What to Expect During Your First Spravato Treatment Session at Innovative MindCare

Taking the first step toward a new treatment for depression can feel overwhelming, especially when previous medications or therapies have not provided adequate relief. If you are exploring Spravato treatment in Chicago, understanding exactly what the process looks like from start to finish can help ease uncertainty and allow you to focus on what matters most – your mental health. Innovative MindCare provides Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) in a supportive, medically supervised clinical environment designed to meet the specific needs of individuals living with treatment-resistant depression.

This guide walks you through every stage of your first Spravato session at Innovative MindCare, from initial eligibility and preparation to what happens during and after your appointment. Whether you are located in Chicago or Downers Grove, our goal is to ensure you feel informed and confident before you arrive.

What Is Spravato and Who May Benefit from It?

Spravato is the brand name for esketamine, an FDA-approved nasal spray specifically indicated for two populations: adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who have not responded adequately to at least two prior antidepressant therapies, and adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) who are experiencing depressive symptoms accompanied by suicidal thoughts or actions. It is important to note that Spravato is not a general-purpose antidepressant – it is reserved for cases where standard treatments have proven insufficient.

Approximately 30% of individuals with major depressive disorder do not respond to conventional antidepressant medications, a statistic that underscores the significant need for alternative treatment options. Spravato works differently from traditional antidepressants by targeting the NMDA receptor pathway, and many patients have reported experiencing improvement in depressive symptoms more rapidly than with oral medications alone. However, individual results vary, and Spravato is always used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Spravato vs. Traditional Antidepressants

Unlike oral antidepressants that may take several weeks to begin working, Spravato has been shown to offer a faster onset of symptom relief in some patients. It is also distinct from other ketamine-based treatments in that it carries full FDA approval and is administered through a federally mandated Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. This means every Spravato session must take place in a certified healthcare setting under direct medical supervision – a standard that Innovative MindCare fully meets.

Before Your Appointment: Preparation and What to Know

Proper preparation can make your first Spravato session smoother and more comfortable. Here is what Innovative MindCare recommends before you arrive for your appointment.

Dietary Guidelines

Patients are typically advised to avoid eating for at least two hours before their scheduled session. If you are prone to nausea, your provider may recommend avoiding food for a longer period. Staying lightly hydrated with water is generally acceptable, but your care team will provide specific guidance based on your health profile. Avoiding heavy meals helps reduce the likelihood of common side effects such as nausea during the treatment.

Medication and Health Review

Before beginning Spravato, your provider at Innovative MindCare will conduct a thorough review of your current medications, medical history, and mental health background. This review is essential for confirming that Spravato is an appropriate treatment option for you. Be sure to disclose all medications, supplements, and any history of substance use, as these factors may influence your treatment plan.

Practical Considerations

Because Spravato can cause temporary sedation, dizziness, and changes in perception, you will not be permitted to drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in activities requiring full alertness for the remainder of the day following your session. Plan to arrange a ride home from your appointment. Wearing comfortable clothing and bringing something calming to occupy your time during the observation period – such as a book, music, or a podcast – can help you settle in during the post-administration monitoring window.

What Happens During Your First Spravato Treatment Session

Knowing the step-by-step process of a Spravato session can significantly reduce any apprehension you may feel. Here is a detailed look at what your first visit to Innovative MindCare will involve.

Check-In and Vital Signs

When you arrive at the clinic, a member of the care team will check you in and take your baseline vital signs, including blood pressure. Because Spravato can temporarily increase blood pressure, this initial reading serves as an important reference point that your provider will monitor throughout your session. If your blood pressure is elevated beyond a safe threshold before treatment, your provider may recommend rescheduling to a time when it is better controlled.

Self-Administration Under Medical Supervision

Spravato is self-administered as a nasal spray, but always under the direct observation of a trained healthcare professional. Your provider will guide you through the process, which involves spraying the medication into each nostril using a pre-loaded device. Depending on your prescribed dose, you may use one, two, or three devices during a single session. Each device delivers two sprays – one per nostril – and there is typically a short rest period of a few minutes between devices.

