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Spravato Therapy in Houston: FDA-Approved Treatment for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Experience the first FDA-approved nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression at Catalyst Health & Wellness. Led by Dr. Ho, anesthesiologist and former pediatrician. Three convenient Houston locations open 6am-9pm, seven days a week.

Find Lasting Relief with Spravato Therapy

If you’ve tried multiple antidepressants without finding relief, you’re not alone. Approximately one-third of people with depression don’t respond adequately to conventional medications, leaving millions searching for answers that traditional treatment can’t provide. Spravato therapy in Houston offers a different path forward, one that’s FDA-approved specifically for people like you who haven’t found relief from standard antidepressants.

At Catalyst Health & Wellness, we’re proud to be a REMS-certified Spravato provider serving Houston residents who’ve struggled with treatment-resistant depression. Our Spravato therapy combines expert medical care with a whole-person approach that considers your mind, body, and spirit. With three locations across Houston, hours that fit your schedule, and potential insurance coverage, we’re here to help you reclaim your life.

What is Spravato Therapy?

Spravato (esketamine) represents the most significant advancement in depression treatment in over three decades. Approved by the FDA in 2019, it’s the first and only nasal spray specifically designed for treatment-resistant depression in adults. In 2020, the FDA expanded approval to include adults with major depressive disorder who have suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Unlike traditional antidepressants that work on serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, Spravato targets the glutamate system in your brain. It acts on NMDA receptors to promote neuroplasticity, your brain’s ability to form new neural connections. Think of it as helping your brain “rewire” itself, breaking free from the stuck patterns that keep you trapped in depression.

This mechanism explains why Spravato works when conventional treatments don’t. While traditional antidepressants can take weeks or months to show results (if they work at all), many patients experience noticeable improvement within hours or days of their first Spravato treatment. For those who’ve waited years for relief, this rapid action can be life-changing.

Research consistently shows powerful results:

The TRANSFORM-2 study found patients receiving Spravato were 70% more likely to achieve remission

Symptom improvement often begins within 24 hours rather than weeks

Spravato helps restore synaptic connections damaged by chronic stress and depression

Long-term studies demonstrate sustained benefits with proper maintenance treatment

What Our Patients Say

“Catalyst Ketamine changed everything. Within two sessions, I felt a lifting of the heavy fog that had consumed me for so long.”


"It was by chance I came across Dr. Ho. I have had 4 infusions of ketamine with him. It has been a wonderful experience. Dr. Ho is very accommodating."


"Dr Ho’s 30 years experience is apparent. He skillfully discusses the entire treatment process and applies the correct dosage to ensure optimal patient comfort."


"Dr. Ho’s empathy and experience make all the difference—this is a place where you truly feel safe. Ketamine therapy might sound intimidating, but it’s backed by science."


"This treatment has literally saved my life. I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety for over a decade." 


"This was a life changing experience for me. Dr. Ho is kind and makes you feel really comfortable- you can tell he cares about his patients."


Take the First Step Toward Healing

Schedule

Mon – Sun: 6am-9pm

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Conditions We Treat with Spravato Therapy in Houston

Spravato therapy has received FDA approval for specific conditions, ensuring you receive a treatment with proven safety and efficacy. At Catalyst Health & Wellness, we offer Spravato for:

Your Spravato Therapy Journey at Catalyst Health & Wellness

We've designed every step of your experience to be comfortable, supportive, and focused on your unique needs. Here's what you can expect when you choose Catalyst for Spravato therapy in Houston.

Your journey begins with a no-cost, confidential phone consultation. This isn’t a sales pitch but a genuine conversation where we explore whether Spravato therapy is right for you.

During your consultation, you’ll:

  • Ask all your questions about Spravato therapy
  • Share your treatment history and current challenges
  • Learn what Spravato therapy involves
  • Get to know our team in a pressure-free environment
  • Receive honest guidance on whether this treatment fits your needs
  • There’s absolutely no charge and no obligation to continue.

One significant advantage of Spravato is its potential for insurance coverage. Because it’s FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, many insurance plans cover it for qualifying patients.

Our team handles the process:

  • We verify your insurance benefits
  • We submit prior authorization requests on your behalf
  • We work directly with your insurance company to maximize coverage
  • We explain any out-of-pocket costs before you commit to treatment
  • This process typically takes 1-2 weeks, though it can vary by insurance plan.

If you decide to move forward, we’ll ask you to complete a medical history form. We want to understand you as a whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Coordination with your current prescribing physician is important since Spravato must be used alongside an oral antidepressant. This preparation helps us personalize your treatment from the very start.

