September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. If you're reading this while worried about yourself or someone you care about, please know that treatment options exist, including some designed for what you may be going through right now.

If You Need Support Right Now

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please reach out immediately:

These resources are free, confidential, and available any time, day or night.

Spravato's FDA Approval Includes Severe Depression With Suicidal Thoughts

Most people researching Spravato are looking for relief after trying other antidepressants without success.

Though less well known, Spravato is also FDA-approved for adults with major depressive disorder experiencing suicidal thoughts, used alongside an oral antidepressant, not in place of it.

This isn't a treatment anyone starts on their own. Each dose is administered only in a certified medical office, with at least two hours of direct clinical monitoring after the dose, precisely because of how serious this indication is.

Clinician checking a patient's blood pressure during the monitoring period after a Spravato dose

Why This Matters During Suicide Prevention Month

Depression with suicidal thoughts often comes with a sense that nothing will help quickly enough.

Part of why Spravato is significant in this context is its mechanism: it works on the brain's glutamate system rather than serotonin, which is part of why some patients notice changes faster than with traditional antidepressants.

That doesn't mean it works the same way for everyone, or that it replaces the rest of a treatment plan.

It means it's one more option that may be considered as part of a larger, closely monitored approach to care, built around your specific situation.

It Starts With an Evaluation, Not a Decision You Make Alone

If any of this sounds like your situation, the next step isn't deciding on Spravato specifically — it's a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.

A provider can assess your symptoms, safety, and history, and talk through what combination of care might actually help.

"When someone comes to us with suicidal thoughts, the first thing we do is listen, not screen for a specific treatment. Only after we fully understand their situation — their history, their safety, what they've already tried — do we talk about whether Spravato makes sense as part of their care. It's never the first question; it's a possibility we explore together, carefully." — Dr. Juan Oms, MD, Psychiatrist, ARC Mental Health

Take the Next Step

At ARC Mental Health in Miami and South Florida, our team can walk you through a full evaluation and talk openly about whether Spravato may be part of your care.

Reach out to schedule a consultation

If you're in crisis right now, please don't wait: call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. You don't have to manage this alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can Spravato help?

Unlike traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks, some patients notice changes within days. Response varies.

Does Spravato replace my current antidepressant?

No. Spravato is used alongside an oral antidepressant, not in place of it — it's part of a broader treatment plan.

Is Spravato the same as other similar treatments offered outside a certified medical office?

No. Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved medication, administered only under strict medical supervision in a certified clinical setting, with controlled dosing and protocol.

How do I know if I'm a candidate for Spravato?

Only a provider can determine this, through a psychiatric evaluation that reviews your symptoms, treatment history, and safety.

How long is the monitoring period after each dose?

Each session includes direct clinical observation of at least two hours in the office, as part of the established safety protocol.