Two Fast-Acting Paths When Antidepressants Haven't Worked
Ketamine therapy and Spravato® (esketamine) both work differently than daily antidepressants — many patients notice relief in days, not weeks. Our team will help you find the right fit.
When Standard Antidepressants Aren't Enough
If you've tried two or more antidepressants without success, you may be dealing with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — and it's more common than you'd think.
Ketamine and Spravato both work on the brain's glutamate system rather than the serotonin pathways targeted by traditional antidepressants. This helps restore synaptic connections that depression can wear down, which is part of why many patients notice improvement in days rather than weeks — some as early as 24 hours after their first Spravato dose.
Ketamine or Spravato: What's the Difference?
Spravato is a derivative of ketamine, but the two differ in FDA status, cost, and how treatment is delivered. Here's how each works at NBCG.
Flexible, Therapy-Integrated Care
IM, Intranasal, or IV · Self-pay, with an insurance-eligible option (KAP)
- FDA Status Used off-label for depression; not FDA-approved for this use
- Delivery Intramuscular (IM), intranasal, or IV (our premium option)
- Approach Pre-session intention setting, supportive administration in a trauma-informed space, and post-session integration paired with therapy and mindfulness support
Ketamine triggers a short window of heightened brain plasticity — and at NBCG, that window is paired with real therapeutic support before and after each session, not just the medication alone. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) is also available for patients who'd rather pursue treatment through insurance.
Ask About KetamineFDA-Approved, Insurance-Covered
Intranasal spray · Covered by most major insurance plans
- FDA Status FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and MDD with suicidal ideation
- Delivery Self-administered nasal spray under provider supervision, followed by a required 2-hour observation period
- Schedule Twice weekly (weeks 1–4), then weekly (weeks 5–8), then as needed
Spravato is taken alongside an oral antidepressant and is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression — a strong option if insurance coverage matters most to you. Note: a caregiver must drive you home after each session.
Ask About SpravatoWhich One Is Right for You?
Every situation is different — this is just a starting point. Your provider will help you decide during your free consultation.
What to Expect
Ketamine Session
- Pre-session intention setting with your care team
- Supportive administration (IM, intranasal, or IV) in a calm, trauma-informed space
- Post-session integration support to help apply insights and rewire emotional responses
Spravato Session
- Self-administer the nasal spray under provider supervision
- Remain in-office for a required 2-hour observation period
- A caregiver must drive you home — you cannot drive yourself after treatment
Either Path
- Start with a free consultation to talk through your history and goals
- Our team will help you understand cost and insurance options upfront
- Treatment plans are personalized — your provider adjusts frequency as you respond
We Accept Most Insurance
Our team verifies your benefits, investigates coverage, and handles prior authorizations — so you know your costs upfront before starting treatment.
Not Sure Which Fits? Let's Talk It Through.
Book a free consultation with our team. We'll review your history and help you decide between ketamine, Spravato, or another path forward — no referral needed.
Schedule a Free Consultation (801) 797-2163