Preparation is simple:

  • Avoid eating for at least 2 hours before your appointment
  • Only small amounts of clear liquids in the 2 hours before treatment
  • Avoid nasal decongestants or corticosteroid sprays on treatment days if possible
  • Wear comfortable clothing

When you arrive:

  • We’ll review any last-minute questions
  • Check your vital signs, including blood pressure
  • Ensure you’re comfortable and ready to begin

You’ll settle into a comfortable, reclinable chair in our private treatment room. We dim the lights and create a calm, peaceful environment.

Your comfort matters:

  • Private treatment room
  • Noise-cancelling headphones available
  • Relaxing music
  • Eye mask if desired
  • Warm blanket
  • Adjustable lighting

Treatment process:

Spravato is self-administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision. The device is simple to use, and our staff will guide you through each spray. Depending on your prescribed dose (56 mg or 84 mg), you’ll administer 2 or 3 devices, with a 5-minute rest period between each.

After administration:

You’ll remain in our clinic for at least 2 hours while we monitor your vital signs and ensure your safety. During this time, you may experience temporary effects such as dissociation, dizziness, or changes in perception. These effects typically resolve within 1-2 hours.

Throughout your session, a member of our medical team will be nearby, checking on you regularly and monitoring your blood pressure at multiple intervals. Many patients feel anxious before their first treatment, which is completely normal. However, by the end of that first session, most people find the experience manageable and therapeutic.

After your observation period, you’ll feel much clearer, but certain precautions remain important.

Important aftercare instructions:

  • You cannot drive yourself home (arrange transportation in advance)
  • Do not drive until the next day after a restful sleep
  • Plan to relax for the rest of the day
  • Stay in the company of a responsible adult when possible
  • Avoid important decisions, vigorous activity, or operating heavy machinery until the next morning

We’ll call you the following day to check on how you’re feeling and answer any questions.

Spravato follows a structured treatment protocol designed for optimal results.

Our typical protocol:

  • Induction phase: Twice weekly for the first month
  • Maintenance phase: Once weekly during weeks 5-8
  • Continuation phase: Once weekly or every two weeks based on your response
  • Continuous monitoring and adjustment to match your needs

Since everyone’s condition is unique, everyone’s treatment requirements will be different as well. We personalize your care to make sure your treatments match your needs perfectly.

The Science Behind Spravato for Treatment-Resistant Depression

The TRANSFORM-2 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry demonstrated that patients receiving flexibly-dosed Spravato plus an oral antidepressant experienced significantly greater improvement in depression symptoms compared to placebo plus an oral antidepressant. Patients were 70% more likely to achieve remission, with benefits often beginning within 24 hours.

The SUSTAIN-1 trial published in JAMA Psychiatry showed that continued Spravato treatment significantly reduced the risk of relapse in patients who had achieved stable remission or response. Patients who discontinued Spravato were much more likely to relapse compared to those who continued maintenance treatment.

Key research findings:

  • Spravato promotes rapid synapse formation in mood-regulating brain regions
  • Effects often begin within hours, not weeks like traditional antidepressants
  • Helps restore neural connections damaged by chronic stress and depression
  • Represents the first genuinely new mechanism for depression treatment in over 30 years

Why Choose Catalyst Health & Wellness for Spravato Therapy

01

REMS-Certified Provider

Spravato is only available through the FDA's Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. Catalyst Health & Wellness is fully REMS-certified across all three Houston locations, meaning your treatment meets the highest federal safety standards.

02

Led by Dr. Ho – Expert Medical Care

Dr. Ho brings a unique combination of expertise to your Spravato therapy. As a board-certified anesthesiologist, he has extensive experience with esketamine and patient safety monitoring. His background as a pediatrician means he’s particularly skilled at putting patients at ease and providing compassionate, patient-centered care throughout your treatment journey.

03

Insurance Navigation Support

Unlike many innovative mental health treatments, Spravato is often covered by insurance. Our experienced team handles the entire insurance process, including benefits verification, prior authorization submissions, and working with your insurance company to maximize your coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs.

04

Whole-Person Approach

We don’t just treat symptoms. We treat people. From your very first phone call, we focus on understanding you as a complete person: mind, body, and spirit.

What this means for you:

  • Treatment plans personalized to your unique history
  • Consideration of your current symptoms and individual goals
  • Ongoing adjustments based on what works best for you
  • Care that evolves as you progress through treatment

05

Extended Hours & Flexible Scheduling

Spravato treatments require 2+ hours in our clinic, which can be challenging to fit into a traditional work schedule. That’s why we’re open from 5am to 9pm, seven days a week. Whether you need an early morning appointment before work, an evening session after your responsibilities are done, or weekend treatment, we can accommodate your schedule. All three of our Houston locations offer these extended hours.

