Spravato & Ketamine-Assisted Therapy

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Have you been dealing with depression, anxiety, OCD, or PTSD for what seems to be forever and aren’t feeling like you’re getting the help you need?

The treatment breakthrough you've been looking for may be possible with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy – or with a ketamine derivative called Spravato® (esketamine). For many who deal with chronic, treatment-resistant mental health issues, ketamine and Spravato promise to provide important clarity about your ongoing struggles while enhancing and deepening the healing potential of psychiatric medications and talk therapy.

How Does It Work?

Ketamine and Spravato have been described as helping people change the channel on unwanted thoughts and urges – whereas traditional psychiatric medications tend to simply turn down the volume. In addition to being highly effective, the results of ketamine and Spravato appear to have long-term effects, lasting more than a year for most people.

So, how do ketamine and Spravado work?

Ketamine is FDA-approved for use as an anesthetic. Because it also has psychoactive properties and can induce a trance-like state and distort perceptions, it has been used off-label to relieve emotional and physical pain. It is delivered as an injection into muscle tissue. In 2019, the FDA approved Spravato for use in patients with treatment-resistant depression. It is administered as a nasal spray under the supervision of a medical provider.

Both are taken in conjunction with oral antidepressants and psychotherapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for patients with difficult-to-treat mental health issues.

close up of doctor holding patient's hand

Ketamine vs. Spravato

Perhaps the biggest difference between the two therapies that impact client choice is that Spravato is covered by most insurance plans, whereas ketamine typically isn't (since its FDA approval is for use as an anesthetic).

For some patients, fewer treatment sessions are needed to achieve the desired results when using ketamine. However, Spravato is effective at lower doses than ketamine, which can lessen the risk of side effects. Then, there is the form of administration: Spravato uses a nasal spray, and ketamine uses an intramuscular injection.

Both therapies, however, are safe, convenient, and produce rapid results. Both are administered under the supervision of an experienced medical professional. At Denver Wellness Associates, we have protocols in place to monitor your vital signs and well-being to ensure your safety and comfort throughout your ketamine or Spravato treatment with us.

What Does Ketamine and Spravato Treat?

Ketamine and Spravato are especially valuable in helping to break down deeply entrenched psychological defenses. These therapies have been used to successfully treat patients with:

  • Anxiety
  • Chronic pain
  • Depression
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Suicidal ideation

Ketamine and Spravato Sessions: What to Expect

Because ketamine and Spravato are short-acting – especially compared to other psychedelics like psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”), LSD, and MDMA (ecstasy or “Molly”) – an in-office treatment session lasts less than 2 hours. The precise dose, number of treatments, and duration of your ketamine therapy will depend on your situation and goals, as discussed with your psychiatric provider. The general protocol is twice a week for 4 weeks, then once weekly for the next 4 weeks, for a total of 12 treatments.

Getting Started

During your initial consultation at Denver Wellness Associates, you’ll be seen by a psychiatric provider who will review your medical history, goals, mental health history, and treatment expectations with you. This is the perfect time to ask questions, discuss your treatment plan, and learn what to expect during treatment sessions.

The day of your ketamine or Spravato treatment, we ask that you refrain from eating or drinking for 2 hours prior to your appointment. We will provide you with anti-nausea medications to take prior to your appointment.

When you arrive for a treatment session, your provider will again review the plan with you and address any questions you may have.

Ketamine and Spravato treatments take about 90 minutes, and you will need a ride to and from this appointment.

We will make sure you are comfortable with weighted blankets, cozy seating, and snacks. If you have specific music or a playlist you’d like to listen to, or if you’d like a guided meditation during the treatment, let us know ahead of time so that we can make the necessary accommodations.

Spravato Ketamine Therapy Near Me

Contact the psychiatric professionals at Denver Wellness Associates by calling or texting (720) 598-1070 or emailing info@denverwellness.com and ask us about how ketamine or Spravato therapy may help you. You can also schedule an appointment now.