Psilocybin
What you gain
A short course and nothing to stay on afterwards.
What it asks of you
Self-pay in full and full dosing days.
Comparison guide
Psilocybin or Spravato for Depression
Spravato is a clinic nose-spray with an FDA path for hard-to-treat depression. Psilocybin is usually fewer visits — and almost never insured.
Answers at a glance
Comprehensive comparison
Psilocybin
Often within a week after a supported dosing session.12
Spravato
Often within a day under clinic observation — labeled for rapid antidepressant effect.45
Psilocybin
Benefits often hold for weeks to months after one or two dosing days in trials.123
Spravato
Designed as an ongoing visit schedule; stopping usually means losing the maintenance effect over time.4
Psilocybin
Nothing daily to taper. Integration is what you carry forward.
Spravato
Symptoms commonly return when the visit cadence stops — many people continue monthly or every-other-week visits.
Psilocybin
1–2 dosing days plus preparation and integration.12
Spravato
About 2 clinic visits a week for the first month, then less often — often monthly for maintenance.4
Psilocybin
Legal OR/CO guided courses often about $850–$4,500+ self-pay.6
Spravato
Drug plus monitored clinic visit; cash can run hundreds per visit, but coverage may lower your share.7
Psilocybin
Almost never for guided psilocybin.6
Spravato
Sometimes — may be covered for hard-to-treat depression with prior approval.4
Psilocybin
Several carefully controlled studies in depression; not FDA-approved as a medicine.123
Spravato
FDA-approved for hard-to-treat depression when used with an oral antidepressant under a special safety program.45
References & sources
- 1Davis et al. (2021). Psilocybin-assisted therapy for major depression. View study →
- 2Goodwin et al. (2022). Single-dose psilocybin for hard-to-treat depression. View study →
- 3Metaxa & Clarke (2024). Review combining many psilocybin depression studies. View study →
- 4FDA. SPRAVATO (esketamine) prescribing information. View study →
- 5Nikolin et al. (2023). Review of ketamine/esketamine dose and response. View study →
- 6Oregon Health Authority. Accessing psilocybin services. View study →
- 7Typical Spravato clinic cash estimates (market reporting). View study →
Typical US ranges and outcomes; your care depends on screening and clinical need. Not medical advice.
Considerations
Every path has a trade
Spravato
What you gain
An FDA-labeled path and a better shot at insurance help.
What it asks of you
Ongoing clinic visits and a standing schedule.