Spravato® Therapy near Chicago

FDA approved esketamine therapy for depressive disorder and treatment resistant depression in Westmont, and Oak Park, Illinois.

Stella Oak Park and Stella Westmont are designed to create a spa-like experience in our safe and therapeutic space, bringing dramatic healing through effective treatments like Spravato.

 

Why Choose Spravato® for Depression

Overseen by Medical Experts

Overseen by Medical Experts

Our medical experts are overseen by Stella's Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services and follow a trauma-informed approach to care.

Fast and Effective

Fast and Effective

Over 75% of our patients have seen a significant reduction in depression scores. Relief often occurs within hours of treatment.

 

Safe and Medically Guided

Safe and Medically Guided

Spravato® is a non-invasive treatment that has minimum risks and side effects. Each session is clinically guided by our certified providers.

 

Covered by Most Insurances

Covered by Most Insurances

Spravato treatment is covered by major insurance plans. Please contact our care advocate team to verify your insurance eligibility.

 

Individual results vary. Medical evaluation required. SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray is not for everyone and may cause side effects such as dizziness or nausea. See full Prescribing Information here.

What is Spravato® Treatment?

Spravato® is a treatment that provides transformative relief from depression symptoms. In a Spravato® therapy, a nasal spray form of ketamine (esketamine) is administered by certified clinical staff. Currently, it is the only FDA-approved esketamine therapy accessible to patients and is covered by most insurances.

It has shown to be one of the most promising modalities for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with suicidal thoughts or actions.

Unlike traditional antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs) that primarily affect certain chemical levels in the brain (e.g. serotonin and dopamine), esketamine works by blocking the NMDA receptor in the brain, resulting increase in neural connections, effectively rewires circuits in the brain and help patients form new and more positive patterns of thinking. 

Major PPO and HMO insurance plans are accepted in Chicago for Spravato. Use our insurance tool to explore coverage:

Stella accepts insurance

Depending on your location and plan, selected services may be covered by insurance.

How does esketamine work?

Unlike conventional treatments like talk therapy, esketamine therapy treats the root cause of depression symptoms, which happens on the brain's neuron level.

Esketamine is a nasal spray form of ketamine, an anesthetic that has been researched and used for many years to treat depression in clinical settings. Ketamine is a chemical that functions as an NMDA receptor antagonist that interacts with brain neurotransmitters.

When ketamine is introduced into a patients' body, it works as a potent agent to increase the amount of glutamate between neurons, which then activates connections in the AMPA receptor.

As a result, new neuronal growth and communication pathways are fostered, therefore creates and reconfigures brain's neuron firing patterns, making the transformation of negative thoughts possible.  

Break free from depressive thoughts and symptoms

75% of our patients have shown a significant reduction in depression scores (PHQ-9) after Spravato treatment.

Spravato offers a pathway to breaking the cycle of depressive thoughts and symptoms that have resisted conventional treatments. By reconfiguring the brain's neural pathways, it provides an opportunity for patients to experience relief and regain control over their lives. The nasal spray administration allows for a non-invasive treatment approach, which can be particularly appealing to those who have struggled with daily oral medications.

Individual results vary. Medical evaluation required. SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray is not for everyone and may cause side effects such as dizziness or nausea. See full Prescribing Information here

Spravato in Westmont and Oak Park Stella Mental Health

Step 1

Step 1

Schedule Your Intake Assessment 


Learn about our treatment modalities and schedule an Intake Assessment with our mental health expert to determine if you are eligible for treatment by Stella.

 

Step 2

Step 2

Complete Your Intake

Meet with your Advanced Practice Provider, who will listen closely, ask questions and develop the most suitable and impactful treatment plan based on your symptoms and history.

Step 3

Step 3

Coverage & Scheduling

Our patient care team will work with you to schedule treatment, discuss what to expect, and assist with financing and payment options. We will work with your insurance company directly to discuss coverage, submit claim and so on.

Step 4

Step 4

Begin Treatment

We'll stick with you throughout the treatment process as your advocate and expert. We'll follow up with you before, during and after treatment to support your progress and help optimize your treatment outcome.

Meet The Team

  • Dr. Eugene Lipov, MD

    Dr. Eugene Lipov, MD

    Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer

    Dr Lipov is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Stella. He is a board-certified medical doctor with over 27 years of clinical experience and got his medical doctorate degree from Northwestern University. In 2006,…

    Dr Lipov is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Stella. He is a board-certified medical doctor with over 27 years of clinical experience and got his medical doctorate degree from Northwestern University. In 2006, Dr. Lipov pioneered the use of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adapted it to an advanced protocol now known as "Dual Sympathetic Reset".

