What Qualities Define a Reputable Spravato® Clinic?

When evaluating a reputable Spravato® clinic, medical expertise and regulatory compliance should be your primary considerations. The clinic must be certified through the Spravato® Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program, a mandatory FDA requirement for any facility dispensing esketamine. Look for prescribers who are experienced psychiatrists or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners with specialized knowledge in treatment-resistant depression and ketamine therapies.

A reputable clinic will conduct comprehensive initial assessments, including detailed psychiatric histories, physical examinations, and screening for contraindications such as aneurysmal vascular disease or substance use disorders. The facility should maintain meticulous documentation, follow evidence-based treatment protocols, and have emergency response capabilities in place. Staff should be trained to monitor vital signs, recognize adverse reactions like dissociation or hypertension, and provide appropriate interventions when necessary.

The treatment team should take time to explain the medication’s mechanism of action, realistic timelines for potential improvement, and known side effects without minimizing risks or making exaggerated promises about outcomes. Look for clinics that integrate Spravato® with psychotherapy and continued oral antidepressant medication, rather than positioning it as a standalone solution.

How Can I Tell If a Clinic Is Certified for Spravato® Treatment?

The most direct way to verify if a clinic is certified for Spravato® treatment is to check the official Spravato® REMS program database or ask the clinic directly for their REMS certification documentation. Every healthcare setting that dispenses Spravato® must be enrolled in this FDA-mandated program, and legitimate clinics should be willing and able to provide proof of their certification without hesitation.

Certified clinics typically display their credentials prominently and should provide you with REMS program materials, including patient enrollment forms and educational brochures about the medication. Pay attention to whether the clinic mentions the required two-hour post-administration monitoring period and inquires about transportation arrangements, as patients are unable to drive themselves home after treatment. These are all non-negotiable REMS requirements that any certified facility will emphasize.

You can also verify the prescribing psychiatrist’s credentials through your state medical board website to ensure they’re licensed and in good standing. If a clinic is evasive about its certification status, unable to provide documentation, or doesn’t mention REMS protocols, these are significant red flags. Reputable clinics understand that informed patients ask questions, such as the difference between Spravato and ketamine, and welcome the opportunity to demonstrate their compliance and commitment to safety standards.