Head to head
Spravato vs Ketamine IV
A side-by-side look at Spravato (esketamine) and Ketamine IV infusion across the factors that actually change your decision: cost, setting, insurance, evidence, and the kind of clinician who runs the room.
Factor
Spravato
Ketamine IV
Legal status
FDA-approved 2019
Off-label (state boards + DEA)
Setting
REMS-certified site, 2-hour observation
Clinic, continuous monitoring
Session length
~2.5 hours
60-90 min
Insurance coverage
Commonly covered for TRD
Rare (Anthem, Empire BCBS)
Typical cost / session
$0-$950 (insurance-dependent)
$400-$600
Induction / course
8 sessions over 4 weeks
6 sessions over 2-3 weeks
Evidence base
Phase 3 RCTs; FDA approved
Strongest off-label evidence for TRD
Who administers
Psychiatrist / nurse practitioner at REMS site
Anesthesiologist, psychiatrist or CRNA
Risk of abuse / dependency
Schedule III, REMS-controlled
Low in monitored setting
Verified Spravato providers
12
Verified Ketamine IV providers
18
Clinics offering both
- Salience Neuro Health - AustinAustin, TX
- Principium PsychiatryNew York, NY
- Actify NeurotherapiesChevy Chase, MD
- Bloom KetamineDenver, CO
- Ember Mental HealthChicago, IL
- Liminal PsychiatryBoston, MA