. But for the right individuals, it can be life-changing.
What Is Spravato®?
Spravato® is a nasal spray form of esketamine, a medication derived from ketamine. Unlike traditional antidepressants that target serotonin or norepinephrine, esketamine acts on glutamate — a different brain chemical involved in mood regulation and neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to form new connections).
Because of this unique mechanism, many patients begin to feel improvement within hours to days — not weeks.
Who Is It For?
Spravato® is approved for adults with:
- Treatment-resistant depression
- Major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts or behaviors
It’s typically used in combination with an oral antidepressant for best results.
What to Expect During Treatment
Spravato® must be administered in-office under supervision due to its potential side effects. At Blue Umbrella Psychiatry, our Breakthrough Center offers a calm, private treatment space designed for your safety and comfort.
Here’s how it works:
- You self-administer the nasal spray in our clinic.
- You remain under observation for two hours afterward.
- Our staff monitors your blood pressure, vital signs, and response.
- You’ll need a ride home after each session.
Starting Strong: Twice a Week for Four Weeks
To maximize effectiveness, patients begin Spravato® treatment with an induction phase — typically twice-weekly sessions for the first four weeks. This schedule is designed to give your brain the best chance to respond and stabilize.
After that, treatment usually shifts to once weekly or every other week, based on your progress and your provider’s recommendation.
Is Spravato® Safe?
Spravato® is well-studied and FDA-approved, but it isn’t right for everyone. Common side effects can include dizziness, dissociation, nausea, or increased blood pressure. That’s why it’s administered in a structured, supervised setting.
Before starting, you’ll undergo a comprehensive evaluation to ensure it’s a safe and appropriate fit for your needs.
Real Relief, Backed by Science
Many of our patients who have felt stuck or hopeless with other medications report that Spravato® finally offers a shift — a sense of lightness, clarity, or energy they haven’t felt in years. Some say it’s the first treatment that made a noticeable difference.
It’s not a magic fix, but it’s a significant step forward when other paths have been exhausted.
Spravato® + Therapy: A Healing Combination
At Blue Umbrella Psychiatry, we believe Spravato® is most powerful when paired with therapy. Medication can lift the fog — therapy helps you rebuild once you can see the road again.
Our therapists work closely with psychiatric providers to support your healing, offering a whole-person approach to recovery.
Is Spravato® Right for You? Let’s Talk
If you’re feeling stuck and nothing else has helped, Spravato® may be worth exploring. You don’t have to go it alone — and you don’t have to keep trying the same things expecting different results.