    Dr Lipov's passion for helping trauma victims stems from his own personal and family history of coping with PTSD and depression. He understands the impact that trauma can have on one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and strives to provide compassionate and empathetic care to his patients.

  • Dr. Karen DeCocker, DNP, PMHNP, CNM

    Dr. Karen DeCocker, DNP, PMHNP, CNM

    Vice President, Clinical Services

    Dr. DeCocker became a nurse practitioner in 2007 after 10 years of hospital nursing experience. She is a Rush University graduate of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program and her doctoral degree was…

    Dr. DeCocker became a nurse practitioner in 2007 after 10 years of hospital nursing experience. She is a Rush University graduate of the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program and her doctoral degree was earned at Frontier Nursing University. Her special focus areas are sexual trauma and caring for Veterans and their family members.

  • Dr. Heather Miller, APRN, DNP, PMHNP-BC

    Dr. Heather Miller, APRN, DNP, PMHNP-BC

    Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    Dr. Heather Miller is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who completed her doctoral training at Rush University Medical Center. She values a holistic approach to care by helping care for the patient's mind,…

    Dr. Heather Miller is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who completed her doctoral training at Rush University Medical Center. She values a holistic approach to care by helping care for the patient's mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Miller is aware that all parts of life are interrelated and to bring true healing each patient must have an individualized treatment plan that is unique to their experience. Dr. Miller has worked with patients with severe childhood, combat, and sexual trauma. Her practice is based on identifying root causes, setting individual goals, and cultivating hope and resilience.

  • Gerson Santizo, PMHNP-BC, MSN

    Gerson Santizo, PMHNP-BC, MSN

    Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

    As a provider at Stella Mental Health in Westmont—just outside of Chicago—I specialize in comprehensive psychiatric medication management and biologically informed treatments for conditions such as anxiety,…

    As a provider at Stella Mental Health in Westmont—just outside of Chicago—I specialize in comprehensive psychiatric medication management and biologically informed treatments for conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). My approach is both holistic and integrative, combining evidence-based pharmacology with complementary wellness practices to support healing on every level—mind, body, and spirit.

  • Elizabeth Frega

    Elizabeth Frega

    Registered Nurse

    Liz is a registered nurse with her bachelors in nursing. She has been an operating room nurse for most of her career before joining Stella. She loved the compassionate care Stella offered and enjoys caring for her…

    Liz is a registered nurse with her bachelors in nursing. She has been an operating room nurse for most of her career before joining Stella. She loved the compassionate care Stella offered and enjoys caring for her patients.

  • Carmina Johnson

    Carmina Johnson

    Registered Nurse

    Carmina is a registered nurse, feels incredibly rewarded and grateful to be a part of the Stella team working in the Westmont, IL clinic. She enjoys letting her energetic dog Petra take her on walks. She is fluent in…

    Carmina is a registered nurse, feels incredibly rewarded and grateful to be a part of the Stella team working in the Westmont, IL clinic. She enjoys letting her energetic dog Petra take her on walks. She is fluent in American Sign Language and speaks some Spanish and Italian.

  • Ashley George, PA-C, PMH-C, CAQ-psy

    Ashley George, PA-C, PMH-C, CAQ-psy

    Advanced Practice Provider

    Ashley believe every patient represents so much more than just a name on a chart. They are individuals with unique stories, backgrounds and challenges and she considers it a privilege to be part of their mental health…

    Ashley believe every patient represents so much more than just a name on a chart. They are individuals with unique stories, backgrounds and challenges and she considers it a privilege to be part of their mental health journey. She is passionate about delivering the best care tailored to each person's needs and developing a relationship with each patient to help them meet their goals.

    With a genuine desire to make a positive, lasting impact, Ashley approach her role with kindness and empathy. She recognizes the profound ripple effect that mental health can have, understanding its impact not only on individuals but also on their families, communities, and beyond.

  • Casey Pennel, PA-C, PMH-C, CAQ-psy

    Casey Pennel, PA-C, PMH-C, CAQ-psy

    Physician Assistant

    Casey is a Physician Assistant at our Oak Park Location, and she specializes in medication management with a holistic approach. She treats patients with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression,…

    Casey is a Physician Assistant at our Oak Park Location, and she specializes in medication management with a holistic approach. She treats patients with a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and perinatal disorders. She has been certified in perinatal mental health and obtained a specialization as a PA-C in psychiatry. 

     

  • Rochelle Butler, PA-C

    Rochelle Butler, PA-C

    Advanced Practice Provider

    As a dedicated psychiatry PA, Rochelle's approach to mental health care is grounded in fostering a compassionate and personalized connection with each individual. With a commitment to understanding the unique aspects of…

    As a dedicated psychiatry PA, Rochelle's approach to mental health care is grounded in fostering a compassionate and personalized connection with each individual. With a commitment to understanding the unique aspects of every patient, she strives to tailor treatment plans that align with their specific needs and goals. She believes in collaborative decision-making, working together to explore various therapeutic options, and finding the most effective solutions.

