Breaking News: FDA Approves Spravato As A Monotherapy For Treatment-Resistant Depression

February 03, 2025

The Counseling Center Reaches Significant Turning Point In Mental Treatment

If you’ve been grappling with depression and other treatments haven’t worked, new possibilities are now accessible. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its authorization of SPRAVATO® (esketamine), an antidepressant nasal spray.

Spravato is now approved to use as a standalone medical option for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This is the first monotherapy approved for adults dealing with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not seen improvement with at minimum two oral antidepressants.

An Advancement In Depression Treatment Is Here

At The Counseling Center at Clark (TCC), a leader in outpatient mental health services, we are pleased to have offered Spravato as an innovative treatment for TRD for many years. With this updated approval, we remain at the forefront of mental health care.

Spravato was initially authorized in 2019 for TRD and patients needing concurrent oral antidepressant medications for suicidal tendencies.

After the latest clinical tests, the FDA has recognized Spravato’s efficacy as an individual treatment, marking a life-changing milestone in psychiatric care. Initially, individuals taking Spravato also took an oral antidepressant. Now, the FDA advises the treatment can be taken on its own. The new 2025 authorization came about following a large study discovered that Spravato on its own was more effective than a placebo.

What Is Spravato?

Spravato is a trailblazing approach to treating depression. This nasal spray is derived from esketamine, which comes from the anesthetic ketamine. By targeting glutamate, a vital brain neurotransmitter, Spravato helps improve brain function and mood

The new FDA approval follows trials demonstrating that Spravato, as a monotherapy, provided fast and notable symptom alleviation, with lots of individuals experiencing improvement within 24-48 hours.

Why Try Spravato At The Counseling Center at Clark?

At The Counseling Center at Clark, we focus on customized treatment. If you haven’t found a helpful solution for your depression, talk to us about Spravato. It goes beyond just a treatment— it’s life-changing for individuals who haven’t found relief with traditional therapies.

What Makes Spravato Unique?

Spravato is a cutting-edge treatment for treatment-resistant depression. For many individuals, it provides benefits like

Fast Relief: Improves depression symptoms faster than oral drugs.
Restored Functionality: Helps patients feel pleasure again and heal relationships.
Innovative Mechanism: Zeroes in on glutamate brain receptors to enhance brain plasticity and general function.

Due to its potential side effects (e.g., sedation, dissociation), Spravato is only offered through a restricted distribution system under the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). It must be administered in an accredited medical facility, like The Counseling Center, where licensed professionals oversee each treatment for effectiveness and safety.

Understanding The Facts

It’s important to know that Spravato is not ketamine. While they share similarities, Spravato is a carefully regulated treatment approved by the FDA and administered in controlled clinical settings like TCC to guarantee safety and effectiveness.

How We Do Spravato

With REMS certification in our ten New Jersey locations and in Millbury, Massachusetts, TCC incorporates Spravato into customized care plans for people dealing with TRD.

What to Expect

At TCC, our certified facilities and skilled clinicians make sure that every visit is safe, effective, and centered around your needs.

Medical Assessment: Our experts review your medical history to decide if Spravato is the right option for your circumstances.
Supervised Sessions: Each treatment is conducted by licensed clinicians in a safe, supportive environment.
Ongoing Support: Spravato is one component of a wider mental health plan that involves therapy and medication management.

Is Spravato Right For You?

You could be a good candidate for Spravato if

You’ve used at least two antidepressants without significant improvement.
Your symptoms stop you from fully enjoying your life.
You’re in a good place to explore new treatments to improve your mental health.

The Counseling Center: Your Partner In Psychiatric Health

At The Counseling Center at Clark, we prioritize giving high-quality, sympathetic care. Our holistic approach includes:

Group, individual and family therapy
Medication management
Intensive outpatient programs for psychiatric health

Spravato is the latest addition to our list of personalized mental health solutions, helping patients rediscover healing and hope.

Take The First Step Toward Healing

You don’t have to deal with depression alone. When you’re ready to see how Spravato can transform your life, The Counseling Center at Clark is here to assist. Call us any time at 732-605-6029 to schedule your confidential evaluation. Better health might be more possible than you know.

Author: Stephen Cooke

Author

Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, Stephen Cooke brings over a decade of experience in international and American healthcare communications to Praesum. A prolific writer and published author, Stephen has dedicated his career to promoting health and recovery across various organizations.

Back to Blog