Spravato (esketamine nasal spray) is the only FDA-approved ketamine nasal spray in Los Angeles for depression and suicidal ideation that’s covered by most major insurance plans.
Relief can begin within hours or days.
Administered in a serene, private Spravato clinic.
Overseen by licensed, experienced clinicians.
Proven safety profile with strict monitoring standards.
Co-Founder and President, Board Certified Anesthesiologist with a Master’s Degree in Psychology
Steven L. Mandel, MD
Steven L. Mandel, MD, is the Co-Founder and President of Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles and an internationally recognized pioneer in the use of ketamine infusion therapy for mental health disorders and chronic pain conditions. He is a board-certified anesthesiologist with more than 40 years of clinical experience using ketamine and also holds a master’s degree in psychology. Dr. Mandel is a founding physician and former first president of the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists, and Practitioners (ASKP3).
Dr. Mandel is a frequent speaker at scientific and medical conferences and is regularly quoted in the media on topics including ketamine research, clinical best practices, treatment innovation, and comparisons between ketamine therapy and traditional psychiatric treatments. He is widely known for his unwavering dedication to patient safety, outcomes, and education.
Dr. Mandel earned his medical degree from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine and completed his anesthesiology residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of California, Los Angeles Center for the Health Sciences. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and family and enjoys traveling, sailing, skiing, and spending time with loved ones.
Kathleen Lopez, MD
Psychiatrist, Double Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Kathleen Lopez, MD
Kathleen Lopez, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in adult psychiatry as well as child and adolescent psychiatry at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a pre-medical focus from Pacific Union College and her medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. She completed her adult psychiatry residency at the University of California, Riverside, and a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UCLA, where she also served as Administrative Chief.
Dr. Lopez is deeply passionate about expanding access to high-quality mental health care, with a special focus on neurodiverse youth and adults. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is committed to providing inclusive, compassionate care that supports individuals and families in meaningful and culturally responsive ways.
She was drawn to Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles for its collaborative culture and shared commitment to patient-centered care. Outside the clinic, Dr. Lopez enjoys crocheting, weight lifting, camping, and growing her home library. She also has a background in vocal music and continues to hold a lifelong love for music.
Jeffrey Cantrell, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified
Jeffrey Cantrell, PMHNP-BC
Jeffrey is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, who earned his undergraduate and advanced nursing degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington. As an Army veteran, he brings a strong understanding of the mental health challenges faced by service members, their families, and civilians alike.
Jeff provides inclusive, client-centered psychiatric care for individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mood and mental health disorders. He is a proud advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and is committed to providing affirming, supportive care for individuals of all genders and sexual orientations.
His holistic approach to mental health care recognizes the connection between mind, body, and overall well-being. Jeff prioritizes collaboration and shared decision-making, tailoring treatment plans to each client’s goals while building trust and fostering long-term therapeutic relationships. He has assisted with the administration of thousands of IV Ketamine Infusions for various mental health indications throughout his tenure at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA). Outside of the clinic, Jeff enjoys hiking, music festivals, traveling, and exercising.
Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified
Pascal Stirnimann, DNP, PMHNP-BC
Pascal Strinimann is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Miami and both a Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice from Columbia University. He specializes in treating mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, and impulse control disorders across the lifespan.
Pascal has experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, including training at a women’s shelter in New York City. His clinical background supports a comprehensive and compassionate approach to psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
He takes a holistic, family-informed approach and works closely with clients through shared decision-making to develop personalized treatment plans that support emotional health, functional improvement, and long-term wellness. Outside the clinic, Pascal enjoys spending time outdoors biking, running, or hiking, or indoors cooking and catching up on movies and TV.
Kevin, RN
Lead Registered Nurse
Kevin, RN
Kevin is the lead Registered Nurse at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, who joined the clinic in early 2021 after earning his Associate Degree in Nursing from Los Angeles Harbor College. He developed strong leadership skills early in his training and showed a strong interest in mental health care.
Kevin is known for his warmth, authenticity, and ability to connect with patients receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and other mood disorders. His calm, compassionate presence helps patients feel safe and supported throughout their treatment experience.
His interest in psychedelic medicine and ketamine therapy began through personal exposure and has grown into a strong commitment to reducing stigma and delivering high-quality, patient-centered mental health care. He has assisted with the administration of thousands of IV Ketamine Infusions for various mental health indications throughout his tenure at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA).
Edith Chak, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified
Edith Chak, PMHNP-BC
Edith is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western University of Health Sciences and holds two bachelor's degrees in nursing and financial services. With over 10 years of nursing experience, she transitioned into healthcare driven by a deep desire to serve others at their most vulnerable.
