Does UnitedHealthcare cover ketamine therapy?
UnitedHealthcare covers Spravato (esketamine), the FDA-approved nasal spray form of ketamine, for treatment-resistant depression. It doesn't cover IV ketamine infusions. Here's what you need to qualify and how we make getting started easy.
The quick answer
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Spravato (esketamine): covered for adults with treatment-resistant depression who meet UnitedHealthcare's requirements.
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IV ketamine infusions: not covered for depression or other mental health conditions. IV ketamine is available at Golden Afternoon as a self-pay treatment.
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Your cost: Most patients with UnitedHealthcare pay $10–$30 per visit once the SPRAVATO withMe savings program is applied.
Spravato vs. IV ketamine coverage
| Treatment | FDA-approved for depression? | UnitedHealthcare coverage | Pre-authorization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray | Yes, for treatment-resistant depression | Covered | Required — we handle it |
| IV ketamine infusions | No (off-label) | Not covered | N/A — self-pay |
Spravato is esketamine, a form of ketamine that the FDA has approved as a nasal spray for depression. That approval is why insurance covers it while IV ketamine, which is used off-label for depression, isn't covered.
What UnitedHealthcare requires for Spravato
Requirements vary by plan, but to approve Spravato UnitedHealthcare typically asks that you:
- Be 18 or older with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder.
- Score in the moderate to severe range on the PHQ-9, a short depression questionnaire (a score of 10 or higher). We'll do this with you during your screening.
- Have tried at least two antidepressants from different classes (for example, an SSRI and an SNRI), each at an adequate dose and for long enough to judge whether it worked, without enough improvement.
- Have no medical conditions that rule out Spravato, which Dr. Jenn will review with you.
Not sure if you qualify? That's what the free screening is for.
How it works at Golden Afternoon
Free screening
A short, no-cost call with our team to talk about your history, check your eligibility and verify your UnitedHealthcare benefits.
Consultation with Dr. Jenn
A medical consultation with Dr. Jenn, our founder and medical director. It's billed to UnitedHealthcare, so you only pay your usual copay or deductible.
We get pre-authorization
Our team submits the paperwork to UnitedHealthcare for you and follows up until it's approved. We'll also help you enroll in SPRAVATO withMe so your savings are in place before your first treatment.
Treatment begins
You come in for Spravato sessions in one of our private, calming treatment rooms, with our medical team with you throughout.
Your treatment schedule
Twice a week for the first four weeks, then once a week. Dr. Jenn adjusts the schedule over time based on how you're responding. Plan on a little over two hours per visit, because you stay with us while the effects wear off. Plan a ride home, since you can't drive until the next day.
What Spravato costs with UnitedHealthcare
Without help, your share of the cost depends on your deductible and copay, and that can add up during the first weeks of treatment.
SPRAVATO withMe is a savings program from the maker of Spravato for people with commercial insurance like UnitedHealthcare. It can cover much of your deductible and out-of-pocket cost for the medication and for each treatment visit. With it, most of our patients pay $10–$30 per visit.
We'll help you enroll and give you a cost estimate after we check your benefits. Program limits apply, and it isn't available for Medicare, Medicaid or other government insurance.
Good to know about UnitedHealthcare
For many UnitedHealthcare plans, mental health benefits are managed by Optum Behavioral Health, so your pre-authorization may be reviewed by Optum rather than UnitedHealthcare directly. We handle that either way. If you have a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, coverage rules can differ, so contact us and we'll check for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does UnitedHealthcare cover IV ketamine infusions?
No. UnitedHealthcare doesn't cover IV ketamine for depression or other mental health conditions, because IV ketamine isn't FDA-approved for those uses. Golden Afternoon offers IV ketamine as a self-pay treatment.
Does UnitedHealthcare cover Spravato?
Yes. UnitedHealthcare covers Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray for adults with treatment-resistant depression who meet its requirements.
What will Spravato cost me with UnitedHealthcare?
It depends on your deductible and copay. With the SPRAVATO withMe savings program, most of our patients with UnitedHealthcare pay $10–$30 per visit. We'll give you an estimate after we check your benefits.
How long does pre-authorization take?
It varies by plan. We submit the request to UnitedHealthcare after your consultation with Dr. Jenn and keep you updated until it's approved.
What if I don't meet the requirements yet?
Book a free screening anyway. Dr. Jenn can talk through your options, including what you'd need to qualify and whether self-pay IV ketamine might be right for you.
What happens during a Spravato session?
You give yourself the nasal spray in one of our private treatment rooms while our medical team watches over you. You'll stay with us for at least two hours afterward while the effects wear off. You can't drive until the next day, so plan a ride home.
