If you’ve been prescribed Spravato® (esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression, you may be wondering what actually happens during each session. At Blue Water Psychiatry, we believe that understanding the process helps patients feel calmer, safer, and more prepared for the experience.
Spravato® treatment is carefully structured, medically supervised, and designed to be comfortable from start to finish. Here’s what a typical session looks like — minute by minute — at our Mesa, Arizona Spravato® treatment center.
Before Your Appointment
Before arriving, we recommend:
- Eating a light snack (nothing heavy within 2–3 hours of treatment)
- Avoiding caffeine or alcohol
- Arranging a ride home (you won’t be able to drive until the next day)
- Wearing comfortable clothes and bringing something relaxing, like headphones or a journal
Your visit will last about two hours from start to finish.
Minute 0–10: Check-In and Preparation
When you arrive, our friendly staff welcomes you and guides you into a private treatment room. You’ll check your vital signs — including blood pressure and heart rate — and discuss how you’re feeling since your last visit.
Your board-certified psychiatric provider will review your treatment plan and answer any questions. This is also when you’ll confirm your dose, based on your progress and response from prior sessions.
Once you’re settled, we’ll provide the Spravato® nasal spray and review the steps for self-administration.
Minute 10–20: Spravato® Administration
You’ll self-administer Spravato® under the guidance of your provider. The medication is delivered as a nasal spray, typically in two to three doses spaced five minutes apart.
Each spray is brief and painless. Between sprays, you’ll remain seated and relaxed, allowing your body to adjust. After the final dose, you’ll recline comfortably as the medication begins to take effect.
Minute 20–40: Onset Phase
Within about 10–20 minutes, most patients begin to feel the medication’s effects. You might notice sensations such as:
- Lightness or floating
- Mild dizziness or tingling
- Dreamlike awareness
- Temporary changes in perception or sound
These effects are normal and short-lived. You’ll remain under close medical supervision, and a clinician will check your vitals and comfort level regularly. Many patients close their eyes and relax during this time, while others listen to calming music.
Minute 40–90: Relaxation and Monitoring
This is the heart of the session — where Spravato® works to activate new connections in your brain. Your provider continues to monitor your blood pressure and ensure you remain comfortable.
Most patients describe this phase as peaceful, meditative, or introspective. It’s common to reflect on emotions or notice shifts in mood or clarity.
If any discomfort, dizziness, or nausea occurs, your provider can help with supportive measures such as repositioning or medication.
By the 60–90 minute mark, the effects of Spravato® begin to fade naturally.
Minute 90–120: Recovery and Reflection
After the main effects wear off, you’ll enter a calm recovery phase. You may feel relaxed, tired, or mentally clear. Your provider will check your blood pressure again and make sure you’re steady on your feet before discharge.
This is a great time to reflect or journal about how you feel — many patients find it helpful to capture insights or emotional shifts that arise during treatment.
Once your vitals stabilize and you feel ready, your provider will review aftercare instructions and schedule your next appointment.
A trusted friend or family member will drive you home, as driving or operating machinery is restricted until the following day.
After You Leave: The First 24 Hours
Most patients spend the rest of the day resting at home. Mild fatigue, dizziness, or nausea can occur but usually fade quickly. Many people notice mood improvements after just one or two sessions, while others experience gradual progress over several weeks.
Our team at Blue Water Psychiatry will follow up regularly to monitor your response and adjust treatment as needed.
Why Arizona Patients Choose Blue Water Psychiatry for Spravato®
- Certified Spravato® treatment center with on-site medical monitoring
- Board-certified psychiatric providers specializing in treatment-resistant depression
- Private, comfortable treatment suites designed for relaxation
- Personalized dosing and follow-up care for every patient
- Same-week availability for new Spravato® evaluations
- Locally trusted and highly rated across Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, and the Phoenix Valley
We combine clinical precision with compassionate care to make your Spravato® experience safe, positive, and transformative.
A Calm, Supportive Experience from Start to Finish
Spravato® therapy offers new hope for people who haven’t found relief through traditional antidepressants. Knowing what to expect during each session can help you relax and fully benefit from treatment.
Our experienced clinicians at Blue Water Psychiatry are here to guide you through every minute — with comfort, care, and expertise.
📞 Call today at (480) 758-4698 to schedule your free estimate!
