QUINCY — Shelly Pruett’s descent into depression began with the death of her husband 20 years ago. That tragedy was followed by her brain tumor, a near-fatal bout with Covid and the passing of her mother, sister and a grandchild. Shelly fought overwhelming grief for years, with the help of therapy and antidepressants, but eventually the sadness overwhelmed her.
“I started feeling like I couldn’t live even one more day in this life,” Pruett said in a press release. “I went to my psychiatrist’s office, pulled up my chair as close to her as I could get, and with tear-filled eyes and sobbing uncontrollably, I begged her to help me.”
Shelly’s doctor referred her to Blessing Outpatient Behavioral Health Services for a new therapy with a medication called Spravato. She says after a few treatments, her depression lifted a bit. After more than two dozen treatments, she was able to love herself again.
“I feel like I went to sleep 20 years ago and just woke up. I feel alive again,” Shelly exclaimed.
What is Spravato?
Spravato is for treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a condition experienced by as many as 30% of people with depression. TRD is diagnosed after at least two different conventional antidepressants have not provided relief to a patient. It is a prescription nasal spray that can be used by itself or in conjunction with an oral antidepressant. Spravato is not a cure for TRD. It helps improve communication among brain cells, leading to better balance between well-being and depression.
Blessing began offering Spravato therapy in January 2025.
“Spravato is the last hope for our patients,” said Robin Jerez, medical office assistant, Blessing’s Spravato Clinic.
Spravato starts as a twice-weekly treatment. Patients are monitored for two hours after each visit. Based on the level of success, the patient receives fewer doses over time, with the goal of reaching the maintenance phase of one dose every three months. Patients reach the maintenance phase at different times. Some reach it after a few treatments; others after as many as 40 treatments.
Robin says when most patients begin treatment they are severely withdrawn, beaten down by their daily battle with depression. When Spravato takes effect, she witnesses a miracle.
“They smile,” Robin said. “The day I see them smile, tears go down my face. This is a miracle to them. We have seen such good outcomes.”
“The patients for whom Spravato works best are those willing to put in the work,” explained Leanne Walker, BSN, RN, Spravato Clinic. “We recommend counseling to work through the issues contributing to their depression. Counseling in conjunction with Spravato help make the brain more adaptable to change for TRD patients.”
Samantha’s story
Samantha Flint says she has been sad and angry since childhood. No medication, no treatment – even being admitted for inpatient behavioral care 10 times – eased her emotional pain.
“I wanted to die,” the 33-year-old said in a press release.
Then she found Blessing’s Spravato Clinic.
“I attended my first consultation with Robin – crying, afraid and hopeless,” Samantha said, but she was not defeated.
Over the next seven months her “depression score” – a survey completed by each patient – went from 48, considered severe, to 0.
“Blessing and Spravato gave me hope, a new lease on life,” Samantha said. “I feel an array of emotions – courage, love, joy and contentment – instead of anger and despair. Spravato saved my life.”
A survivor of severe trauma in her childhood and early adult years, Samantha suffered with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as TRD. As Spravato helped with her depression she noticed her PTSD symptoms significantly improved, too.
“This allowed me to work with a therapist more consistently and overcome past abuse.”
Spravato can be used only for people with a TRD diagnosis. Conditions including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia do not qualify. Spravato is not appropriate for pregnant women.
TRD patients may ask their provider if a referral to Blessing Outpatient Behavioral Health Services is appropriate for them, to see if they qualify for Spravato therapy.