She previously worked at Garfield Medical Center, gaining experience in rehabilitation, pediatrics, oncology, medical surgical care, and outpatient surgery. Edith’s interest in mental health is profoundly personal and informed by loved ones who have experienced depression. Edith is a strong advocate for alternative and adjunctive mental health treatments, including ketamine infusion therapy. She is passionate about supporting patients on their healing journeys and helping to normalize conversations about mental health care. She has assisted with the administration of thousands of IV Ketamine Infusions for various mental health indications throughout her tenure at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles (KCLA).
Outside the clinics, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, exploring new coffee shops, and being outdoors hiking, camping, and backpacking. Her faith remains a steady source of grounding and purpose.
Victoria Bielma, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified
Victoria Bielma, PMHNP-BC
Victoria Bielma is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the American University of Health Sciences after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She later earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Azusa Pacific University with advanced training in Ketamine Infusion Therapy, TMS Therapy, Spravato, and Psychiatry.
Victoria has assisted with the administration of thousands of ketamine infusions for a wide range of mental health conditions. Her background includes behavioral therapy work with youth with ADD, ADHD, and autism, as well as clinical experience in a private pain management practice. These experiences shaped her interest in integrative, individualized mental health care.
Victoria is passionate about the transformative results of ketamine therapy and approaches treatment through an innovative and patient-centered lens. Outside the clinic, she enjoys hiking throughout Los Angeles, water sports, live music, travel, and spending time with her corgi, Peaches.
Julian Macias, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Board Certified
Julian Macias, PMHNP-BC
Julian is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. He holds a Master’s degree and two bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and Psychology, graduating cum laude from Western University of Health Sciences, California State University, Northridge, and Vanguard University of Southern California. His academic training reflects a strong foundation in both clinical care and behavioral science.
Prior to entering nursing, Julian worked across several industries, gaining experience in business, operations, and sales. These roles heightened his awareness of the need for meaningful reform in mental health care and ultimately led him to the innovative work at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles. He pursued nursing with the specific goal of joining KCLA and supporting individuals with severe and treatment-resistant mental health conditions. Throughout his tenure, he has assisted in the administration of thousands of IV ketamine infusions for a range of psychiatric indications and has become proficient at mapping patients for TMS and delivering TMS treatments using the cutting-edge MagVenture technology.
Outside the clinic, Julian enjoys staying active through pickleball, disc golf, camping, and long hikes in the local mountains. He is also an avid foodie who loves exploring new cuisines, traveling with his long-term partner, and spending time with their dog, Harmony.
Spravato treatment refers to a nasal spray formulation of esketamine, the S-enantiomer of ketamine. While traditional ketamine is used off-label for mood disorders, Spravato is FDA-approved specifically for depression, which allows for insurance reimbursement in most cases.
This in-clinic, self-administered therapy is monitored closely by trained staff. Patients remain onsite for at least two hours after dosing, and care is coordinated with psychiatric prescribers for continuity and better outcomes.
How Does Spravato Work?
Unlike SSRIs that affect serotonin over weeks, Spravato targets NMDA receptors and increases glutamate, which can promote neuroplasticity, helping the brain form new, mood-regulating neural pathways.
Most patients feel better after 3–4 sessions, with some noticing improvements in as little as 24 hours. At KCLA, we often combine Spravato with oral antidepressants and supportive psychotherapy for a more comprehensive mental health plan. Our services also include IV Ketamine Infusion Therapy, TMS, Holistic Psychiatry, and guided preparation and integration support.
What Does Spravato Treat?
Spravato is FDA-approved for:
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) with suicidal ideation.
Spravato may also help patients who:
Have not found relief with two or more traditional antidepressants.
Want to avoid the side effects of traditional medications.
Require rapid symptom relief, especially in crises.
Safe, Structured Care with REMS-Certified Treatment
Spravato is delivered through a carefully controlled, FDA-required program called REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy). Only certified providers like KCLA can offer this Spravato treatment in compliance with strict safety protocols.
What to Expect in the First Month
The Induction Phase typically involves two sessions per week. Most patients begin at 56mg, with the option to increase to 84mg. We check in before every session to make sure you’re comfortable and supported.
Tapering (Month 2): Weekly or biweekly sessions based on symptom improvement
Maintenance: Custom schedule, typically every 1 to 4 weeks
Patients frequently ask us, "Can Spravato Be Taken at Home?" and the answer is no. Due to REMS guidelines, Spravato must be administered in a certified Spravato clinic, with patients monitored onsite for at least two hours post-dose.
