IMPORTANT CLINICAL NOTICE: Colorado Psychiatry Solutions is an outpatient psychiatric clinic, not an emergency center or crisis facility. If you or a loved one are experiencing an active mental health emergency, imminent risk of harm, or have an active plan for suicide, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, or dial the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 immediately.
The information in this article relates to treating non-crisis suicidal ideation. These are situations where you are experiencing chronic or severe thoughts of suicide, but are safe, do not have an imminent plan to act, and are seeking urgent, outpatient medical intervention.
Treatment Options for Suicidal Ideation
Experiencing suicidal ideation is one of the most frightening symptoms of severe depression. If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, it is vital to understand that these thoughts are a symptom of a medical condition, not a personal failing. It’s also important to understand that they are highly treatable.
At Colorado Psychiatry Solutions in Colorado Springs, we provide access to advanced, rapid-acting treatments for patients with severe depression or suicidal ideation. If you are suffering from severe depression and non-crisis suicidal ideation, Ketamine Therapy and Spravato (esketamine) – two treatments available at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions – can provide rapid relief and a pathway to long-term healing.
The Breakthrough of Rapid-Acting Antidepressants
Traditional antidepressants work primarily on neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which takes time. On average, it takes four to six weeks for antidepressants to take effect. Ketamine and Spravato work entirely differently. They target the brain’s glutamate system, which is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain.
By acting on glutamate, these treatments trigger a rapid release of molecules that help brain cells regrow neural connections that chronic depression has worn away. This state is known as neuroplasticity, a period of time when the brain is more amenable to change. Because of this unique mechanism, patients often experience a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts within hours or days, rather than weeks.
Ketamine Therapy
Ketamine delivered in highly controlled, low doses has revolutionized psychiatric care within just the past few years. It is widely considered one of the most effective rapid-onset treatments for Treatment-Resistant Depression and suicidal ideation.
- Rapid Relief: Ketamine can act as a “circuit breaker” for the brain, rapidly halting intrusive suicidal thoughts and lifting the heaviest brain fog.
- The Process: Ketamine is administered intravenously in a monitored, comfortable room at one of our Colorado Springs area clinic locations. You are attended to throughout the entire procedure by trained medical staff.
- The Impact: By providing immediate relief, ketamine gives patients a window of relief that provides the time and energy necessary to engage in ongoing therapy and long-term recovery strategies.
Spravato (Esketamine) Nasal Spray
Spravato is an FDA-approved prescription nasal spray derived from ketamine. It is specifically approved by the FDA for two uses: Treatment-Resistant Depression, and Major Depressive Disorder accompanied by acute suicidal ideation or behavior.
- FDA-Approved for Suicidal Ideation: Spravato is the first psychiatric drug of its kind to be explicitly approved to rapidly reduce depressive symptoms in adults with suicidal thoughts.
- The Process: Spravato is self-administered as a nasal spray under the direct supervision of a healthcare provider in our clinic. After taking the medication, you will relax in a comfortable room for about two hours while our team monitors you for any temporary side effects (such as mild dissociation or elevated blood pressure).
- Insurance Coverage: Spravato is often covered by major commercial health insurance plans and Medicare, making this rapid-acting treatment highly accessible to our Colorado Springs patients.
Which Treatment is Right for You?
Both Ketamine and Spravato offer a rapid lifeline when standard treatments have failed to protect you from severe depressive episodes.
The choice between the two often comes down to your specific medical history, how quickly you need intervention, and your insurance coverage.
- Ketamine is often preferred for its profound and immediate impact, though it is typically an out-of-pocket expense.
- Spravato offers the same rapid-acting mechanism of action with the potential to be covered by medical insurance
Our psychiatric providers specialize in evaluating your unique situation to determine which of these rapid-onset treatments is the safest and most effective clinical route for you.
Take the Next Step: Schedule Today
Suicidal ideation is a condition that should be treated promptly. Patients often don’t have time for standard medications, like antidepressants, to work. Fortunately, rapid relief is available right here in Colorado Springs with ketamine therapy or Spravato treatment.
If you are experiencing non-crisis suicidal ideation and are looking for a care-experienced team at rapid relief, our team at Colorado Psychiatry Solutions is ready to help. Contact us today at 719-622-6522.
