Evaluation

You’re Scheduled — Here’s What to Expect Next

First, thank you for taking this step. Scheduling an evaluation is often the hardest part, and we’re glad you’re here. This page outlines what happens next, the actions you need to take, and what the treatment journey can look like (Spravato® and/or IV ketamine), so there are no surprises.

Step 1: Complete Your Intake Paperwork (Action Required)

If you haven’t already, please complete and sign your intake questionnaires and consent forms as soon as possible.

  • These forms are required for insurance and clinical documentation
  • They help your provider review your medical history, symptoms, and goals ahead of time
  • Completing them in advance helps your evaluation run smoothly and allows us to move efficiently to next steps

Step 2: Complete Your Mood Assessments (Action Required)

About 3 days before your evaluation, you’ll receive mood assessments via email and/or text.

  • These arrive as separate messages
  • You may receive reminders if they’re not completed
  • Your care coordinator may reference these during outreach

These assessments are a critical part of determining whether Spravato® is appropriate for you and how to tailor your care.

Step 3: Attend Your Initial Evaluation (Action Required)

Your evaluation is a dedicated visit with a licensed provider to:

  • Review your symptoms, goals, and full medical history (including current and past medications)
  • Determine which treatment options may be appropriate for you (Spravato® and/or IV ketamine, based on your history and clinical needs)
  • Answer questions and outline next steps in care

Rescheduling or Cancelling

If you need to reschedule or cancel, 24 hours’ notice is required.
This allows us to care for other patients who are waiting for appointments.

Step 4: Consents & Enrollment (Spravato Only)

Once your provider determines that you qualify for Spravato® or Ketamine treatment, you must submit the following forms following your evaluation:

  • Combined Consent Forms
  • Acknowledgement of Ongoing Care
  • Spravato Enrollment (Spravato only)
  • Pregnancy Consent (if applicable)

Step 5: Insurance Authorization & Treatment Scheduling (After Approval)

Emerge will submit the prior authorization to your insurance on your behalf.

  • Authorization timing varies by insurance plan and can take up to 4 weeks
  • Some approvals may happen sooner, but exact timing cannot be predicted
  • This waiting period is normal and not a reflection of your eligibility

Once authorization is in place, our team will reach out with available appointment options and help you schedule your treatment promptly.

What Treatment Typically Looks Like

Induction Phase (FDA-Guided Standard)

For most patients, treatment begins with an induction phase:

  • 2 treatments per week for 4 weeks (per FDA studies)
  • Frequency may be extended depending on response
  • A telehealth provider follow-up around week 3 to review symptom changes, answer questions, and confirm next steps

While 4 weeks is the standard starting point, your plan may be adjusted based on how you respond.

Maintenance Phase (Highly Individualized)

After induction, treatment frequency becomes highly individualized. There is no single “right” schedule. Your provider will work collaboratively with you to determine the least frequent plan that continues to provide meaningful symptom relief.

Follow-up appointments occur regularly throughout care—typically no further than every 8 weeks—to ensure treatment remains safe, effective, and appropriately adjusted over time.

Building Hope: What the Research Shows

Ketamine-based treatments like Spravato® are designed as structured, ongoing care, not one-time interventions. Research shows that patients who continue treatment after initial improvement are more likely to sustain symptom relief over time compared to those who stop early, which is why consistency and follow-through are an important part of the care process (JAMA Psychiatry)

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Your Role in Success

To get the most out of treatment, please:

  • Complete all required forms and assessments
  • Attend your evaluation and treatments as scheduled
  • Communicate openly with your care team
  • Be patient during insurance approval periods

We’re committed to walking this journey with you—step by step.

Questions?

If you’re unsure what to do next or need support at any point, our team is here to help.

You’ve already taken an important first step. We look forward to supporting you through the next ones.

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