How to Get Started With Spravato® Treatment in Brooklyn: Evaluation, Eligibility, and Next Steps

If you’ve been living with depression that hasn’t improved despite multiple medications, you may feel frustrated, exhausted, or unsure what options remain. Many people in Brooklyn find themselves searching for next-step treatments after standard antidepressants haven’t provided enough relief.

Spravato® (esketamine) is an FDA-approved treatment option for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and for certain individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). If you’re considering Spravato®, understanding how the process works—from evaluation to treatment—can help you decide whether it’s the right next step.

This guide walks through what to expect when starting Spravato® treatment in Brooklyn and how care is typically structured.

What Is Spravato®?

Spravato® is the brand name for esketamine, a prescription medication administered as a nasal spray in a medical setting. It is derived from ketamine but is FDA-approved specifically for:

• Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in adults

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults with acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors (in combination with an oral antidepressant)

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which primarily target serotonin or norepinephrine, Spravato® works on the glutamate system in the brain. This different mechanism is one reason it may help when other treatments haven’t.

Because of its effects and safety requirements, Spravato® is only available through certified treatment centers under a structured monitoring program.

Who May Be Eligible for Spravato® Treatment?

Spravato® is not a first-line treatment. A thorough psychiatric evaluation is required to determine whether it’s appropriate.

You may be considered a candidate if you:

• Have a diagnosis of major depressive disorder

• Have tried at least two antidepressant medications at adequate doses and durations without sufficient improvement

• Continue to experience significant depressive symptoms

• Are able to attend in-office treatment sessions and monitoring visits

Eligibility also depends on your overall medical history. Certain conditions—such as uncontrolled hypertension, specific vascular conditions, or a history of psychosis—may affect whether Spravato® is recommended. A clinician will review this carefully during evaluation.

What Happens During a Spravato® Evaluation?

Before starting treatment, you’ll complete a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. This typically includes:

• Review of your depression history and prior treatments

• Current medications and response patterns

• Medical history, including cardiovascular and neurological conditions

• Substance use history

• Discussion of current symptoms, goals, and concerns

This evaluation helps ensure Spravato® is being considered for the right reasons and as part of an appropriate treatment plan.

Do You Need a Referral?

In many cases, a referral from a psychiatrist or healthcare provider is required. Some clinics can also perform the full evaluation themselves. If you already work with a psychiatrist, coordination of care is common, as Spravato® is used alongside ongoing psychiatric medication management.

What to Expect During Spravato® Treatment

Spravato® is administered in a certified medical office under supervision. On treatment days:

1. You self-administer the nasal spray under guidance

2. You remain in the clinic for at least two hours of monitoring

3. Blood pressure and overall response are observed

4. You must have transportation arranged—driving is not permitted the same day

Some people experience temporary effects such as dissociation, dizziness, nausea, or sedation. These typically resolve the same day and are the reason for in-office monitoring.

Treatment usually begins with twice-weekly sessions for the first few weeks, followed by less frequent maintenance sessions depending on response.

How Spravato® Fits Into Ongoing Mental Health Care

Spravato® is not a standalone solution. It is prescribed in combination with an oral antidepressant and is often part of a broader psychiatric care plan. Many patients continue with:

• Psychiatric medication management

• Ongoing symptom monitoring

• Other supportive mental health services as appropriate

The goal is not just symptom relief, but long-term stabilization and improved functioning.

Final Thoughts: Exploring Spravato® Treatment in Brooklyn

For individuals in Brooklyn who feel stuck after trying multiple depression treatments, Spravato® may represent a meaningful next step. A careful evaluation, structured monitoring, and integration into ongoing psychiatric care are essential parts of the process.

At Aurora Wellness, we offer Spravato® treatment for appropriate patients as part of comprehensive psychiatric care in Brooklyn. We also provide a dedicated Spravato® consultation where patients can learn more about the treatment, discuss eligibility, and ask questions.