Esketamine, delivered as a nasal spray under the brand name Spravato, is a breakthrough treatment for adults with treatment-resistant depression. Understandably, its cost has been a hot topic for patients, families, and clinicians alike, especially since the treatment has been added to the PBS scheme, making it more affordable and accessible for patients across Australia.
If you’re asking, “how much does esketamine cost?”, we’re breaking down what you’ll actually pay, what factors affect the price, and why the price has changed so dramatically in 2025.
The Cost Of Esketamine Nasal Spray
Until recently, the cost of esketamine nasal spray was prohibitively expensive. A single dose of Spravato in Australian clinics could range from $500 to $900 per treatment session, and that’s before accounting for any medical supervision fees.
But in May 2025, something major shifted. Spravato was added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), meaning Australians with treatment-resistant depression can now access the treatment for as little as $31.60 per dose, or $7.70 for concession card holders.
This is a dramatic drop from the previous cost of up to $800 per dose, giving thousands of Australians access to advanced treatment-resistant depression therapy at an attainable cost.
Out-of-Pocket Costs Beyond the Medication
The price above is for the esketamine costper dose. But there are a few extra costs you may need to consider as part of the treatment:
Clinic fees for administration
Spravato must be administered by an approved healthcare professional in a controlled clinical setting, with continuous supervision and monitoring throughout the session.
This is because esketamine can cause temporary side effects such as dissociation, sedation, and increased blood pressure, which requires careful observation to ensure patient safety. After receiving the dose, patients remain at the clinic for at least two hours until these effects subside.
For these reasons, each dose of esketamine has a treatment fee of $300 to $350 charged by most clinics. This covers the medication administration, as well as nursing care, facility use, and post-treatment monitoring to provide a safe and supportive environment for recovery.
Doctor’s consultation
Initial consultations and follow-up appointments for esketamine treatment are billed separately, but may be partially covered by Medicare with a valid referral.
While Medicare helps to reduce the cost of Spravato, patients may still have out-of-pocket fees depending on the psychiatrist’s billing. However, these consultations and follow-up appointments are essential for personalised care and ongoing treatment management.
The overall cost per treatment
Since being added to the PBS, a typical session (including the dose and monitoring) may still cost $330 to $380 for a general patient.
Is Esketamine Expensive Compared to Other Treatments?
The short answer is yes, this treatment has historically been pricey. But with the PBS listing, the cost in Australia is now among the lowest in the world for Spravato nasal spray.
Prior to the subsidy, Spravato’s cost meant it was inaccessible for many, especially compared to generic antidepressants or other alternative options like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
- Without PBS subsidy: $500 to $900 per dose (plus clinic fees)
- With PBS subsidy: $31.60 per dose (plus clinic fees)
For reference, TMS also requires regular clinic visits and can cost from $150 to $300 per session, but does not involve medication costs. If you’re considering TMS or esketamine, check out our comparison of TMS and Spravato.
How Often are Esketamine Treatments Given
Patients typically start esketamine treatment with twice-weekly sessions for the first four weeks known as the induction phase. If you respond well, the frequency is then reduced to once weekly for the following four weeks.
After this maintenance phase, your doctor will adjust the treatment schedule based on your symptoms and how you’re doing, often spacing sessions to once every two weeks or less. This flexible approach ensures your care is personalised – balancing the benefits of treatment while keeping visits manageable.
Ultimately, your psychiatrist will tailor the duration and frequency of your sessions to suit your unique progress and needs.
Is the Cost of Esketamine Worth It?
The esketamine nasal spray offers a quick relief for many patients who haven’t improved with typical medications.
About 50 to 65% of treatment-resistant patients respond positively, which is a massive improvement compared to traditional antidepressants. For those struggling with severe depression, the benefits of Spravato could be life-changing.
However, as with any kind of medication, it’s important to weigh up the benefits against other considerations – such as how affordable it is in the long term, accessibility (as all doses must be administered under clinic supervision), and the side effects of eketamine nasal spray.
Common side effects include:
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea or vomiting
- Temporary increases in blood pressure
- Disorientation or dissociation
- Drowsiness or fatigue
Safe and Supportive Esketamine Treatment at Mind Oasis
At Mind Oasis, we prioritise your comfort and safety by providing a calm, controlled environment designed to support your treatment journey. Our dedicated Esketamine Clinic in Sydney offers expert care with experienced psychiatrists and nursing staff present throughout each session – so you’ll get close monitoring and personalised support every step of the way.
We also offer telehealth services for broader mental health needs with psychiatrists in Canberra,
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide.
Key Takeaways:
- Spravato is accessible for patients with treatment-resistant depression and have been unresponsive to two other antidepressant therapies.
- In 2025, the cost of esketamine is $31.60 per dose for general patients, or $7.70 if you have a concession card.
- On top of the dosage costs, sessions can cost between $300 to $350 extra per treatment for clinical monitoring/administration.
- For those wondering if esketamine is expensive – it can be in the long-term. However, the PBS listing has dramatically reduced out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients.
Curious About Whether Esketamine is Right for You?
For those with treatment-resistant depression, esketamine could be life-changing – especially now that the PBS has made it more accessible than ever.
However, like any medical treatment, it requires professional assessment and informed decision-making to ensure it’s the right fit for you. Our experienced team at Mind Oasis is here to guide you through every step of your journey.
If you want to learn more about the cost of esketamine or find out if it’s a suitable treatment option for your situation, you can schedule a consultation at our dedicated Esketamine Clinic Sydney – or connect with our knowledgeable telehealth psychiatrists wherever you are.