Breakthrough Treatment for Depression and Suicidal Ideation

Offering Hope for Treatment-Resistant Depression

At Transformative Health and Wellness, we are proud to offer Spravato® (esketamine), an innovative FDA-approved treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

As of January 2025, Spravato® is now approved as both a monotherapy and in conjunction with oral antidepressants, providing more flexibility in treatment options for those who need it most.

Covered by most insurance plans! See below for more information.

Spravato® (esketamine) treatments in Corvallis

What is Spravato®?

Spravato® is a prescription nasal spray containing esketamine, a derivative of ketamine that works differently than traditional antidepressants. While conventional treatments typically target serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, Spravato® works on the glutamate system in the brain — the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter.

This unique mechanism of action helps explain why Spravato® can provide rapid relief of depressive symptoms, often as quickly as 24 hours after administration, compared to the weeks it may take for traditional antidepressants to work.

How is Spravato® Different from Ketamine?

While both Spravato® (esketamine) and ketamine have antidepressant effects, there are several important differences:

  • Chemical Composition: Spravato® contains esketamine, which is the S-enantiomer (one specific molecular form) of ketamine. Traditional ketamine is a mixture of two molecular forms which are mirror images of each other.

  • FDA Approval: Spravato® is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and MDD with suicidal thoughts, while ketamine's use for depression is considered "off-label."

  • Administration Method: Spravato® is a nasal spray, while ketamine for depression is typically given as an intramuscular (IM) injection or intravenous (IV) infusion.

  • Insurance Coverage: Because Spravato® is FDA-approved for depression, it may be covered by insurance plans, whereas IM ketamine treatments typically are not.

  • Standardized Protocol: Spravato® has a standardized dosing protocol, monitoring requirements, and safety program (REMS) established by the FDA.

  • Treatment Setting: Spravato® must be administered in a certified healthcare setting with specific monitoring requirements, providing a consistent treatment experience.

About Our Spravato® REMS-Certified Treatment Center

Transformative Health and Wellness in Corvallis, Oregon is proud to be a certified Spravato® treatment center. Our facility meets all the requirements of the REMS program to ensure safe administration. With three REMS-certified physicians on staff, we provide expert care in a serene healing environment overlooking Dixon Creek's natural beauty.

We believe that the environment plays a crucial role in healing. That's why we've created treatment spaces that feel more like a peaceful retreat than a clinical setting, while maintaining all necessary medical safety standards.

Is Spravato® Right for You?

Spravato® may be an option if:

  • You've tried multiple antidepressants without adequate relief.

  • You're experiencing significant depression that impacts your daily functioning

  • You're looking for a treatment that may work more quickly than traditional options

Who Can Benefit from Spravato®?

Spravato® is specifically designed for:

  • Adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Those who have tried at least two different antidepressant treatments during the current depressive episode without adequate improvement

  • Adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior: In conjunction with an oral antidepressant

  • As of January 2025, Spravato® can now be used as a monotherapy (without an oral antidepressant) for adults with TRD

Benefits of Spravato®

  • Rapid relief: May improve symptoms within 24 hours

  • Effective for treatment-resistant cases: Offers hope when other treatments have failed

  • Well-studied: Based on more than a decade of research and administered to over 140,000 patients worldwide

  • Now available as monotherapy: As of January 2025, can be used without requiring daily oral antidepressants

The Spravato® Treatment Experience

What to Expect

  1. Screening: Our team will help determine initial criteria

  2. Evaluation: Our healthcare providers will thoroughly assess your treatment history and current symptoms to determine if Spravato® is right for you

  3. Enrollment: If appropriate, you'll be enrolled in the Spravato® REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program, required by the FDA to ensure safe use

  4. Treatment Sessions: Each session lasts approximately 2-3 hours and follows a specific protocol:

    • Pre-treatment assessment

    • Self-administration of the nasal spray under direct supervision

    • Monitoring period (minimum 2 hours) to ensure your safety

    • A trusted ride of yours will drive you home

  5. Treatment Schedule:

    • Induction Phase: Twice weekly for the first month

    • Maintenance Phase: Once weekly for the second month, then once weekly or once every two weeks as determined by your provider

Your Comfort is Our Priority

At Transformative Health and Wellness, we've designed our treatment spaces with your comfort in mind:

  • Tranquil Environment: Each treatment space offers calming views of Dixon Creek, where you can observe local wildlife including squirrels, birds, and deer

  • Maximum Comfort: Relax in our plush reclining chairs with soft blankets and pillows during your session

  • Sensory Support: We provide eye masks and noise-cancelling headphones to minimize stimulation if desired

  • Expert Care: Our team includes three REMS-certified physicians dedicated to supporting you throughout your treatment journey

Safety Monitoring

For your safety, during each Spravato® session:

  • You'll be monitored for at least 2 hours after administration

  • We'll monitor for side effects, including sedation, dissociation, blood pressure changes, and respiratory depression

  • You MUST have transportation arrangements to leave our facility, as you cannot drive or operate machinery until the day after treatment, following a restful sleep

What Does a Spravato® Session Feel Like?

