Considering TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation)? Compare it with Spravato

TMS usually means a visit every weekday for six weeks or more. Spravato, an FDA-approved option for treatment-resistant depression, starts at two visits a week. Here's how they compare.

✓ Harvard-trained psychiatrists ✓ FDA-approved Spravato ✓ Insurance checked for you
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TMS vs. Spravato at a glance

TMS

Transcranial magnetic stimulation
  • What it isNoninvasive magnetic pulses aimed at mood-regulating areas of the brain. You're awake the whole time.[1]
  • ScheduleTypically five sessions a week for six to eight weeks.
  • Each visitAbout 20 to 40 minutes.
  • Pace of reliefBenefit usually builds gradually over several weeks.
  • Getting homeMost people drive themselves.
  • CoverageCommonly covered for treatment-resistant depression when criteria are met.

Why people considering TMS ask about Spravato

Fewer visits a weekTMS usually means a visit every weekday. Spravato starts at two visits a week.
Relief in days for someSome patients notice improvement within days rather than weeks.
FDA-approved and coveredSpravato is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and covered by most major plans.

Neither TMS nor Spravato helps everyone, and the right choice depends on your history. Lumin Health doesn't offer TMS. Our psychiatrists can help you weigh whether TMS or Spravato is the better fit for you.

Spravato can cause sedation, dissociation, and increases in blood pressure, and is available only through a restricted program with on-site monitoring. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.

  1. O'Reardon JP, et al. Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation in the acute treatment of major depression. Biol Psychiatry. 2007;62(11):1208-16. PubMed
  2. Popova V, et al. Efficacy and safety of flexibly dosed esketamine nasal spray in treatment-resistant depression (TRANSFORM-2). Am J Psychiatry. 2019;176(6):428-438. PubMed
  3. Daly EJ, et al. Efficacy of esketamine nasal spray for relapse prevention in treatment-resistant depression (SUSTAIN-1). JAMA Psychiatry. 2019;76(9):893-903. PubMed
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Logo for Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts Health Plan, covering esketamine and Spravato therapy in the Boston and Bethesda, MD area for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditionsLogo for United Healthcare, covering esketamine and Spravato therapy in the Boston and Bethesda, MD area for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditionsLogo for Aetna Health Insurance, covering esketamine and Spravato therapy in the Boston and Bethesda, MD area for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditionsLogo for Medicare Health Insurance, covering esketamine and Spravato therapy in the Boston and Bethesda, MD area for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditionsLogo for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, covering esketamine and Spravato therapy in the Boston and Bethesda, MD area for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditionsLogo for Cigna Health Insurance, covering esketamine and Spravato therapy in the Boston and Bethesda, MD area for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditionsLogo for Anthem Health Insurance, covering esketamine and Spravato therapy in the Boston and Bethesda, MD area for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditionsLogo for Optum Health Insurance, covering esketamine and Spravato therapy in the Boston and Bethesda, MD area for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditionsDoes Mass General Brigham Health Plan cover ketamine therapy?Logo for Evernorth Health Services, covering esketamine and Spravato therapy in the Boston and Bethesda, MD area for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions

Insurance-covered esketamine (Spravato) treatment in Boston

Lumin Health accepts Medicare and most private insurance plans offered in Massachusetts, including: Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Evernorth, Harvard Pilgrim, Optum, and United Healthcare.
95%

of Lumin Health patients have Spravato covered by insurance

Most pay only a co-pay or deductible.

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Board-certified psychiatrists screen for medication interactions, monitor vitals, and coordinate with your existing care team.
We specialize in coordinating care for people with complex medical histories.
The Lumin Health medical team
Our team of academically-affiliated psychiatrists and clinicians bring deep expertise to ketamine and esketamine treatment. As specialists in esketamine (Spravato) and ketamine therapy, we provide safe, effective care with rigorous protocols and personalized treatment plans.
The Lumin Health concierge team
Our patient concierge team handles the entire process: insurance verification, scheduling, and intake. Our team looks forward to connecting you to ketamine treatment and answering your questions about ketamine and Spravato. We handle the details so you can focus on getting better.
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Right arrow | Lumin Health | 5.0 star insurance-covered ketamine therapy and esketamine (Spravato) treatment for depression, anxiety and PTSD in Boston, MA and Bethesda, MD
Benjamin Yudkoff, MD, MA
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Harvard Medical School
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Lumin Health's comforting environment for ketamine therapy

Each treatment session takes place in a private suite designed for focus and calm. You're monitored throughout by clinical staff, with everything you need to stay comfortable during the session — blankets, eye masks, and refreshments. The environment is intentional: structured to support treatment, relaxed to let the treatment work.  
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Esketamine (Spravato) treatment could begin in 7 days

Step 1

Get in touch with Lumin Health
Book a free consultation through our online calendar or call us at 617-863-8810. Our team is ready to discuss whether esketamine (Spravato) can help you.

Step 2

Intake call & insurance coordination
Our clinician will assess your needs and discuss treatment options. We’ll address any questions about Spravato (esketamine) treatment costs and insurance coverage, and will handle all insurance coordination.

Step 3

Scheduling & getting ready
We’ll onboard you and make you comfortable with your plan. We’ll schedule your preferred times and locations, so you can access the best Spravato treatment near you.
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TMS and Spravato: common questions