    In addition to prescribing medication, Rochelle will guide you through various options, collaboratively choosing the most suitable approach for your needs. Her priority is to ensure your comfort throughout the entire care process, and she strives to minimize the use of medication while effectively addressing your symptoms.

  • Hannah Mazzie

    Hannah Mazzie

    Medical Office Administrator

    Hannah is an industrious, versatile, and driven professional with diverse background in business operations, early childhood administration, and customer service. With 10 years of experience and aiding in the opening of…

    Hannah is an industrious, versatile, and driven professional with diverse background in business operations, early childhood administration, and customer service. With 10 years of experience and aiding in the opening of multiple daycare centers in Chicago, Hannah has found a new passion in the mental health field. She is deeply compassionate for people and seeing the impact that Stella provides for so many is immensely rewarding. In her free time, she loves finding new hiking trails with her fiancé and dog as well as visiting breweries and traveling to new places.

  • Greg Alberth

    Greg Alberth

    Medical Facility Operations Director

    Greg is a licensed paramedic with over 30 years of experience in healthcare related fields. He is a retired firefighter/paramedic after serving for 25 years and has 5 years experience in a hospital emergency room. Greg…

    Greg is a licensed paramedic with over 30 years of experience in healthcare related fields. He is a retired firefighter/paramedic after serving for 25 years and has 5 years experience in a hospital emergency room. Greg has been working with Dr. Eugene Lipov, treating those suffering from post traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and mental trauma for over 17 years. He has seen repeatedly over the years the negative impact these injuries and conditions can have on individual and family lives. He believes that everyone deserves a chance to live a peaceful life, without the effects of these conditions directing their daily lives.

Individual results vary. Medical evaluation required. SPRAVATO® (esketamine) nasal spray is not for everyone and may cause side effects such as dizziness or nausea. See full Prescribing Information here.

Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions about Spravato

What is Spravato?

Spravato is an FDA-approved variant of ketamine that is delivered intranasally. Also known by its generic name, esketamine, it is one of the two mirror-image molecules that together make up regular ketamine. Ketamine is a chemical that is used medically as an anesthetic for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. It has been also been researched and used for many years to treat depression symptoms. 

 

Is Spravato approved by FDA?

Yes. Spravato has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since March 5, 2019. 

 

Who qualifies for Spravato treatment?

Spravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, that is, MDD that has not responded to at least two antidepressants, with adequate dose and duration. Patients must also be on an antidepressant during the Spravato treatment. Insurance coverage varies among locations and plans. Call our care advocate team to check your insurance eligibility.

What is Stella's Spravato protocol?

Stella follows the FDA-approved protocol, in sequence, the frequency of treatments will be:
- Introduction phase: Twice weekly for 4 weeks,
- Optimization phase: Once weekly for 4 weeks,
- Maintenance phase: Once every 2 weeks 
- Ongoing maintenance phase: Once every 3-4 weeks if the patients' mood is stable

What symptoms and conditions does Spravato help with?

Spravato can treat symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), which include low mood, lack of pleasure in activities, too much or too little sleep, feelings of guilt/worthlessness/hopelessness, low energy, poor concentration, too much or too little appetite, slowing of speech or movement, and/or suicidal thinking. Especially, Spravato is indicated for treatment resistant depression (TRD), under which condition patients experience persistent depression symptoms after trying 2 or more antidepressants and talk therapy.

How much does Spravato treatment cost?

When covered by insurance, the co-pay for a Spravato treatment visit is comparable to that of a typical outpatient mental health visit, sometimes as low as $10 per treatment. Though the out-of-pocket cost ultimately depends on each person's specific insurance plan, deductible, etc.

What is the difference between Spravato and IV Ketamine?

Spravato FDA-approved, and self-administered intranasally under the direction of a healthcare provider. Whereas IV ketamine is FDA-cleared for off-label use, and administered directly by a healthcare provider.

 Flexible Financial Support with  

Cost shouldn't stand in the way of getting the treatment you need. Spravato withMe is a cost-savings program that can assist with up to $8,150 of out-of-pocket expenses per calendar year. Depending on your out-of-network benefits and current deductible, this rebate program can drastically reduce your Spravato treatment costs. Many patients pay as little as $10 for each Spravato appointment.

Get Started Today

This could be the first step of a life-changing transformation. Stella is here to guide your healing journey. Call Us today to learn about Stella's cutting-edge treatments, or book an intake assessment directly to get started.

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