Visiting a Spravato®  clinic: 8 questions to ask your provider

Spravato®  (esketamine) is a unique depression treatment that’s effective for many people with severe and treatment-resistant symptoms. It’s a nasal spray that must be taken with supervision from a certified Spravato® (esketamine) treatment center. Spravato® isn’t for everyone — there is some risk of adverse effects ranging from dissociation and sedation to breathing problems and elevated blood pressure. To ensure your safety and a smooth experience, you should have an in-depth conversation with your provider before agreeing to treatment in order to get to know them, ask questions about their experience, their processes and their clinic’s capabilities.

In this article, we’ll list eight questions to ask a potential Spravato® provider.

8 essential questions to ask providers at a Spravato® clinic

Spravato® is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and depression with suicidal ideation. Providers must be certified by the manufacturer to administer the medication legally. However, that doesn’t mean that all Spravato® clinics are exactly the same. You don’t have to be an expert yourself to ask the right questions and make a confident decision when assessing a potential provider. Your relationship with them is just as important as their experience and qualifications. 

Here are eight questions to ask a potential Spravato® provider:

1. What is your experience with Spravato® (esketamine) treatment?

Ask questions about the provider’s training and credentials and how long they’ve been administering esketamine. Consider asking about their clinic setup and patient outcomes. You might also ask if they have experience treating people with a similar identity or health history to yours.

2. How will you monitor my response and adjust treatment?

Many people respond well to Spravato® treatments, but not all. About 27% of people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) achieve remission after eight weeks of Spravato®  treatment. Of these, 21% stay in remission after 32 weeks. You might not see an improvement in depression symptoms, or you may have side effects that impact your experience. 

Because of these variations, Spravato® treatment plans need to be flexible and responsive to each individual. Your provider will monitor your vital signs and mood during treatments. You should ask when and how they’ll evaluate your response and how they might adjust your treatment as you go.

3. What are the specific side effects I should watch for?

Please review the side effects in the Spravato® brochure, which largely resolve by the end of treatment. Any questions about these side effects can be discussed with a member of our clinical staff.

4. What is the expected treatment timeline?

Spravato® is generally administered:

• Twice weekly for the first 4 weeks.
• Followed by once weekly for the second 4 weeks, and subsequently once weekly or every other week, based on your clinical progress and provider recommendation.

Your provider will assess your response regularly and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.

5. How will this coordinate with my other mental health care?

Most people will need a combination of medication and psychotherapy or other alternative treatments for treatment-resistant or severe depression. If you have other conditions or medications you’re taking, that may affect your treatment plan. Your provider may be able to coordinate with your other care providers. You’ll need to sign a release of information to allow them to share information. 

6. What are the costs and insurance considerations?

Spravato® treatments are often covered by insurance. Find out if the provider is in network with your insurance carrier and see if they can verify your coverage. Make sure you have a clear understanding of your financial responsibility and financing options before agreeing to a treatment plan. 

7. What happens if this treatment doesn’t work for me?

There’s always a possibility that Spravato®  may not be effective for you. Ask about the decision-making process for discontinuing treatment. Also ask about other alternative treatments that may help, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and how the provider will support you through transitions.

Talk with a Spravato® provider at PTC Med today

It’s understandable that you might be a bit nervous when taking Spravato® for the first time, even if you’re hopeful about relief from your depression. The treatment experience can be both relaxing and restorative. Getting to know your provider well can help you rest easy knowing that you’re in good hands. You should also ensure that they get a full understanding of your health history so you can decide together if Spravato® is the best choice for you. Write down any questions you have and bring them with you. No question is too small or insignificant.

At PTC Med, we work with each patient to create a personalized and comprehensive plan to meet their mental health goals. We help you understand your options and ensure that you have a say in your treatment decisions — we never suggest that someone pursue a treatment if they’re not comfortable with it. We’ll take the time to address your concerns and make sure Spravato® fits into the big picture of your overall health and wellness goals.
Are you looking for a Spravato® provider? Let’s start the conversation today. Reach out to our team by phone for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. You can also book your initial appointment online now.