Spravato is FDA-approved and carefully monitored for safety:
Administered only in certified medical settings
Supervised by licensed providers throughout each session
We monitor all significant vital signs during treatment
Common, short-lived side effects
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Floating sensations
Mild dissociation or perceptual changes
Nausea
Most patients find these effects manageable and short-lasting. Patients must have someone drive them home after sessions and should refrain from driving for the remainder of the day. Unlike many traditional antidepressants, Spravato does not typically cause weight gain or sexual dysfunction.
Why Choose Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles for Spravato?
Experience You Can Count On
Since 2014, we’ve helped over 6,000 patients and performed more than 35,000 ketamine treatments in Los Angeles.
A Thoughtful, Personalized Approach
We understand that everyone’s journey is unique, which is why we invest in truly understanding you—your history, what you’ve tried before, and how you’re feeling now. If you’re already working with other providers, we’ll collaborate with them to make sure your care is seamless and well-coordinated.
And because we offer comprehensive psychiatric services, you’ll have easy access to the latest, most effective treatments—all in one supportive place.
A Private, Calming Setting Designed for You
Your session takes place in a private room with curated music, noise-canceling headphones, premium recliners, and warm blankets. Our compassionate staff supports you every step of the way.
Certified for the Highest Standards of Safety
We’re fully certified to administer Spravato under the FDA’s REMS program, which ensures the highest standards in safety and quality. As the first and only Ketamine Clinic accredited by Quad A, we meet rigorous benchmarks for training, staffing, equipment, and protocols, giving you complete peace of mind.
Insurance-Friendly and Hassle-Free
Most major insurers typically cover Spravato for eligible patients, and we’re in-network with most of them. Our experienced team will help verify your benefits, clearly explain your costs, and handle the paperwork, so you can focus on what matters most: feeling better.
Integrated, Ongoing Support
We believe effective care doesn’t end with the treatment session. We partner with your psychiatric and therapy providers for smooth, coordinated care. And if you don’t already have providers, we can help connect you with comprehensive, wraparound mental health support. Our preparation and integration program ensures you’re ready for your Spravato experience and can carry its benefits into your daily life.
KCLA offers up to 24 months of interest-free financing for self-pay patients. We are in network with most health insurance for TMS Therapy and Holistic Psychiatry. Some plans may also cover Ketamine Therapy, inquire for details.
Spravato is FDA-approved for adults with Treatment-Resistant Depression and Major Depressive Disorder with suicidal ideation who haven't found relief with at least two other antidepressants. Our team will carefully evaluate your history and overall health to ensure it's the right choice for you.
How is Spravato Different from Ketamine Infusions?
Spravato is a fixed-dose, FDA-approved esketamine nasal spray administered under REMS guidelines, often covered by insurance. IV ketamine combines both S- and R-ketamine, offers flexible dosing, and can lead to deeper therapeutic effects. Both are safe, fast-acting, and supervised in-clinic. KCLA offers both to match your needs and coverage.
What Happens During a Spravato Session?
You'll self-administer the nasal spray in a private room while supervised by our trained staff. Sessions last at least two hours, during which you can relax with an eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and curated music. Your KCLA Care Team will monitor your vital signs continuously throughout your treatment session, ensuring your comfort and safety.
How Quickly Does Spravato Work?
Some patients notice improvements within 24 hours, while others see gradual relief over the first few weeks of treatment. Most patients report significant improvements after completing the induction phase (8 sessions).
Is Spravato Safe? What Are the Side Effects?
Spravato is FDA-approved with a well-studied safety profile. Common, short-lived side effects include dizziness, mild dissociation, and nausea. Licensed medical providers always supervise sessions, and patients must remain on-site for the duration of the session and their recovery for monitoring purposes.
Is Spravato Covered by Insurance?
Most major insurance plans cover Spravato for patients who meet criteria for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Different payers have different definitions of TRD. Typically, TRD falls within the range of 2-4 conventional medications that did not work. Your KCLA Care Team will verify your coverage and explain all costs up front.
How Much Does Spravato Cost?
Costs vary depending on insurance coverage and copays, which can be as low as $20 per session. Our pricing is transparent, and our interest-free financing options make treatment easily accessible. Your KCLA Care Team will ensure that you are aware of all your out-of-pocket costs before you begin Spravato treatment.
How Do I Get Started with Spravato at KCLA?
Call us now to schedule a free consultation. We'll review your medical history, coordinate with your psychiatric provider, if needed, and help you navigate insurance coverage so you can begin treatment quickly and confidently.
