How Spravato is Revolutionizing Depression Treatment in Utah
Feb 6
4 min read
Depression is a serious mental health condition that robs you of so much that we value in life. For thousands of Utahns, depression causes a pervasive sadness, a loss of self-worth, and alienated friendships and relationships. Depression brings with it the exhaustion of waking up tired, the frustration of losing interest in the things you once loved, and the profound isolation that comes from feeling like no one understands.
Utah has a higher-than-average rate of adult depression. In fact, according to the 2025 Mental Health in America report, Utah ranks 50 (out of 51) for adult depression, or second worst in the nation.
According to the Utah Department of Health & Human Services and CDC data, approximately 24% to 26% of Utah adults report having been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, compared to a national average of around 18% to 22%
Unfortunately, far too many people put off seeking help for depression or give up in frustration, exasperated with the medication merry-go-round of trying multiple antidepressants without success.
But there’s more to the story than that, and good reasons to look into starting (or restarting) depression treatment in Utah. Here at Ampelis Health, we are seeing lives transformed by a groundbreaking treatment called Spravato.
What is Spravato?
Spravato (esketamine) represents the first truly new mechanism of action for treating depression in decades. Traditional antidepressants, like SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, etc.), work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. While this can be an effective depression treatment for many, antidepressants don't work for up to 40 percent of people who try them. Even worse, they can come with some nasty and unwanted side effects, which discourage people from continuing to take them as prescribed.
Spravato works differently. It targets glutamate receptors in the brain, which is the most abundant chemical messenger in your brain. By targeting glutamate, Spravato helps restore synaptic connections between brain cells that may have been damaged by chronic stress and depression.
The best part? Not only does Spravato work differently, it works fast. While antidepressants can take 4 to 6 weeks to achieve full efficacy, Spravato delivers relief in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
The Ampelis Difference in Depression Treatment
While Spravato is unquestionably a revolutionary tool in combatting depression, at Ampelis Health, we know that medication alone is rarely enough. We strongly believe in a philosophy of Whole Person Care.
In the current mental health landscape, too many patients are given a prescription and sent on their way with no additional support. We believe you deserve more. Full and lasting mental health wellness requires looking beyond simple prescription management to address the physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that also contribute to how you feel.
When you come to Ampelis Health for Spravato treatment, you aren’t just getting a nasal spray; you are entering a supportive ecosystem designed to help you thrive.
After a thorough mental health evaluation and diagnosis, you may be prescribed Spravato for depression or treatment-resistant depression.
As part of your evaluation, we look at the root causes of your distress. This might include exploring nutritional psychiatry (gut health is brain health!), sleep optimization, and lifestyle coaching.
Often, it’s not just one issue, which is why it’s often not just one treatment. Your mental health care provider will work with you on all these areas. We don’t consider our job done by simply issuing a prescription.
Accessible Care Across Utah
We know that when you are battling depression, the logistics of travel can feel overwhelming. That is why we are committed to making advanced mental health care accessible to communities across the Wasatch Front.
Cache Valley
For our neighbors in the north, our Cache Valley clinic in Providence serves the local communities of Logan, Hyrum, or Smithfield. Here you have access to cutting-edge treatments without leaving the valley. We bring the same level of sophisticated care found in major metropolitan centers right to your doorstep.
South Ogden
Our South Ogden location is a hub for residents in Weber and Davis counties. We know that life in Northern Utah is busy, and we offer a convenient, calm environment where you can pause, receive your treatment, and focus entirely on your recovery.
Is Spravato Right for You?
Spravato is FDA-approved specifically for adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with acute suicidal ideation. Generally, you may be a candidate if:
You have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.
You have tried at least two different antidepressants without finding adequate relief.
You are looking for a solution that goes beyond the standard "pill-a-day" approach.
Your Utah Mental Health Partner
One of the factors that caused Utah to rank 50 (out of 51) for adult mental health on the 2025 Mental Health in America report was available access to mental health care in Utah. Ampelis Health is working to close that gap. With four locations in Utah (three that offer Spravato treatment), Ampelis Health is bringing much-needed mental health access to Utah communities.
In addition to Spravato, we also offer TMS therapy in Utah, in-person and online psychiatry visits, and medication management. We also offer behavior and lifestyle change and nutritional psychiatry.
With our extensive service offering, we are seeing depression and anxiety disappear. We are seeing the light come back into our patients' eyes. We ar
e watching people reconnect with their families, return to their hobbies, and find meaning in their daily lives again.
If you are in Cache Valley, South Ogden or the surrounding areas, and you are ready to look beyond standard prescription management for depression treatment, we are here to help you take that first step.
To get started, please contact Ampelis Health today to schedule a consultation.