A New Way Forward: One Client’s Story and the Team Making it Possible

After years of struggling with his mental health and trying various treatments, James* had grown accustomed to the erratic highs and lows.

“There’s a peak I’d reach, and then I’d sink,” he said. “I’d experience intense depression and struggle taking care of myself. Even when I felt like I was doing well, nothing would ever stick.”

While experiencing one of these low points, James was ready for something new. He decided to try SPRAVATO®, an effective new treatment offered at LiveWell Counseling. “Even just signing up gave me a glimmer of hope,” James said.

“What makes this program truly exceptional is its innovation,” said Jeremy Levy, MBA, Director of Organizational Integration and Advancement at Christian Health. “We are introducing cutting-edge treatment options for individuals who have often exhausted traditional methods, with remarkable results in just a few treatments. As the only hospital in northern New Jersey offering this level of advanced care, we’re not just assisting clients – we’re reshaping the future of mental health treatment. This program reflects our mission to provide hope, healing, and groundbreaking solutions that distinguish Christian Health as a leader in the field.”

An Innovative New Therapy

SPRAVATO®, or esketamine therapy, is a groundbreaking solution that can provide rapid relief from treatment-resistant depression. This self-administered FDA-approved nasal spray may improve symptoms after the first session for patients struggling to find relief through other therapies.

Immediately after James started esketamine therapy at LiveWell, he was shocked at the quick, impressive results. “I’ve always had a lot of tension in my neck and shoulders from my anxiety, which quickly went away,” he said. “I didn't expect that at all. It motivated me to stick with it.”

Aside from his physical symptoms dissipating, James also noticed a significant improvement in his mood after only two weeks of treatment, which helped him return to doing the things he loves.

“I play guitar, and I’d constantly have to force myself to play,” he said. “It felt like a chore. After starting treatment, I’m doing things because I find them enjoyable. I have more self-confidence, I'm interacting more genuinely with people, and I have more energy to get things done.”

“I see depressive symptoms improved that I have never witnessed with any other medication,” said Andreza DeOliviera, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at LiveWell. “Some patients feel relief 24 hours after the first session. It really shows we’re doing the best we can with the most innovative treatment to help our patients recover."

A Supportive Environment

James believes the calming treatment lounge, complete with lavender aromatherapy, cozy chairs, and soothing, ambient music, as well as the supportive team at LiveWell helped ease him into treatment and ensure he’d successfully continue with the therapy.

“It was a little nerve-racking at first,” he said. “But everyone receiving the treatment is positive and supportive of one another. It's almost like a little group therapy session.”

“It feels like you are in a spa, not a treatment center,” said Andreza. “It’s peaceful and calming to enhance the patient's experience. And if a patient experiences any anxiety, I sit with them and hold their hand. I’m there to monitor them as well as provide support and reassurance.”

Having a nurse practitioner on-site ensures patients are safe and comfortable during the treatment and educated and fully prepared before they begin their first session. Andreza is with patients every step of the way to make sure they are aware of the side effects, take important safety protocols, and have a planned ride home. LiveWell will even provide transportation to patients within a certain mile radius through a ride-sharing service.

“I meet with the patient one-on-one to inform them about their treatment and care plan, answering all the questions they or their family may have before treatment starts,” she said.

A Little Extra Traction

With such significant results already, James is confident that esketamine therapy was the best move for him and his mental health.

“I’m super grateful I started this,” he said. “To anyone considering this treatment: you may hope that you’ll do it and suddenly you’ll be fine, like flipping a switch. But that’s never the reality of any treatment.”

While no therapy is a magic cure, James found esketamine treatment was just the push he needed to help him gain ground on the road to healing after years of being stuck.

“It’s like your tires are spinning, and the treatment is a little extra traction so you can start moving,” he said.

Esketamine Therapy at LiveWell Counseling

LiveWell Counseling now offers esketamine therapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression in our comfortable lounge, under the supervision of board-certified psychiatrists and nurses. To learn more, please call (201) 733-3244 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/Spravato. This innovative treatment is covered by most insurance providers.

*Name has been changed to protect identity.