Spravato vs ketamine: which is right for you?
Spravato is FDA approved for depression and is covered by insurance. Generic ketamine is not approved for depression, is used off label, and is almost always cash pay. Both work through the same receptor and both produce a rapid response in a similar share of patients.
Updated · Checked by the Covered Mind editorial team against cited sources
Key facts
- Last checked:
- Sources listed: 1
- Reading time: About 2 minutes
- Spravato insured cost: typically $10 to $250 per session insured
- Ketamine cash price: usually costs $350 to $850 per session cash
- Spravato first month: 8 sessions
- Ketamine first month: 6 sessions
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Last checked | |
| Sources listed | 1 |
| Reading time | About 2 minutes |
| Spravato insured cost | typically $10 to $250 per session insured |
| Ketamine cash price | usually costs $350 to $850 per session cash |
| Spravato first month | 8 sessions |
| Ketamine first month | 6 sessions |
Spravato vs ketamine infusions: which one does insurance cover?
Insurance covers Spravato, not ketamine infusions, in most cases. Spravato is FDA approved for depression and most plans cover it with prior authorization, typically $10 to $250 per session insured. IV or IM ketamine is used off label for depression, is rarely covered, and usually costs $350 to $850 per session cash.
Check Spravato and ketamine coverage in the coverage checker and read coverage rules by insurer. For the session schedule and common questions in one place, see the Spravato overview. Read Spravato for depression and Ketamine therapy for depression.
Side by side
| Spravato | IV or IM ketamine | |
|---|---|---|
| FDA approval for depression | Yes | No (off label) |
| Insurance coverage | Most plans, with prior authorization | Rarely |
| Typical patient cost | $10 to $250 per session insured | $350 to $850 per session cash |
| Route | Nasal spray, self-administered | Infusion or injection by a clinician |
| Monitoring | 2 hours, REMS certified clinic | 1 to 2 hours, clinic policy |
| First-month schedule | 8 sessions | 6 sessions |
| Oral antidepressant required | Usually, by insurers | No |
When does Spravato make more sense?
You have insurance that covers it, you meet the criteria, and you want a treatment with a defined maintenance path that your plan will keep paying for.
When does ketamine make more sense?
You do not meet Spravato's insurance criteria (for example, bipolar depression), your plan denies Spravato, you want the flexibility of dose adjustment, or a nearby ketamine clinic is far cheaper than your Spravato out-of-pocket cost.
Read Spravato for bipolar depression and Ketamine therapy for bipolar depression.
Find clinics
Many clinics offer both. Verified clinic listings will appear on the Spravato overview and the ketamine therapy overview. Use the coverage checker for your plan. Read Spravato: the complete guide and Ketamine therapy: the complete guide.
Related reading: Driving and monitoring rules for Spravato and ketamine and Questions to ask a Spravato, ketamine or TMS clinic.
Related
Checked by the Covered Mind editorial team · · Editorial policy
Cite this
Covered Mind. "Spravato vs ketamine: which is right for you?" https://www.coveredmind.com/compare/spravato-vs-ketamine. Last checked Sep 1, 2026.
This site provides general information about insurance coverage and treatment options. It is not medical advice, not a guarantee of coverage, and not a substitute for talking with a clinician or your health plan.