Chronic depression can be debilitating and devastating, especially when typical anti-depressant treatment doesn’t improve symptoms. That’s why Travco Behavioral Health offers Spravato—a stand-alone treatment approved by the FDA for treatment-resistant depression. Spravato (esketamine) is a nasal spray that is self-administered under medical supervision. Clients are not required to be prescribed an oral anti-depressant to be eligible for this treatment.
Below, Cynthia O'Keefe, MSEd, LPCC-S (Executive Director of Travco Behavioral Health, First Step Recovery and Parkman Recovery) answers some frequently asked questions about this treatment option.
What is Travco’s process for providing Spravato treatment?
- Clients first participle in an initial psychiatric evaluation. For Spravato to be appropriate, they must meet requirements for treatment-resistant depression (symptoms have not improved despite two prior anti-depressant treatments).
- A nurse then educates the client about Spravato’s side effects, reviews the client’s treatment plan and rules out any health conditions that would prevent the use of this medication (i.e. uncontrolled high blood pressure).
- Next, Travco begins the prior authorization process with the client’s insurance company.
- After approval is received, clients are provided with Spravato, which they self-administer under medical supervision at Travco Behavioral Health. Next, clients receive medical monitoring for two hours in relaxation rooms outfitted with recliners, TV’s, etc.
- Following their appointment, clients are then driven home by either a support person or insurance-provided transportation.
How long does it take for the medication to work?
Improvements are generally noticed in four weeks, but some have noticed changes in less time.
Have your clients had success with this medication?
Yes, we have clients who have said Spravato has changed their lives. Also, we’ve found that family members typically notice improvements sooner than the clients themselves.
What is the typical length of Spravato treatment?
Spravato is a long-term medication, which is initially administered at two weekly medical appointments (for weeks one through four) and then once weekly (for weeks five through nine). After week nine, clients may choose to continue on the once weekly schedule or increase the duration between treatments to every other week.
Are there other requirements to take part in this treatment at Travco?
Yes, clients are required to participate in at least one counseling session per month (this can be with Travco or another provider).
If you are interested in learning more about Spravato treatment at Travco, call us at 330.286.0050!
