What happens when you have done everything your doctor suggested and your depression still will not lift?
For millions of people with treatment-resistant depression, that question does not have an easy answer. Antidepressants that work for others do not work for them. Therapy helps but not enough. And the longer treatment fails, the heavier depression becomes.
Spravato® was developed specifically for this situation. It is an FDA-approved nasal spray that works differently from every antidepressant you may have already tried, targeting a completely different pathway in the brain.
Oasis Mental Health Centers offers Spravato® at 12 locations across New Jersey, and it is covered by all major insurance plans.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about Spravato® before taking the next step.
Understanding Spravato® (Esketamine) and Treatment-Resistant Depression
Many have tried antidepressant after antidepressant without meaningful relief. That experience is entirely valid. What you are feeling has a name: treatment-resistant depression. And it is far more common than most people realize.
Treatment-resistant depression means your depression has not improved after trying at least two different antidepressants at the right dose for around six weeks each. These might include SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like Prozac or Zoloft, or SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) like Effexor or Cymbalta, which are the most commonly prescribed types of antidepressants.
For many patients in this situation, traditional antidepressants simply are not enough.
Spravato® is an FDA-approved nasal spray, first approved in 2019 for adults with treatment resistant depression. Since then, its approval has expanded to also cover adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who are experiencing acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors, making it one of the few treatments available for both situations.
Spravato® comes from the same family as ketamine but is a more precise, purpose-built version refined specifically to treat depression. It cannot be picked up at a pharmacy or taken at home. Every session takes place at a certified clinic like Oasis, with a trained medical team present throughout.
It was not designed to be the first thing you try. It was designed specifically for people who have already tried other treatments and are still struggling, which is exactly why it may be worth exploring if you are in that situation.
How Spravato® Treatment Works in the Brain
Unlike traditional antidepressants, which mainly target serotonin systems and can take four to eight weeks to provide relief, Spravato® works through a fundamentally different mechanism. This difference is precisely why it may help when other treatments have not.
Spravato® works by blocking NMDA receptors, which are part of the brain’s glutamate system. Glutamate is the brain’s most abundant chemical messenger. When these receptors are blocked, the brain experiences a rapid increase in neuroplasticity, which is its ability to form new connections. In simple terms, it helps your brain rewire itself in the areas most affected by depression.
Clinical studies show Spravato® improves mood faster than traditional antidepressants, often within hours to days of a treatment session.
In phase 3 clinical trials, roughly 52.5% of adults with treatment resistant depression achieved remission by week four when Spravato® nasal spray was combined with an oral antidepressant, compared with about 31% for placebo plus an oral antidepressant.
While the neuroscience is complex, the practical takeaway is straightforward: Spravato® can offer rapid relief by reactivating the brain’s capacity for change, providing a new path forward when traditional treatments have not worked.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Spravato® in New Jersey?
Many patients come to us unsure whether they qualify for Spravato®. That uncertainty is completely normal, and our team at Oasis will walk you through every step of the evaluation process.
The core eligibility criteria are straightforward:
- Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not experienced sufficient symptom relief after trying at least two antidepressants at adequate doses and durations
- Adults with major depressive disorder and acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors, when used alongside intensive mental health support
When you come in for your evaluation, our team takes the time to understand your full picture. We review your:
- Full psychiatric and medical history
- Prior medication trials and responses
- Current symptom severity, including suicidal ideation
- Co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or PTSD
- Substance use history
Certain factors require extra caution or may mean Spravato® is not appropriate, including uncontrolled high blood pressure, serious cardiovascular disease, pregnancy, a history of psychosis, or active substance use disorder.
You do not have to figure this out on your own. Our licensed healthcare professionals in New Jersey locations conduct a comprehensive, individualized assessment to determine whether Spravato® treatment for depression is the safest and most helpful option for you.
What to Expect at Oasis Spravato® Treatment Centers in New Jersey
Spravato® can only be administered at clinics certified under the FDA’s REMS program. REMS stands for Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy, which is essentially the FDA’s way of making sure patients receiving this medication are monitored safely at every session. Oasis is fully certified, and our team is trained and equipped to guide you through every step.
All of our Oasis Mental Health Centers New Jersey locations are designed to feel calm and supportive. You will find private treatment rooms, comfortable seating, and a licensed medical team trained to guide you through each session with care.
A Typical Treatment Visit
When you arrive at Oasis for your appointment, here is what the session looks like:
- Arrival and check-in: Your blood pressure is measured, a brief mental health check is completed, and our team reviews all medications you are currently taking including any over the counter medicines.