The entire administration process generally takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Patients are seated comfortably in a private treatment space during this time, and the clinical staff at Innovative MindCare remains available to address any questions or concerns throughout.

The Mandatory Observation Period

Following administration, patients are required to remain at the clinic for a minimum observation period of two hours. This is a core component of the REMS program and ensures that any side effects are identified and managed promptly in a clinical setting. During this time, your care team will periodically check your blood pressure and assess how you are feeling.

Common side effects that some patients experience during this window include:

• Temporary dizziness or lightheadedness
• Mild nausea
• A sensation of disconnection or altered perception (dissociation)
• Drowsiness or sedation
• Changes in taste or mild nasal discomfort

These effects are generally short-lived and tend to resolve within the two-hour monitoring period. The supervised environment at Innovative MindCare ensures that you are supported throughout and that any adverse reactions are addressed immediately by qualified medical staff.

After Your Session: What to Expect in the Hours and Days Ahead

Once the observation period is complete and your care team has confirmed that your vital signs are stable and you are feeling well, you will be cleared to leave the clinic with your pre-arranged ride. Most patients feel noticeably better within a few hours as the acute side effects subside, though some mild fatigue may linger into the evening.

Immediate Aftercare

For the remainder of the day following your session, it is important to rest and avoid any demanding physical or cognitive tasks. Do not drive, sign legal documents, or make significant decisions until you have had a full night of sleep. Staying hydrated and eating a light meal after your session may help with any residual nausea.

Ongoing Treatment Schedule

Spravato is not a one-time treatment. The standard protocol involves an induction phase of twice-weekly sessions for the first four weeks, followed by a maintenance phase where the frequency is gradually reduced to once weekly and then to once every one or two weeks. Your provider at Innovative MindCare will tailor this schedule to your individual response and clinical needs. Consistency in attending scheduled sessions is an important factor in achieving the best possible outcomes.

It is also worth noting that Spravato is prescribed alongside an oral antidepressant. The combination approach is part of the treatment’s FDA-approved indication and has been shown to provide more sustained benefit than either treatment used in isolation.

Insurance Coverage for Spravato at Innovative MindCare

One of the advantages of Spravato compared to some other emerging treatments is that it is typically covered by insurance. Innovative MindCare accepts several major insurance providers for Spravato treatment, including Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, and Medicaid. This coverage helps make treatment more accessible for patients in the Chicago and Downers Grove areas who may benefit from this FDA-approved option. For questions about your specific plan, we encourage you to contact Innovative MindCare directly.

Why Patients Choose Innovative MindCare for Spravato Treatment in Chicago

Choosing the right provider for Spravato treatment matters. As a certified Spravato provider, Innovative MindCare meets all federal REMS program requirements, ensuring that every session is conducted in full compliance with FDA safety standards. The clinical team is experienced in treating patients with treatment-resistant depression and is committed to creating a calm, professional environment where patients feel safe and supported throughout their treatment journey.

Serving patients across Chicago and Downers Grove, Illinois, Innovative MindCare provides a structured, evidence-based approach to Spravato treatment that prioritizes both safety and patient comfort. With growing recognition in 2026 that treatment-resistant depression affects a significant portion of the population – and that on-site, medically supervised therapies account for over 85% of esketamine treatments administered nationally – clinics like Innovative MindCare play an essential role in providing access to this important treatment option.

Take the Next Step Toward Relief

If you or someone you care about has been struggling with treatment-resistant depression or depressive symptoms associated with MDD, Spravato treatment in Chicago at Innovative MindCare may be a path worth exploring. While no treatment can guarantee results for every individual, many patients have experienced meaningful improvement in their symptoms through this FDA-approved therapy when other approaches have fallen short.

We encourage you to reach out to Innovative MindCare to schedule a consultation and discuss whether Spravato may be appropriate for your situation. A qualified provider can review your treatment history, answer your questions, and help you make an informed decision about your next steps. Your journey toward better mental health deserves the support of a dedicated, experienced clinical team – and that is exactly what you will find at Innovative MindCare.