If you've given antidepressants a real chance and still feel stuck, that isn't a personal failure. Some depression simply doesn't respond to the usual medications. Spravato works on a different system in the brain, and for many people it opens a door that felt closed.
Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression, as well as for depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder with acute suicidal ideation or behavior. It's closely related to ketamine and works on the brain's glutamate system, a different mechanism than the serotonin-based antidepressants most people try first.
What sets Spravato apart from IV ketamine is straightforward: because it's FDA-approved, it's covered by most major insurance plans. It's self-administered as a nasal spray in our office under the supervision of a board-certified psychiatrist, alongside an oral antidepressant, as part of a complete plan of care.
Spravato is given in a certified, supervised setting for your safety. Here's exactly what to expect.
A board-certified psychiatrist confirms your diagnosis, reviews the antidepressants you've tried, and determines whether Spravato fits.
Our team verifies your benefits and handles prior authorization before your first dose, so you know your expected cost up front.
You self-administer the nasal spray in a private, comfortable room. We monitor you for at least two hours. Plan for a ride home.
Dosing starts twice weekly, then steps down to weekly and every other week as you respond, with regular check-ins.
Eligibility is always confirmed during your evaluation, but these are the situations Spravato is designed for.
Your treatment plan is directed by a board-certified psychiatrist, so your care is grounded in medical training, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
The region voted us Best Psychiatrist in 2023, a reflection of the trust patients and families place in our team.
Therapy, medication, and advanced treatments under one roof in St. George and Cedar City, plus telehealth across Utah.
Because Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, it's covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare, when medical criteria are met. We handle the paperwork.
Dr. Hendleman founded Better Balance Psychiatry to bring advanced, evidence-based care to southern Utah. He specializes in treatment-resistant depression, trauma in uniformed service members, and advanced treatments including TMS, Spravato, and IV ketamine.
Learn MoreYes. Spravato (esketamine) is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder who have acute suicidal ideation or behavior. Because it's FDA-approved, it's covered by most major insurance plans, unlike off-label IV ketamine.
Both are related to ketamine and work on the same glutamate system, but Spravato is an FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray that's widely covered by insurance, while IV ketamine is given as an off-label infusion and is usually self-pay. Many patients choose Spravato specifically for the insurance coverage.
Spravato is FDA-approved and covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare, for eligible patients with treatment-resistant depression. Our team verifies your benefits and handles prior authorization before your first dose.
You self-administer the nasal spray in a comfortable, private room under supervision. Afterward, we monitor you for at least two hours. Because Spravato can cause temporary dissociation or drowsiness, you can't drive for the rest of the day and will need a ride home.
Many patients notice improvement within the first week or two, faster than the four to six weeks typical of oral antidepressants. Spravato is taken alongside an oral antidepressant.
Spravato is administered only in certified healthcare settings under medical supervision, with monitoring after each dose. The most common short-term effects are dissociation, dizziness, nausea, and a temporary rise in blood pressure, which are monitored and resolve the same day.
Your care stays coordinated under one roof. If another approach is a better fit, your psychiatrist can help you get there.
Schedule a confidential consultation with our psychiatric team. We'll review your history, verify your insurance, and let you know whether Spravato is the right fit. No referral required.
In-person care in St. George and Cedar City · Telehealth across Utah