- Administration: You will self-administer the esketamine nasal spray. You’ll repeat the process up to two more times, 5 minutes apart, depending on the dosage prescribed under the supervision of our clinical team.
- Monitoring period: You will remain at Oasis for at least two hours after treatment while our team checks your blood pressure regularly and monitors for any side effects such as dissociation, sedation, or changes in breathing. Most patients use this time to rest, listen to music, or simply relax.
- Departure: You cannot drive yourself home after a Spravato® session. Someone must take you home, and you should avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions until the following day after a full night of restful sleep.
Treatment Schedule
Spravato® treatment happens in phases and our team at Oasis guides you through each one:
- Induction phase: Two sessions per week for the first four weeks
- Transition phase: One session per week for several weeks
- Maintenance phase: One session every one to two weeks, sometimes extending to every four weeks depending on your response
Your schedule is adjusted based on how you are responding. Your healthcare provider determines when it is the right time to move to the next phase, and at Oasis we never rush that decision.
Is Spravato® Covered by Insurance in New Jersey?
This is the question most patients ask first, and the answer is encouraging.
All major health insurers in New Jersey cover Spravato® for FDA-approved uses when prior authorization criteria are met. This includes:
- Medicare
- Medicaid
- Tricare
- Commercial plans including Horizon BCBS NJ, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana
Prior authorization is required by most plans before treatment begins. At Oasis, our team handles the entire prior authorization process on your behalf.
We contact your insurer directly, prepare and submit all required documentation, and provide you with a clear written estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before your first session. You will never be surprised by a bill you did not expect.
Ready to Find Out If Spravato® Is Right for You?
If you have struggled with treatment resistant depression and feel like you have exhausted every option, you do not have to keep searching alone. It makes sense to feel discouraged after years of trial and error, and we want you to know that significant relief is still possible.
At Oasis Mental Health Centers in New Jersey, we specialize in treatments like Spravato® for patients who have not found relief through conventional antidepressants. Our initial conversation is focused entirely on understanding you, reviewing prior treatments, and discussing risks and benefits honestly.
If you are ready to take the next step toward lasting relief from depression, contact us today and let us find out if Spravato® is the right fit for you. You deserve to begin feeling hope again.
Spravato® Treatment Centers of New Jersey: FAQs
How quickly can I start Spravato® treatment at Oasis in New Jersey?
Timing depends on your initial consultation, medical clearance, evaluation, and insurance authorization. Initial consultations for Spravato® are usually conducted via phone calls, and many prospective patients complete their telehealth assessment within about a week of contacting us. Once approved and authorized, first in-clinic sessions are often scheduled within one to two weeks, depending on availability at your nearest New Jersey locations.
From your first call to your first session, many people are in treatment within two to three weeks. We can also provide same day appointments for initial consultations based on availability, and the best way to work that out is to reach out to us at 862-305-3617 during office hours.
Will I need to stop my current antidepressant or therapy?
As of January 2025, Spravato® is FDA approved as a standalone treatment for treatment-resistant depression, meaning you may not need to continue or start an oral antidepressant alongside it. Any decisions about your existing medications are made carefully with your Oasis clinician based on your individual treatment plan and response. Ongoing therapy is strongly encouraged throughout Spravato® treatment to help you build on the mood improvements you experience.
What should I bring to my Spravato® appointments?
Bring a list of current medications, a form of identification, your insurance card, and contact information for your primary care doctor and any outside mental health providers. Most importantly, arrange transportation home in advance, whether that is a trusted support person or a ride service. You will not be permitted to drive yourself after receiving Spravato®, as drowsiness and other effects may persist for several hours.
Is Spravato® addictive or habit-forming?
While esketamine is related to ketamine, a substance that can be misused, Spravato® is administered only in certified medical settings under strict REMS guidelines and is never taken home. Current research has not shown typical patterns of addiction when Spravato® is used as prescribed for treatment resistant depression.
Our providers still screen carefully for substance use history and monitor patients over time. If any concerns about dependence arise, Oasis clinicians in New Jersey address them promptly and adjust the treatment plan to keep you safe.
How long will I need to stay on Spravato® if it helps?
The initial acute phase usually covers the first four weeks to twelve weeks of treatment. After the first month, many patients transition to less frequent maintenance sessions if they are experiencing sustained symptom relief. So, there is no one-size-fits-all timeline. Decisions about continuing, spacing out, or tapering Spravato® are made collaboratively between you and your Oasis provider based on how Spravato® works for you specifically, any potential side effects, and your life circumstances.
The long-term goal is durable improvement supported by therapy, healthy routines, and appropriate medication, giving you your life back rather than keeping you on indefinite high-frequency treatment unless clearly needed.