Esketamine (SPRAVATO) in Grand Rapids: Who Qualifies and What to Expect
Living with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) can feel isolating and overwhelming. When traditional treatments haven’t eased your symptoms, it’s natural to seek new options. If you’re an adult in Grand Rapids or across West Michigan living with hard-to-treat depression, esketamine (SPRAVATO) offered at Sanford Behavioral Health’s SPRAVATO clinic may provide the relief you’ve been hoping for. To learn more about this treatment option or schedule a consultation, please call 1-844-776-9651 or complete our online contact form. A team member will reach out as soon as possible.
What is esketamine (SPRAVATO) and how does it work?
Esketamine (SPRAVATO) is an FDA-approved nasal spray used for treatment-resistant depression and for major depressive disorder with suicidal thoughts. Unlike traditional antidepressants, which target serotonin or dopamine, esketamine works on NMDA receptors. This helps the brain form new connections and regulate mood more effectively.
A major benefit of esketamine is its potential for rapid relief, with some patients noticing improvement within hours or days. Because it requires careful clinical oversight, esketamine is administered only in certified clinics like the SPRAVATO clinic at Sanford Behavioral Health—providing West Michigan adults with access to advanced depression treatment close to home.
Who qualifies for esketamine treatment?
Esketamine is designed specifically for adults diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This means a person has tried at least two different traditional antidepressants at the correct dose and duration without meaningful improvement.
Before treatment begins, providers complete a full evaluation, including:
- Depression history and past medication trials
- Current mental health symptoms, including anxiety, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts
- Physical health and medical considerations
- Any substance use history or conditions requiring additional monitoring
Esketamine is not used as a first-line treatment for major depressive disorder. It is considered when traditional treatments have not been effective or when a faster-acting intervention is needed.
Adults with the following may be strong candidates:
- Long-term depression with minimal relief from medication
- A diagnosis of TRD
- Severe depression that disrupts daily functioning
- Suicidal thoughts requiring rapid support
- Depression combined with anxiety or emotional numbness
Because safety is essential, esketamine must be administered and monitored by trained providers at a certified SPRAVATO clinic, such as the one at Sanford Behavioral Health.
The esketamine treatment process
Beginning esketamine treatment can feel unfamiliar, but understanding the process helps patients feel more confident and prepared.
1. Initial consultation and evaluation
Patients meet with experienced healthcare providers who complete a thorough assessment. This includes medical history, depression symptoms, previous treatments, and a discussion of expectations and goals.
2. How is esketamine administered
Esketamine is delivered through a nasal spray in a controlled medical environment. A trained provider carefully guides each patient through the self-administered treatment process, adjusting dosage based on individual needs.
3. Monitoring period
After the nasal spray is administered, patients relax in a comfortable room while healthcare providers monitor alertness, coordination, and blood pressure for at least two hours. A trusted friend, family member, or caregiver must drive the patient home, as driving is not permitted until the next day.
4. Treatment frequency
Esketamine treatment typically follows this schedule:
- Two sessions per week during the first month
- One session per week during the second month
- Continued maintenance sessions as needed
You and your provider will work together to create a treatment plan that feels right for you, including the number of sessions you may need. Insurance coverage varies, but many plans in West Michigan do cover SPRAVATO with prior authorization.
5. Speed of relief
One of the reasons Esketamine is considered innovative is its ability to provide rapid relief. While results vary, many individuals report feeling improvements within hours or days of their first few sessions.
What to expect during and after treatment sessions?
Having a clear sense of what happens during and after each session can ease anxiety about treatment. Sessions occur in a quiet, comfortable room within a medical setting, and the effects of esketamine often begin within minutes.
Common side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Feeling disconnected or “floaty”
- Increased blood pressure
- Mild changes in perception
- Fatigue
These side effects are typically short-lived and lessen as the monitoring period continues. Because patients are closely observed, the medical team can offer support right away if needed. Before heading home, staff confirm that you are stable and feeling ready to continue with your day.
After a SPRAVATO session, some people notice relief as their symptoms begin to improve, while others may feel tired and prefer to rest. Over time, many patients experience improvements in their mental health, mood, and overall well-being as treatment continues.
Comparing esketamine with ketamine therapy and other treatments
Although esketamine is often compared with ketamine therapy or ketamine infusions, there are important clinical differences.
Esketamine (SPRAVATO)
- FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression
- Administered as a nasal spray in a licensed clinic
- Closely monitored for safety
- Often provides rapid relief in hours or days
- Covered by many insurance plans
Ketamine therapy
- Often delivered through IV infusions
- Used off-label for depression
- Not FDA-approved for TRD
- Dosing and monitoring can vary by provider
Compared to traditional antidepressants, which may take weeks to work, esketamine offers a fast-acting option for people who haven’t found relief through multiple medications. At Sanford Behavioral Health, patients can also benefit from integrated mental health services that support long-term stability beyond esketamine sessions.
Esketamine in Grand Rapids at Sanford Behavioral Health
Having access to esketamine in Grand Rapids is meaningful for adults across West Michigan who need advanced depression treatment without traveling far from home.
Sanford Behavioral Health’s SPRAVATO clinic offers:
- A compassionate SPRAVATO care team
- A specialized clinic designed for safety, comfort, and privacy
- Collaboration with local healthcare providers and mental health professionals
- Support for patients and families through every stage of treatment
For primary care providers or outpatient psychiatrists considering referral, Sanford Behavioral Health offers streamlined communication and ongoing updates to support collaborative, coordinated care. Call 1-844-776-9651 for consultation, scheduling, or questions about eligibility.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about esketamine treatment
What is Esketamine (SPRAVATO) and how does it work?
Esketamine is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It works on NMDA receptors and can create a rapid improvement in mood.
Who qualifies for Esketamine treatment?
Patients self-administer the nasal spray in a clinic setting, then rest while being monitored for at least two hours.
What should I expect during a treatment session?
Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, increased blood pressure, or mild disassociation. Staff closely monitor all patients for comfort and safety.
How is Esketamine different from other treatments?
Esketamine is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and provides rapid relief. It’s different from ketamine infusions, using a nasal-spray delivery method that a healthcare provider closely monitors.
Taking the next steps for esketamine treatment in Grand Rapids
If traditional treatments have not helped your depression, esketamine may provide the relief you have been searching for. This innovative therapy offers supervised care, structured sessions, and the possibility of faster improvement than many standard antidepressants.
Sanford Behavioral Health provides this treatment through a specialized SPRAVATO clinic, serving adults throughout Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Our team guides you through every step of the process to support safety, comfort, and meaningful progress.
Now is the time to explore your depression treatment options. Call Sanford Behavioral Health at 616.202.3326 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Our team is here to help you take the first step toward relief from depression.
