SPRAVATO® vs At-Home Ketamine for Depression: Why Supervised Care at Greenbrook Matters

Why consider SPRAVATO®? 

• FDA-approved since 2019 
• Fast acting – some patients experience relief within 24 hours3 
• Covered by most major insurance plans 
• Works differently from traditional antidepressants4-6 



3. Data on file. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 

4. Duman RS, et al. Neuropharmacology. 2012;62(1):35-41. 
5. Duman RS, et al. Nat Med. 2016;22(3):238-249. 
6. Sanacora G, et al. Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2008;7(5):426-437. 

At-home ketamine therapy for depression is not FDA-approved. While there are medically supervised programs for oral ketamine therapy, the FDA has not determined that ketamine is safe and effective for treating psychiatric disorders, including depression. The FDA-approved form of ketamine, esketamine (SPRAVATO®) is administered in a REMS-certified healthcare setting, not at home. 

On-site monitoring & support

Esketamine can cause side effects that require observation, such as sedation, dissociation, dizziness, nausea, or changes in blood pressure. In a clinic, trained staff and medical professionals can monitor how you’re doing, check vitals upon arrival, 40 minutes in, and before you leave, provide reassurance, and respond if symptoms become uncomfortable or concerning. 

Structured dosing and accountability

Supervised treatment follows a defined schedule (often including an induction phase and a maintenance phase). In-clinic administration reduces the chances of dosing errors, inconsistent use, or “self-adjusting” frequency—issues that can arise with unsupervised or loosely supervised at-home models. 

More rigorous screening and ongoing clinical decision-making

Not everyone is a good candidate esketamine-based treatment. A clinic-based SPRAVATO® program includes a comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation, medication review, and continuing assessment of symptom response and tolerability. That ongoing evaluation supports safer care and better individualized decisions (for example, whether to continue, adjust frequency, or consider other interventions). 

An environment prepared for your safety

Our REMS-certified centers also support practical safety steps: helping arrange transportation (because patients should not drive after treatment), ensuring adequate recovery time, and documenting response and side effects. 

Where you receive treatment matters. Greenbrook Mental Wellness Centers are focused on outpatient interventional psychiatry and structured depression care, which can make the overall experience more supportive, comfortable, and consistent. 

• Certified, protocol-driven care: Treatment is delivered in a setting designed to meet FDA required safety standards, with workflows for observation and follow-up. 
• Experienced clinical teams: Medical professionals who regularly support patients through SPRAVATO® sessions can help set expectations, address side effects, and coordinate with your broader mental health care plan. 
• Patient-centered environment: A calm, supportive space and attentive monitoring can reduce anxiety around treatment days and improve adherence to the full course of care. 
• Practical support: Many clinics assist with scheduling, insurance paperwork, documentation, and treatment logistics that can otherwise become a barrier when symptoms are severe. 
  

For many patients, supervised SPRAVATO® offers an FDA-approved treatment in a controlled setting meeting highly regulated safety standards. 

If you’re considering SPRAVATO® therapy, Greenbrook Mental Wellness Centers can provide a clinically supervised experience with structured monitoring and support—so you can focus on progress.

Schedule your no-cost consultation with one of our knowledgeable team members.