Offering Services in Royal Oak and Throughout Michigan
What Is Spravato?
Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—depression that hasn't responded to standard oral antidepressants. At Relationship Academy MI, Spravato is offered as a collaborative-care treatment: Journey Clinical's medical team manages the medical side (eligibility, prescribing, in-clinic dosing, and monitoring), while our therapists provide the psychotherapy that helps you prepare for and integrate the experience—the same model we use for Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
According to Journey Clinical and the FDA label, Spravato is currently the only FDA-approved nasal spray indicated for treatment-resistant depression. Reported outcomes from clinical trials include symptom relief within 24 hours for some patients and remission in a portion of patients by 16 weeks of treatment. Individual results vary, and Spravato is not appropriate for everyone—eligibility is determined through a clinical evaluation with Journey Clinical's medical team.
How Spravato Treatment Works
Spravato is not a standalone treatment—it's designed to work alongside ongoing psychotherapy.
Eligibility & Intake
You complete an eligibility form with Journey Clinical. Their medical team reviews your history, confirms insurance coverage, and determines whether Spravato is a good fit.
Preparation Sessions (With Our Therapists)
Before dosing begins, we meet to prepare your intentions and build a supportive therapeutic container for the experience—just as we would for KAP preparation sessions.
In-Clinic Dosing
Unlike KAP, you self-administer Spravato under supervision at a certified Spravato treatment site, typically twice a week during the induction phase. Clinical staff monitor you on site for the duration of the appointment. You do not need to switch therapists to receive Spravato through this program.
Integration Sessions (With Our Therapists)
We meet weekly to process what came up during dosing and translate those insights into lasting change—the same integration work we do in KAP.
Spravato vs. Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy—Which Is Right for You?
Both pair a legal, medically supervised medication with psychotherapy, but they differ in delivery and setting:
| Spravato | Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Medication | Esketamine nasal spray | Sublingual ketamine lozenge |
| FDA status | FDA-approved for TRD | Used off-label for mental health conditions |
| Where administered | In-clinic, supervised | At home, with the therapist present via telehealth |
| Best for | Adults with diagnosed treatment-resistant depression | Broader range of mood, anxiety, trauma, and relationship-related concerns |
Not sure which fits your situation? Read about ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or reach out and we'll talk through your options together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spravato
Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression in adults—depression that hasn't improved with standard oral antidepressants.
Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray administered in-clinic under medical supervision, while KAP typically uses a sublingual ketamine lozenge self-administered at home with a therapist present remotely.
No. Journey Clinical's medical team manages the Spravato prescribing and dosing, while you continue working with your existing therapist for preparation and integration sessions.
Coverage varies by plan and insurer. Several major insurers offer coverage for Michigan residents; contact Journey Clinical or our office to confirm your specific benefits.
Clinical trial data reported by the manufacturer show some patients experience relief within 24 hours, though response time varies by individual, and Spravato is intended for use alongside ongoing psychotherapy, not as a standalone fix.
When administered by qualified medical professionals with appropriate screening and monitoring, Spravato is generally considered safe for eligible patients. A full clinical evaluation is required before treatment begins.