BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
Boston, Massachusetts
Conditions Treated
Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic and, in the form of Spravato (esketamine), for treatment-resistant depression and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation. It is also widely used off-label for anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, bipolar depression, and certain chronic-pain conditions including CRPS and fibromyalgia. Eligibility depends on a clinical intake evaluation with the prescribing provider.
Treatment Offered at BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
Spravato (Esketamine)
Spravato (esketamine) is an FDA-approved nasal spray derived from ketamine, administered in a certified healthcare setting. Patients self-administer the spray under clinical supervision and then rest on-site for two hours while staff monitor blood pressure and mental status. Treatment typically starts twice weekly, then tapers to weekly and eventually bi-weekly maintenance. Because Spravato is dispensed through a REMS-certified program, it must be given in-office — patients cannot take it home.
Ketamine Therapy in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is served by 7 ketamine providers including BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER. Across Massachusetts there are 99 listed ketamine clinics in the Ketamine Atlas directory, offering a range of treatment options including IV infusion, Spravato, sublingual programs, and telehealth. Boston is also part of the Boston metro area with additional providers nearby. If cost or distance is a barrier, telehealth options may allow treatment from home.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Before your first Spravato appointment, the clinic's team will review your psychiatric history, current medications, and confirm that you meet the FDA criteria (treatment-resistant depression or MDD with suicidal ideation). A prescriber must certify enrollment in the REMS program, so expect some administrative paperwork at the initial consultation.
On treatment days, the clinical staff will guide you through self-administering the nasal spray. You'll then remain in the office for a mandatory two-hour observation window while staff monitor blood pressure, alertness, and mental status. Bring something relaxing — music, an eye mask — and arrange a ride home, as driving is not permitted on treatment days.
Frequently Asked Questions about BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER
How long does a session at BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER last?
A typical Spravato (Esketamine) session lasts roughly two and a half hours per visit — this includes self-administering the nasal spray plus a mandatory two-hour on-site observation period required by the FDA REMS program.
Does BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER accept insurance?
Most ketamine clinics, including BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER, operate primarily on a cash-pay basis, as ketamine infusion therapy (IV, IM, sublingual) is not covered by most health plans. Spravato (esketamine) is an exception and has broader insurance coverage. Contact the clinic directly to confirm current options.
What conditions does BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER treat?
BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER offers ketamine therapy, which is FDA-approved for anesthesia and — as Spravato — for treatment-resistant depression. Off-label applications commonly addressed at ketamine clinics include anxiety, PTSD, OCD, bipolar depression, and chronic-pain conditions. Contact BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER directly to discuss your specific situation.
How do I book an appointment at BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER?
You can reach BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER by calling 617-667-2702 or visiting their website. Most clinics require a brief intake screening before scheduling the first treatment session.
Where is BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER located?
BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER is located at Attn: Margaret Stephan, 1 DEACONESS RD, Boston, MA, 02215.