Mental Health and Wellness Services

Ketamine Therapy – Spravato® in Ventura

At Family Psychological Services in Ventura, we provide innovative care for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and anxiety. Our team offers cutting-edge solutions like Spravato® (esketamine), an FDA-approved nasal spray proven to help where other antidepressants may fall short. This advanced treatment can be used on its own or in combination with oral medications, giving you the opportunity to experience faster, longer-lasting relief and a renewed sense of well-being.

Start Taking Control of Depressive Symptoms

Our Treatment Process

Our Treatment Process: Spravato® REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy)

Spravato® is classified as a controlled substance and is distributed exclusively under the SPRAVATO® REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program. This system helps reduce the chances of severe reactions, including breathing problems or suicidal ideation.

At Family Psychological Services, our certified medical offices operate under the direction of skilled healthcare professionals to offer a secure and structured treatment program:

1. Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation

At FPSCA, every patient undergoes an in-depth psychological and medical assessment to verify their mental health diagnosis and confirm whether they qualify for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or other related treatments.

2. Medication Coordination

Our team specializes in managing antidepressant medications such as Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), and others. We take into account your medical background, current condition, and the most recent clinical data to create safe and effective medication plans.

3. In-Clinic Administration

All ketamine treatments are administered directly at our clinic under professional supervision, ensuring precision in dosing and safety throughout the process, since this medication cannot be taken home.

4. Two-Hour Observation Period

After receiving treatment, patients remain in a peaceful and monitored setting for a minimum of two hours, allowing our clinical team to watch for and manage any potential side effects.

5. Safe Transportation Required

Because Spravato® may cause drowsiness or sedation, patients are required to arrange for a friend, family member, or ride service to take them home after each session.

6. Compliance and Tracking

FPSCA upholds strict REMS program standards, ensuring every treatment is properly recorded and all safety requirements are consistently followed.

By integrating the Spravato® REMS system with FPSCA’s structured and well-monitored treatment setting, patients experience minimized safety concerns and improved therapeutic effectiveness.

Get Started Today!

If you’re in Ventura and think Spravato® may be the right option to help manage your depression or anxiety, we welcome you to contact us today. Our knowledgeable and caring team, led by our nurse practitioner, is committed to offering the guidance and support you need throughout your medication management process. Your health and happiness are our main focus, and we strive to help you achieve lasting relief and balance. Reach out to our Ventura team today to begin your journey toward improved well-being.

Request a Call

What Is Spravato®?

Approved by the FDA in 2019, Spravato® is an esketamine-based nasal spray formulated to help individuals struggling with depression that hasn’t improved through conventional medication. Esketamine is recognized as a safer and more convenient form of ketamine therapy, working by stimulating the brain’s glutamatergic system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood and cognitive function. This alternative mechanism of action allows Spravato® to deliver meaningful results for patients who have experienced limited success with standard antidepressants.

Spravato® can be used independently as a medical treatment or combined with oral antidepressants to strengthen its therapeutic effects. The FDA has approved it for:

Adults suffering from treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) who experience acute suicidal thoughts or behaviors

While not yet officially approved for other uses, Spravato® has shown encouraging potential in addressing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and managing chronic pain, offering a promising outlook for patients in need of alternative options.

Why Is Spravato® Used To Treat Depression and Anxiety Disorders?

Spravato®’s effect on the glutamatergic system has proven to be highly impactful, with clinical trials and ongoing medical practice showing meaningful progress in patients managing these mental health disorders. For example:

1. Rapid Symptom Relief 2. High Remission Rates 3. Sustained Benefits 4. Spravato® for Anxiety and Suicidality

Clinical trials using the MADRS scale found that Spravato® provided much faster symptom relief compared to placebos, with many patients reporting noticeable improvements within 24 hours. This rapid effect continued for a minimum of 28 days, delivering consistent results throughout the study period. After three months of treatment, nearly 88% of participants were classified as “much improved” or “very much improved,” confirming the therapy’s effectiveness in easing severe depression and related mental health concerns.

Within 28 days of beginning treatment, more than half of Spravato® patients, or 52.5%, achieved full remission, while only 31% of placebo recipients experienced the same outcome. Even when administered alone, without additional medications, Spravato® consistently produced outcomes that were three times more effective than placebo treatments. These strong remission rates highlight the therapy’s powerful ability to improve mood and overall well-being in individuals facing persistent depressive symptoms.

Beyond initial improvement, Spravato® continues to offer durable benefits for long-term mental health stability. After 32 weeks of ongoing therapy, 21.7% of patients remained free from relapse, compared to 14.1% of those using Quetiapine. Continued treatment also resulted in a 43% lower risk of relapse, helping patients maintain the progress they achieved early on and supporting a steady path toward recovery and emotional resilience.

While Spravato® is most frequently prescribed for depression, studies have also found it effective in addressing anxiety and suicidality. The ketamine-based mechanism within Spravato® helps reduce anxiety symptoms in treatment-resistant depression patients by approximately 30%, while also lowering suicidal thoughts by about 50%. These outcomes make Spravato® a valuable and versatile therapy for those facing both depressive episodes and heightened emotional distress.

Possible Side Effects of Ketamine Treatment (Spravato®)

As with other prescription treatments for major depression, Spravato® may come with potential side effects that patients need to be aware of prior to starting therapy. During your initial treatment, your healthcare provider will guide you through the safety information and observe how your body responds to the medication. Being transparent about your medical history is essential, as it helps your provider tailor the treatment safely and effectively to your unique health profile.

Most Common Spravato® Side Effects:

Spinning sensation (dizziness)
Feeling disconnected or sleepy
Nausea or vomiting
Increased blood pressure during or after treatment
Blurred vision or sedation
Feeling anxious or confused

Serious Side Effects (Less Common):

Respiratory depression or difficulty breathing
Sudden severe headaches
High blood pressure
Chest pain or risk of heart attack
Suicidal thoughts or worsening depressive symptoms
Bladder problems, including ulcerative or interstitial cystitis

Who Should Avoid Spravato®:

Patients with aneurysmal vascular disease or arteriovenous malformation.
Patients with a personal or family history of heart failure, abnormal blood vessel connections, or abdominal aorta issues.
Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors or with a history of drug abuse.
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the drug can impact the unborn baby. Spravato® is tracked via a national pregnancy registry.

Book Appointment

Service Areas

We proudly serve clients locally in Agoura Hills, Ventura, and the surrounding areas. In addition to our in-person services, we offer convenient telehealth and telemedicine options, ensuring you have access to the care you need, no matter where you are. Whether you are near or far, our team is ready to provide the comprehensive behavioral health services you deserve, remotely or in person.