Many patients wonder what to expect during a Spravato® treatment session. While everyone's experience is unique, understanding common sensations can help you feel prepared.

During Administration

  • The nasal spray is self-administered under our guidance

  • You may notice a brief taste or sensation in the back of your throat

  • The medication begins taking effect within 10-15 minutes

During the Experience (40-90 minutes)

  • Dissociation: One of the most common experiences is a feeling of being "disconnected" or separate from your surroundings. Some describe this as a dreamlike state.

  • Perceptual changes: You might notice colors seem brighter, sounds more distinct, or a change in how you perceive time.

  • Relaxation: Many patients report feeling deeply relaxed or peaceful.

  • Emotional release: Some patients experience emotional insights or a release of feelings that can be therapeutic.

  • Physical sensations: You may feel lightheaded, experience mild nausea, or notice changes in your perception of your body.

The Recovery Period

  • Effects gradually diminish during the 2-hour monitoring period

  • Most patients feel largely back to normal by the end of the monitoring period

  • Some patients report feeling tired afterward, while others feel energized

  • Subtle effects on perception may last until you've had a good night's sleep

Long-term Effects

  • Many patients report a lifting of depressive symptoms that becomes noticeable within 24 hours

  • Benefits often continue to develop over several treatment sessions

  • For some, even the first treatment can provide significant relief

Our Support During Your Experience

Our team is trained to guide you through this experience with compassion and expertise:

  • We create a calm, safe environment for your comfort

  • Our providers check in with you regularly throughout the session

  • You can use the eye mask and headphones to minimize external stimulation

  • We encourage you to relax and allow the medication to work without trying to control the experience

Remember that while some sensations may feel unusual, they are expected effects of the medication and will subside. Our team is always present to ensure your safety and comfort.

What Are The Potential Side Effects?

Common side effects may include:

  • Dissociation (feeling disconnected)

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Sedation

  • Vertigo

  • Decreased sensitivity (hypoesthesia)

  • Anxiety

  • Increased blood pressure

  • Vomiting

Most side effects resolve during the 2-hour monitoring period. Our trained healthcare providers will carefully monitor you and address any concerns.

Important Safety Information

Transportation Requirements

  • Required Transportation: You MUST have a responsible adult drive you home after each Spravato® treatment. Public transportation is not permitted unless you are accompanied by a responsible adult.

  • Driving Restrictions: You may NOT drive or operate machinery until the day after treatment, following a restful sleep.

Contraindications

Spravato® is not appropriate for everyone. You should not use Spravato® if you are:

  • Pregnant or planning to become pregnant

  • Breastfeeding

  • Have certain cardiovascular conditions (including aneurysmal vascular disease)

  • Have uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)

  • Have a history of bleeding in the brain

  • Have a history of hypersensitivity to esketamine, ketamine, or any components of Spravato®

Insurance Coverage & Financial Considerations

Insurance Coverage

At Transformative Health and Wellness, we currently accept the following insurance plans for Spravato:

  • Samaritan Health Plans (including all commercial plans and IHN)

  • PacificSource

  • Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Moda

  • Currently working towards others!

Cost Information

The cost of Spravato® treatment varies based on several factors:

With Insurance Coverage:

  • Your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your specific insurance plan, deductible, and coverage level

  • Many plans cover Spravato® with prior authorization since it's FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression

  • Typical copays/coinsurance may apply for both the medication and the monitoring services

Financial Assistance Options

Spravato® With Me Program:

  • The manufacturer of Spravato® offers assistance programs that may help reduce costs

  • Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10 per Spravato® treatment session

  • Maximum annual program benefit per calendar year applies

Our staff will help verify your benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before beginning treatment. We're committed to making this innovative treatment as accessible as possible for those who need it.

Referral Requirements

To begin Spravato® treatment at Transformative Health and Wellness, we require a referral from a therapist or medical professional (MD/DO/PA/NP). This helps ensure that Spravato® is an appropriate treatment option as part of your comprehensive mental health care plan and to coordinate care.

Take the Next Step

Don't let treatment-resistant depression control your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn if Spravato® might be right for you.