So you Want to Try Spravato…

Spravato Considerations by Cass Biron,LCSW, Iris Hood, MA and Timothy Bidon

As our psychedelic team grows, we wanted to provide a bit of an overview over how Spravato treatment works and things to consider when determining if Spravato treatment is right for you.

Is it clinically appropriate?

This varies from patient to patient as no two cases are identical. Generally, Spravato treatment has shown great promise in patients with severe and/or treatment-resistant depression. If you are experiencing chronic and severe depression or suicidal ideation that isn’t being adequately addressed by standard SSRIs and antidepressants, Spravato could be right for you.

The importance of comfortability with your provider and self-advocacy…

The key to effective Spravato treatment comes with building trust with your provider and creating a safe space for you to experience treatment. As a psychedelic aligned treatment, Spravato can alter perceptions, thought patterns and reactions to environmental stimulation. Treatment is most effective when you feel at ease and safe to explore your thought patterns. Trust between your provider and yourself is paramount as your provider will be your primary resource and point of contact for treatment. Feeling safe with them leads to more effective results.

Decolonization of Spravato…

Spravato is a promising treatment born of a substance with a complex history. Nothing exists in a vacuum, and it’s important to be aware of these roots when pursuing treatment. When signing up for Spravato treatment, you are joining a wave of pioneering souls as a citizen scientist who are adding to public data on the promise of this treatment method. You should feel empowered to ask your provider any questions, but you are also encouraged to do your own research on the history of Spravato alongside its party drug variant “Special K.” Spravato, like many other treatment methods, has faced immense hurdles due to the United States’ government policies surrounding the War on Drugs and these punitive measures have disproportionately impacted communities of color, as well as low-income people. As we integrate this treatment further into our practice, we hope patients will join us in being mindful of this history to build a better future.

Common Questions before ketamine treatment and interview with our Psychedelic Program Manager, Iris Hood, MA

• How long are the appts? Where are the appointments? What is the frequency?
  • Two hours including post medication observation.
  • In person (check most current COVID-19 guidelines)
  • Twice weekly for 4 weeks and will often move to once a week afterwards
    
• How will I feel after and what can I do after the appointment?
  • Some people experience dissociation, which varies from person to person. Speak with your provider about your patterns and expectations for treatment.
  • Some people are light sensitive and prefer low lighting or no lights at all. Feel free to bring an eye mask or anything else that makes you feel comfortable.
  • Some folx bring blankets , journals, music/playlists, supportive person-creativity is encouraged and welcomed!
    
• How does it work with my insurance coverage?
  • This varies widely by plan. Eligibility criteria is often different. Most are: History of psychiatric medication (two-only certain medications for example: antidepressants-SSRIs, tricyclics, MAOs), diagnosis of major depression, etc.
    
• Who will I see?
  • Your facilitator who administers the medication.
  • You will also have a provider check-in either in-person or virtual, dependent on availability
    
• Spravato Aftercare:
  • We normally recommend resting, no exercise, no driving until a full night sleep. Our patients often report ease in using public transportation after their appointments and we encourage people to monitor their bodies and feelings. Some people will request to stay longer than the prescribed observation time and that is welcome-just let your provider know.
  • Want more info? Check out our Spravato page here.
• Other Tips:
  • Talk to someone on the treatment team with your concerns.
  • Bring your list of questions to treatment.
  • When in doubt, do more research!