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Spravato Treatment in Denver, Boulder & Westminster, CO | A Path to Depression Relief

Mental Health & Wellness Clinics located in Aurora, Louisville and Westminster, CO

Spravato
Spravato

About Spravato

Are you struggling with depression that hasn't responded to traditional treatments? Spravato® (esketamine) is a breakthrough nasal spray that offers rapid relief from the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we offer a personalized, supportive, and trauma-informed Spravato journey to help you find healing.

Schedule your in-person or telehealth consultation today.

Spravato Q&A

Why Choose Axis Integrated Mental Health for Spravato?

You deserve more than a one-off treatment. Axis is an award-winning, locally-owned clinic committed to providing integrated and compassionate care.

  • Award-Winning & Community-Focused: Voted "Best of Mile High™" in 2024 and 2025, we're a Colorado-grown clinic deeply invested in our communities across Denver, Boulder, and Westminster.

  • Integrated Care: Your Spravato treatment is part of a personalized plan that can include psychiatric support, therapy, and TMS all under one roof. We treat the whole person, not just the symptoms.

  • Insurance Advocates: We handle all the paperwork for you. Our team navigates prior authorizations and benefits checks, so you can focus on healing. Spravato is covered by most major insurance plans.

  • Comfortable, Private Suites: Our cozy, low-stimulation treatment rooms are equipped with zero-gravity chairs, blankets, and noise-canceling headphones to ensure a peaceful and safe experience.

  • Transportation Support: We don't want transportation to be a barrier to your care. Our unique program offers new patients a complimentary Uber voucher to ensure you can get to and from your appointments safely.

  • Safety First: We prioritize your safety with strict protocols, medical supervision, and drug testing to prevent adverse reactions.

 

How Spravato Works for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Spravato is the first and only FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal thoughts.

Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to work, Spravato targets the NMDA receptor and boosts neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to heal and form new connections—often providing relief within hours.

Your Spravato Treatment Journey at Axis

  • The Initial Assessment: Your journey begins with a physical and mental health evaluation. We'll review your history, symptoms, and previous treatments to confirm Spravato is the right path for you.

  • Treatment Sessions: You'll self-administer the nasal spray in one of our private, comfortable rooms under the close supervision of our expert staff. Each session lasts approximately two hours.

  • Treatment Schedule: The typical schedule includes twice-weekly sessions for the first four weeks, followed by once-weekly sessions for the next four weeks, and then a maintenance phase tailored to your needs.

  • Post-Treatment Care: You will need to arrange for a ride home after each session. Your provider will guide you on how to prepare for and what to do after each treatment to maximize its benefits.

Spravato vs. Traditional Ketamine Therapy: What's the Difference?

IV ketamine and Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray) are both fast-acting treatments for depression, but they differ in how they’re administered, how they’re regulated, and how insurance covers them. IV ketamine is delivered through an infusion directly into the bloodstream and is often used off-label for depression, meaning it’s not FDA-approved for that purpose, though many patients see strong results. Spravato, on the other hand, is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and administered as a nasal spray under supervision in a certified clinic, like Axis Integrated Mental Health. It also tends to be covered by insurance, while IV ketamine usually is not. For a deeper breakdown of the science and pros and cons of each option, check out Esketamine vs. Ketamine: Are They the Same Thing? and Which Is Better: Ketamine Infusions vs. Spravato?.

Feature Spravato (Esketamine) Traditional Ketamine
Form Nasal Spray IV Infusion or other off-label methods
FDA Status FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression Used off-label for depression (FDA-approved as an anesthetic)
Insurance Coverage Covered by most major insurance plans Typically not covered by insurance

Spravato's FDA approval and insurance coverage make it a more accessible and a safer option for many patients.

What Our Patients Say

Hear from real patients who found hope and healing with Spravato.

Patient Testimonials about Spravato

  • "It works. Every other thing I tried for 36 years didn't work and there was a lot of things I tried... nothing worked until Spravato." - Danielle

  • "It felt like plugging my brain back in... and the ketamine treatment just felt like some loop had been closed. Something had been fixed." - Megan

Am I a candidate for Spravato?

To determine if you’re a candidate for Spravato, the Axis Integrated Mental Health team completes physical and mental health exams. During a psychiatric evaluation, they ask questions about your moods, past treatments, current medications, emotions, medical history, and lifestyle. They tailor a depression treatment that’s best suited for you. Take our qualification quiz to see the types of questions we will ask and to see if you're a candidate for Spravato Treatment. 

 

How Does Spravato Treatment Differ From IV Ketamine Therapy? 

IV ketamine and Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray) are both fast-acting treatments for depression, but they differ in how they’re administered, how they’re regulated, and how insurance covers them. IV ketamine is delivered through an infusion directly into the bloodstream and is often used off-label for depression, meaning it’s not FDA-approved for that purpose—though many patients see strong results. Spravato, on the other hand, is FDA-approved specifically for treatment-resistant depression and administered as a nasal spray under supervision in a certified clinic, like Axis Integrated Mental Health. It also tends to be covered by insurance, while IV ketamine usually is not. For a deeper breakdown of the science and pros and cons of each option, check out Esketamine vs. Ketamine: Are They the Same Thing? and Which Is Better: Ketamine Infusions vs. Spravato?.

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FAQs 

  1. How does Spravato work, and is it a replacement for other antidepressants? Spravato is an FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Unlike traditional antidepressants that often take weeks to show results, Spravato targets different brain receptors to provide rapid relief from depressive symptoms. It is typically used in conjunction with a daily oral antidepressant, not as a standalone replacement.
  2. Who is a good candidate for Spravato treatment? Spravato is for individuals who have not found success with at least two other oral antidepressant medications. It is also approved for treating depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal thoughts or behavior. A thorough evaluation by a psychiatric provider is required to determine eligibility.
  3. Will my insurance cover the cost of Spravato treatment? Yes, Spravato is generally covered by most major commercial insurance plans. Our clinic will assist you with the insurance verification and prior authorization process to help you understand your out-of-pocket Spravato costs and minimize financial barriers to treatment. 
  4. How Can I Prepare for Spravato Treatment? Preparing for Spravato treatment is just as important as the treatment itself. At Axis Integrated Mental Health, we guide you through every step to ensure you feel informed, safe, and ready. Before your first session, you’ll receive a checklist with key instructions, like avoiding food 2 hours before your appointment and arranging for a ride home afterward, since you won’t be able to drive post-treatment. Our welcome page provides all of our patients with specific instructions for each treatment, patient videos from former patients to help them prepare, as well as clinic policies and support. We also encourage patients to set intentions for their sessions, similar to the practices outlined in our guide on preparing for ketamine infusion therapy. If you’re looking for a comprehensive resource to feel mentally and physically prepared, read advice from our patients in our Ketamine Therapy GuideA Patient's Guide for Better Ketamine Therapy
  5. What Should I Do After Spravato Treatment? After a Spravato treatment, your brain is in a highly flexible and healing state—what you do next can make a real difference. We recommend giving yourself space to rest, reflect, and stay off screens for the rest of the day. Just like we outline in our blog on what to do after ketamine treatment, post-treatment is the perfect time to journal, take a gentle walk, or do something creative. Avoid driving, alcohol, or making big decisions for at least 12–24 hours.