Mental Health and Wellness Services

Ketamine Therapy – Spravato® in Agoura Hills

At Family Psychological Services in Agoura Hills, we specialize in addressing treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and anxiety using the most advanced medical options available, including Spravato® (esketamine). This FDA-approved nasal spray for depression offers a modern alternative to traditional antidepressants, helping you find faster and more effective relief. Whether used alone or alongside your current medication, Spravato® can help you take an important step toward improved mental health and emotional balance.

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Our Treatment Process

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

Spravato® is a controlled medication that can only be prescribed through a regulated program known as SPRAVATO® REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy). This program is designed to reduce the risk of serious side effects such as respiratory distress or suicidal thoughts.

Family Psychological Services’ certified medical offices, supervised by trained healthcare professionals, ensure that each treatment is provided safely and efficiently through a well-organized care process:

1. Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation

FPSCA conducts a detailed and personalized assessment to evaluate your mental health condition, confirm your diagnosis, and determine your suitability for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy or other treatment options.

2. Medication Coordination

Our clinicians are well-versed in antidepressants like Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), and similar medications. We integrate your health history with the latest scientific findings to identify the most effective and safest combinations for your needs.

3. In-Clinic Administration

Each ketamine dose is professionally administered on-site at our medical facility under careful supervision, guaranteeing both accuracy and safety since take-home use is not permitted.

4. Two-Hour Observation Period

Following treatment, patients are observed for at least two hours in a calm, supportive clinical environment to ensure their well-being and monitor for any immediate side effects.

5. Safe Transportation Required

Because Spravato® can temporarily cause sedation, patients must have prearranged transportation to ensure a safe return home after each appointment.

6. Compliance and Tracking

We document all treatments under strict REMS compliance guidelines, maintaining a transparent and secure process for every patient session.

The Spravato® REMS program, together with FPSCA’s secure and closely supervised clinical environment, helps reduce potential risks while enhancing the overall therapeutic outcomes for every patient.

Get Started Today!

If you believe that Spravato® could help you better manage depression and anxiety, our Agoura Hills team is ready to support you every step of the way. Our compassionate staff, including our experienced nurse practitioner, provides personalized guidance to help you navigate your medication management journey with confidence. Your well-being and quality of life are our top priorities, and we’re here to ensure you receive the care you deserve. Reach out to our Agoura Hills office today to take the first step toward feeling better.

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What Is Spravato®?

FDA-approved in 2019, Spravato® is a nasal spray form of esketamine, designed to provide a modern and more accessible approach to ketamine-based therapy. Esketamine works by activating the glutamatergic system, which is the brain’s main excitatory neurotransmitter network. By targeting this unique pathway, Spravato® offers promising results for individuals who have not responded well to traditional antidepressant medications.

Because of its effectiveness, Spravato® can be administered on its own as a primary treatment or used alongside oral antidepressants to enhance therapeutic outcomes. It is specifically FDA-approved for:

Treating adults with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
Managing major depressive disorder (MDD) accompanied by acute suicidal ideation or behavior

Additionally, ongoing research suggests that Spravato® may have potential benefits for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain, though these uses have not yet received official FDA approval.

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

The way Spravato® interacts with the glutamatergic system has produced remarkable results, demonstrating measurable improvements for individuals struggling with various mental health conditions in both research studies and real-world clinical environments. For instance:

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

In phase 3 clinical studies using the MADRS scale, patients who received ketamine therapy through Spravato® showed a faster reduction in depressive symptoms compared to those given a placebo, often noticing improvement within just one day. The positive effects of treatment continued for at least 28 days, providing consistent relief. Research also revealed that 88% of individuals treated with Spravato® were rated as either “much improved” or “very much improved” within the first three months, demonstrating its ability to deliver quick and lasting results.

By the 28th day of treatment, 52.5% of patients receiving Spravato® reached full remission from depression, while only 31% of those taking a placebo achieved the same outcome. These findings remained consistent across standalone treatments, where Spravato® performed roughly three times better than placebos. This level of effectiveness makes it a promising option for patients who have not found success with traditional antidepressant therapies.

Spravato® provides not only short-term relief but also durable, long-term improvement. Clinical results indicate that 21.7% of patients stayed relapse-free after 32 weeks of continued therapy, compared to 14.1% of individuals taking Quetiapine. Ongoing use of Spravato® also helped reduce the overall risk of relapse by 43%, supporting its role as a reliable treatment for maintaining emotional balance and preventing future depressive episodes.

Although Spravato® is primarily prescribed for severe or treatment-resistant depression, it has also shown encouraging results in reducing anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Research involving ketamine infusions, the underlying mechanism behind Spravato®, demonstrated that anxiety symptoms in patients with TRD decreased by around 30%, while suicidal ideation dropped by 50%. These findings suggest that Spravato® can be an effective option for individuals struggling with both depression and acute emotional distress.

Possible Side Effects of Ketamine Treatment (Spravato®)

Like any medication used to manage major depressive disorder, Spravato® treatment may cause certain side effects that patients should understand before beginning therapy. Your healthcare provider will take the time to review these possible effects with you and monitor your response carefully during your first session. It is important to share your complete medical history openly so that your provider can ensure Spravato® is safe and suitable for your individual needs.

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.

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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.