Spravato® Nasal Spray Treatment Resistant Depression Care
Golden Hour Wellness
Naperville & Hinsdale
SPRAVATO® (ESKETAMINE)
IS A BREAKTHROUGH
TREATMENT
Spravato® offers new hope for adults battling treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD)— even for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, Spravato® works on NMDA receptors to help rebalance brain activity and bring relief within hours rather than weeks.
Before starting Spravato®, our psychiatric team completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to ensure it is the safest and most appropriate option for you. We take the time to understand your full history, current symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment goals so we can tailor your care with intention and clarity.
If you are working with an outside psychiatrist, therapist, or primary care provider, we may collaborate closely with them so we can see the whole picture and support continuity of care.
During your evaluation, we’ll walk you through what to expect with Spravato®, discuss alternative treatment options when appropriate, and answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed, comfortable, and confident every step of the way.
At Golden Hour Wellness, we provide FDA-approved Spravato® treatments in a calm, medically supervised setting. With flexible hours (9 AM–9 PM, seven days a week), our team ensures patients can receive care when it fits their schedule.
What is SPRAVATO® ?
Spravato® is an FDA-approved nasal spray that contains esketamine, a form of ketamine that works differently than traditional antidepressants. It targets NMDA receptors in the brain to help restore healthy communication between neurons, providing faster relief for some patients with depression. Spravato® is administered only in certified healthcare settings under medical supervision, never at home.
HOW SPRAVATO®
WORKS
While traditional antidepressants target serotonin
or norepinephrine, Spravato® affects glutamate, a
key neurotransmitter responsible for neural
communication and plasticity. This mechanism
helps the brain form new connections, potentially
improving mood, motivation, and emotional
regulation faster than oral medications.
HOW IS SPRAVATO® ADMINISTERED?
At Golden Hour Wellness, Spravato® is self-administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Each visit includes:
A brief wellness check and vitals review before, during, and after treatment
Supervised self-administration of the Spravato® nasal spray.
A 2-hour observation period in a comfortable, private setting.
Discharge once cleared; patients must arrange a ride home as driving is not permitted on treatment days.
Treatment typically begins twice per week for the first month, then tapers based on patient response and provider recommendations.
Want to Learn More About Spravato®?
Download our detailed brochures for each location.
Why Choose Golden
Hour Wellness for Spravato®
Ready to begin?
What to Expect During Treatment
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Each Spravato® session includes guided self- administration, continuous monitoring, and recovery time in a peaceful, spa-like environment. You’ll be encouraged to bring headphones or other items to help you relax during the session.
Patient Experiences & Testimonials
Insurance & Payment
We accept most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
Our team will verify your coverage and help you navigate any pre-authorization steps before your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How soon will I feel results with Spravato®?
Many patients begin noticing changes in mood, energy, or outlook within the first few treatments, sometimes as early as the second week. Others may take longer to respond as the brain gradually forms new neural connections. Your provider at Golden Hour Wellness will track your progress closely and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
While response times vary, research and our clinical experience show that Spravato® can provide faster relief than traditional antidepressants, especially for those who haven’t found success with other medications.
Will my insurance cover Spravato®?
Yes, Spravato® is covered by most major insurance plans, including BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.
Coverage varies by policy, but our team helps verify your benefits and guides you through every step of the REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) approval process.
We also assist patients in applying manufacturer copay assistance programs, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals.
How is Spravato® different from IV ketamine therapy?
Both Spravato® and IV ketamine work on the same NMDA receptor system in the brain, but they differ in formulation, dosing, and insurance coverage:
Spravato® (esketamine) is a nasal spray that’s FDA-approved for depression and covered by most insurance plans.
IV ketamine therapy delivers racemic ketamine intravenously and is typically self-pay.
Spravato® provides a structured, insurance-covered alternative to IV ketamine, with the same core mechanism of action and strong safety oversight through the REMS program.
Can I drive after my appointment?
No. Patients cannot drive, operate machinery, or return to work on the day of their Spravato® treatment.
You’ll need to arrange a ride home with a trusted person or rideshare before your session begins.
This is because mild side effects such as dizziness, fatigue, or temporary dissociation can occur as the medication takes effect. These usually resolve within a few hours, and your clinician will confirm you’re stable before discharge.
How long does each treatment take?
Each Spravato® session lasts about two hours from start to finish:
Check-in & vitals (10–15 minutes)
Self-administration of the nasal spray under supervision
Observation and recovery period (about 90 minutes)
Post-treatment check and discharge
Your care team at Golden Hour Wellness will make sure you’re comfortable and monitored throughout your stay. You’ll relax in a quiet, spa-like room with blankets, headphones, or anything that helps you unwind.
Are there side effects from Spravato®?
Spravato® is generally well-tolerated, and most side effects are temporary and mild. The most common include:
- Feeling light-headed or “spacey” (dissociation)
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Temporary increase in blood pressure
- Nausea or
These effects usually subside within a couple of hours after treatment.
Because Spravato® is administered in-clinic under direct supervision, your provider will monitor you the entire time and ensure you’re comfortable and safe before you leave.
At Golden Hour Wellness, our care team takes additional steps—like offering hydration, snacks, and quiet recovery time—to help minimize any discomfort and make your experience as smooth as possible.
How often will I need Spravato® treatments?
Spravato® is typically given on a two-phase schedule:
- Induction Phase (Weeks 1–4): Two treatments per week
- Maintenance Phase (Weeks 5 and beyond): One treatment per week, then every other week as symptoms improve
Your provider at Golden Hour Wellness will personalize your schedule based on your progress and overall wellness goals.
Some patients continue maintenance treatments every few weeks or months to sustain their results—always guided by how they’re feeling and responding.
Our team stays in close contact throughout the process, offering regular check-ins and coordination with your therapist or psychiatrist when applicable, ensuring you’re supported every step of the way.