Ketamine Treatments for Depression: What You Need to Know

Core Self Spravato room.

At Core Self, we’re committed to offering cutting-edge treatments for individuals struggling with depression—especially those who haven't found relief through traditional methods. One of the most promising developments in mental health care is Spravato®, a prescription nasal spray form of esketamine (a derivative of ketamine), used specifically for treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Ketamine vs. Spravato: What’s the Difference?

While both ketamine and Spravato® are derived from the same family of medications and have shown rapid-acting antidepressant effects, there are important differences:

• Administration:
  Ketamine is usually administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) in a clinic setting.
  Spravato®, on the other hand, is a nasal spray that must be administered under medical supervision at a certified treatment center.

• FDA Approval:
  IV ketamine for depression is off-label, meaning it’s not FDA-approved for this use (though still commonly and effectively used).
  Spravato is FDA-approved specifically for adults with treatment-resistant depression.

• Insurance Coverage:
  This is one of the most critical differences:
  Spravato is often covered by insurance, including major commercial plans and some Medicaid policies, because of its FDA approval. IV ketamine is typically out-of-pocket and can be expensive over time.

Spravato Is Covered by Insurance

Because Spravato is FDA-approved for TRD, most insurance companies cover the cost of treatment when the patient meets clinical criteria. This includes demonstrating a history of inadequate response to at least two different antidepressants.

At Core Self, we work directly with your insurance company to verify coverage, handle the prior authorization process, and minimize your out-of-pocket costs. We also offer consultations to help you understand whether Spravato might be the right fit for you.

Now Offering Spravato Treatments at Our Gilbert Location

We’re proud to announce that Spravato treatments are now available at our Gilbert location. Our treatment room is designed to be comfortable, calming, and supportive—because healing doesn’t happen in sterile, rushed environments.

Each session is supervised by a trained medical professional, and our team will be with you every step of the way—monitoring your progress, supporting your mental health goals, and helping you rediscover your sense of self.

Struggling with Treatment-Resistant Depression? Let’s Talk.

If you’ve tried antidepressants, therapy, or other treatments and are still battling depression, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Spravato offers a path forward for many people when nothing else seems to work.

We invite you to schedule a consultation at our Gilbert clinic to learn more about how Spravato can help. Your healing journey deserves care that’s both innovative and compassionate—and we’re here to walk it with you.

Call us today or book online to get started.