In The News: FDA Approves Spravato As An Independent For Treatment-Resistant Depression
February 03, 2025
The Counseling Center Reaches Vital Landmark In Mental Health Care
If you’ve been struggling with depression and other treatments haven’t provided relief, hope is now within reach. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded its approval of SPRAVATO® (esketamine), an antidepressant nasal spray.
From now on, Spravato is approved for use as a single treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This is the first monotherapy approved for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and have not seen improvement with at least two oral antidepressants.
An Advancement In Depression Treatment Is Here
At The Counseling Center at West Caldwell (TCC), a leader in outpatient mental health services, we are glad to have provided Spravato as an innovative therapy for TRD for years. After this updated approval, TCC continue to spearhead effective psychiatric care.
Spravato was initially authorized in 2019 for TRD patients and those requiring simultaneous oral antidepressant medications for suicidal tendencies.
Based on the latest clinical trials, the FDA has recognized Spravato’s success as an individual therapy, marking a transformative milestone in depression care. Initially, people on Spravato also were prescribe an oral antidepressant. Now, the FDA advises the treatment can be taken on its own. This 2025 authorization came about following a significant study determined that Spravato only was more effective than a placebo.
What Is Spravato?
Spravato is a trailblazing approach to minimizing depression. It is a nasal spray derived from esketamine, which comes from the anesthetic ketamine. By targeting glutamate, a vital brain neurotransmitter, Spravato helps improve mood and brain function
The new FDA sanction follows studies showing that Spravato, as a monotherapy, provided rapid and marked symptom reduction, with numerous patients seeing improvement in just a day or two.
Why Try Spravato At The Counseling Center at West Caldwell?
At The Counseling Center, we put individualized care before all else. If you don’t have a helpful treatment for your depression, ask us about Spravato. You get more than a simple treatment— it’s life-changing for people who haven’t found relief from traditional antidepressants.
What Makes Spravato Unique?
Spravato is a revolutionary treatment for treatment-resistant depression. For many people, it offers benefits like
- Quick Relief: Improves depression symptoms more quickly than oral drugs.
- Restored Functionality: Helps people regain a sense of pleasure and heal relationships.
- Innovative Mechanism: Targets glutamate receptors to increase brain plasticity and improve general function.
Given its potential side effects (e.g., sedation, dissociation), you can only get Spravato through a restricted distribution system under the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). It has to be administered in an accredited medical facility, such as The Counseling Center, where licensed professionals monitor each session for safety and effectiveness.
Understanding The Facts
It’s essential to understand that Spravato is not the same as ketamine. While they have commonalities, Spravato is a meticulously regulated treatment approved by the FDA and administered in safe medical facilities like TCC to assure safety and efficacy.
How Spravato Works At The Counseling Center
With REMS certification in all ten New Jersey locations and in Millbury, Massachusetts, TCC incorporates Spravato into tailored treatment plans for people battling TRD.
What to Expect
At TCC, our certified treatment centers and experienced professionals make sure that every visit is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.
- Medical Evaluation: Our experts review your medical history to determine if Spravato is the proper treatment for your circumstances.
- Supervised Sessions: Each treatment is conducted by licensed clinicians in a safe, compassionate environment.
- Ongoing Support: Spravato is part of a more comprehensive mental health plan that also covers medication management and therapy.
Is Spravato Right For You?
You could be a good candidate for Spravato if
- You’ve tried at least two antidepressants without measurable relief.
- Your symptoms stop you from fully living your life.
- You feel it’s time to explore new therapies to improve your mental health.
The Counseling Center: Your Partner For Mental Health
At The Counseling Center at West Caldwell, we prioritize giving top-tier, compassionate care. Our holistic approach involves:
- Group, individual and family therapy
- Medication management
- Intensive outpatient programs for psychiatric health
Spravato is the latest addition to our offerings of tailored mental health solutions, helping patients rediscover healing and hope.
Take Your First Step Toward Healing
You shouldn’t have to face depression alone. If you’re prepared to learn about how Spravato can change your life, The Counseling Center at West Caldwell is here to help. Please call us any time at 973-453-0808 to schedule your private assessment. Better health could be just one step away.
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.
