Spravato for Treatment-Resistant Depression: What Redding Patients Should Know

When depression doesn’t respond to standard antidepressants, it’s easy to feel like you’ve run out of options. But there’s a breakthrough treatment available right here in Redding that many patients have never heard of — Spravato (esketamine nasal spray), an FDA-approved therapy specifically designed for treatment-resistant depression.

Psychiatric Care Center (PCC) offers Spravato treatment at our Redding clinic, and it’s opening doors for patients who have been struggling for years. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Spravato?

Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, a nasal spray derived from ketamine that was FDA-approved in 2019 for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It is also approved for adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) who have acute suicidal ideation or behavior.

Spravato works differently than traditional antidepressants. Rather than targeting serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine, esketamine acts on NMDA receptors in the brain — a glutamate receptor system. This distinct mechanism of action is why Spravato can work for patients who haven’t responded to other medications.

Importantly, Spravato is not a take-home medication. It is administered in a certified healthcare setting and patients are monitored for at least two hours after each dose. Psychiatric Care Center is a certified Spravato treatment center.

Who Is Spravato For?

Spravato is FDA-approved for two specific patient populations:

1. Adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — defined as having tried at least two different antidepressants at adequate doses without sufficient improvement

2. Adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation or behavior

Spravato is used alongside an oral antidepressant — it is not a standalone treatment. Your PCC provider will evaluate your full history to determine whether you’re an appropriate candidate.

Spravato may be right for you if:

1. You have been diagnosed with depression and tried multiple antidepressants without adequate relief

2. Your depression significantly impacts your daily functioning, relationships, or ability to work

3. You are experiencing suicidal thoughts alongside your depressive symptoms

4. You are open to an in-office treatment that works through a new mechanism of action

How Does Spravato Treatment Work?

Before Your Appointment

You should not eat for at least two hours before your session, and avoid liquids (except water) for 30 minutes beforehand. If you use a nasal corticosteroid or decongestant, your provider will advise on timing. Because you will not be able to drive after treatment, you’ll need to arrange transportation home.

During Your Session

Spravato is self-administered as a nasal spray under the direct supervision of your healthcare provider at our Redding clinic. Each session, you will take one or two nasal spray devices. After administration, you’ll rest in a comfortable, monitored setting for at least two hours. Some patients experience dissociative symptoms, dizziness, nausea, or changes in perception during this monitoring window — this is expected and why in-office monitoring is required.

Your Treatment Schedule

Spravato follows a structured dosing schedule:

1. Induction phase (Weeks 1–4): Twice per week

2. Maintenance phase (Weeks 5–8): Once per week

3. Ongoing maintenance (Week 9+): Once per week or once every two weeks, as determined by your provider

Many patients begin to experience improvement in depressive symptoms within the first two weeks of treatment, though individual results vary.

Is Spravato Safe?

Spravato has been approved by the FDA and is backed by robust clinical trial data. Because of its unique properties, it is available only through a restricted program called the Spravato REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy). This program ensures that every patient receives Spravato in a certified clinical setting with appropriate monitoring.

Common side effects may include:

1. Dissociation or feeling detached from reality (most common, typically resolves during monitoring)

2. Dizziness or sedation

3. Nausea

4. Increased blood pressure (monitored during your session)

5. Headache

Your PCC provider will review your full medical history, current medications, and any contraindications before recommending Spravato. It is not appropriate for all patients, including those with certain cardiovascular conditions or a history of psychosis.

Does Insurance Cover Spravato?

Spravato is FDA-approved and many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover it for qualifying patients with treatment-resistant depression. Coverage can vary significantly by plan and insurer, and prior authorization is typically required.

Our team at Psychiatric Care Center will work with you to verify your insurance benefits and help navigate the prior authorization process. We accept all major insurance carriers and cash payment options. (We are currently unable to accept Partnership/MediCal.)

Have questions about coverage? Call us at 530-221-7474 and our staff can help you understand your options.

Spravato vs. TMS Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Patients sometimes ask us how Spravato compares to NeuroStar TMS, our other advanced depression treatment. Both are excellent options for patients who haven’t responded to standard antidepressants — but they work differently and suit different patient profiles.

1. TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) uses targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive areas of the brain. It requires no medication, has minimal side effects, and sessions can be done without monitoring time.

2. Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray medication that works on different brain receptors than traditional antidepressants. It requires in-office administration and a two-hour monitoring period after each dose.

PCC is uniquely positioned to offer both treatments, which means your provider can help determine which approach — or combination of approaches — is best suited to your specific diagnosis, history, and goals.

Why Choose Psychiatric Care Center for Spravato in Redding?

PCC is a certified Spravato treatment center serving Redding, Palo Cedro, Anderson, Shasta County, and surrounding Northern California communities. Under the leadership of Dr. Thomas Andrews, MD, our experienced clinical team provides expert psychiatric care in a warm, supportive setting.

We understand that seeking treatment for severe or treatment-resistant depression takes courage. Our goal is to make every step of the process — from your initial evaluation through ongoing treatment — as clear, comfortable, and effective as possible. We provide medication management, individual therapy, and complementary services that support you beyond the treatment room.

Ready to Explore Spravato?

If you or a loved one has been struggling with depression that hasn’t responded to standard treatments, Spravato may offer the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. Our team is here to answer your questions, verify your insurance, and walk you through whether you’re a candidate.

Call 530-221-7474 or visit pcccares.com/request-an-appointment to schedule a consultation.