06

Comprehensive Treatment Options

Beyond Spravato, we offer additional innovative treatments that can complement your care:

Ketamine Therapy

Broader applications including anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain

TMS Therapy

Non-invasive brain stimulation for depression

Stellate Ganglion Block

Targeted treatment for PTSD and anxiety

Our goal is to find the right combination of treatments for your unique situation.

07

Safe, Comfortable Environment

Every detail of our treatment rooms has been designed with your comfort in mind. You’ll relax in a comfortable, reclinable chair in a private room with adjustable lighting. We provide noise-cancelling headphones, calming music, eye masks, and warm blankets. Our medical team is always nearby, monitoring your vital signs and ensuring your safety throughout the entire experience.

Getting Started with Spravato Therapy in Houston

You’ve spent too long struggling with depression that won’t respond to conventional treatments. Spravato therapy offers an FDA-approved path forward, one backed by rigorous clinical trials and real results for people just like you.

Taking the first step is simple. Call us at (713) 772-5315 for your free, no-obligation phone consultation. During this conversation, we’ll answer all your questions, discuss your treatment history, and help you understand whether Spravato therapy is right for you. There’s no pressure, no charge, and everything remains completely confidential.

With three convenient locations across Houston and hours from 6am to 9pm every day of the week, we make it easy to get the care you need when you need it. Dr. Ho and our entire team are here to support you through every step of your healing journey.

Our Schedule

Monday-Sunday, 6am-9pm

Free consultation

Insurance assistance

Three Houston locations

REMS-certified provider

Commonly Asked Questions

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How quickly does Spravato therapy work?

Many patients notice improvements within hours or days of their first treatment. The TRANSFORM-2 study showed significant improvement compared to placebo within 24 hours. This rapid action is one of Spravato’s most remarkable qualities, especially compared to traditional antidepressants that can take 4 to 8 weeks to work.

Is Spravato therapy safe?

Yes, when administered by trained medical professionals in a REMS-certified setting. Spravato underwent extensive clinical trials before FDA approval. Common side effects like dissociation, dizziness, and temporary blood pressure increases typically resolve within 1-2 hours. We monitor your vital signs throughout treatment to ensure your safety.

How many treatments will I need?

During the first month, you’ll receive Spravato twice weekly. In the second month, treatment typically decreases to once weekly. After that, most patients continue with maintenance treatments once weekly or every two weeks. The exact frequency depends on your individual response. We’ll work with you to find the schedule that keeps you feeling your best.

What does Spravato treatment feel like?

Experiences vary from person to person. Many patients describe feeling relaxed, calm, or somewhat disconnected from their surroundings. Some people experience mild visual or sensory changes. These effects are temporary and typically resolve within 1-2 hours after treatment ends. Most patients find the experience manageable and therapeutic.

Can I drive after a Spravato treatment?

No, you cannot drive yourself home after Spravato treatment, and you should not drive until the next day after a restful night’s sleep. You’ll need to arrange transportation both to and from your appointment. By the time you leave our facility after the 2-hour observation period, you’ll feel much clearer, but driving remains unsafe until the following day.

Will my insurance cover Spravato?

Many insurance plans cover Spravato for qualifying patients since it’s FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression. Coverage varies by plan and typically requires prior authorization. Our team handles the insurance process for you, including benefits verification and prior authorization submissions.

Can I continue my current medications?

Spravato is always used alongside an oral antidepressant, so you’ll continue taking your prescribed antidepressant medication. We’ll coordinate with your prescribing physician to ensure your overall treatment plan is optimized. Some medications may require adjustment before starting Spravato, which we’ll discuss during your consultation.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

No, you don’t need a referral to begin Spravato therapy at Catalyst Health & Wellness. However, coordination with your current prescribing physician is important since Spravato must be used alongside an oral antidepressant. We encourage communication between all members of your healthcare team.

Our Locations

Catalyst Health & Wellness Heights

104 W. 12th Street, Suite B Houston, TX 77008

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Catalyst Health & Wellness Southwest

7710 Beechnut, Suite 206 Houston, TX 77074

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Catalyst Health & Wellness South Loop

6300 West Loop S Suite 525
Bellaire, TX 77401

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Our mission is to empower individuals to overcome life’s challenges through professional psychological support.

Schedule

Mon – Sun: 6am-9pm