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(301) 381-8381Book a consult

Clinician-monitored at every session

Avesta Ketamine & Wellness: Evidence-based Ketamine and Spravato Care

Avesta is the longest-standing Ketamine and Spravato practice in the DMV, and for people whose depression, anxiety, PTSD or pain hasn't improved with other treatments, ketamine may be the next step.

Free 30-minute consult · No referral needed · Benefits checked first

The calm, bright reception area at an Avesta Ketamine and Wellness clinic
Rated 4.9 by patients on Google

“They anticipate your needs perfectly.” Matthew E., Google review

Our patients sometimes travel hours for our expertise, but we aim to keep growing our network to be as close to you as possible.

1,600+patients treated
20,000+treatments administered
5clinics in DC, MD and VA
4.9 ★average of 226 Google reviews
Recognized & affiliated ASKP3 - American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists and Practitioners Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition Ten Ten Life NAMI Ketamine Taskforce Psychology Today Verified

Treatments

Treatment paths depending on your diagnosis

Every plan starts with a medical consultation. Our intake coordinator recommends the route with the strongest evidence for your condition and will tell you plainly when ketamine is not the answer.

What to expect

Four simple steps without pressure

Process from first call to first visit

  1. 1

    Free 30-minute consult

    Talk with our team about your history and goals. We require an official mental health or pain diagnosis.

  2. 2

    Benefits check and Treatment plan

    We check your insurance up front and send you a cost estimate for treatments. After your medical intake, our clinicans send over your treatment plan so you know what to expect before you start.

  3. 3

    Treatment

    Sessions take place in a soothing setting, and you are monitored throughout.

  4. 4

    Integration and follow-up

    Coaching and/or integration therapy help the benefits last beyond the session. We proactively reach out to your mental health team to coordinate your care.

The Avesta difference

What sets Avesta apart

Ketamine clinics can look alike from the outside. Here is what matters once you are in the chair and what to ask any clinic you consider.

What mattersAvesta Ketamine & WellnessAsk any clinic
Safety standardsWe review your full medical history before your first visit and take time to educate you, so you can make an informed decision. A clinician monitors every dose from start to finish.“Who reviews my history, and who stays with me during treatment?”
Clinical expertiseProtocols are set by Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, CRNA, PhD, FAAN, professor emeritus at Georgetown University. We keep up with the latest research and rely on deep knowledge of ketamine pharmacology.“Who sets your protocols, and what is their training?”
Coordination of careCoordination across your wider health team is key to your best results, so we educate your care providers about ketamine, too.“Will you work with my therapist, psychiatrist and doctor?”
Beyond the medicineResults rely on more than infusions. Integration coaching and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy help you do the deeper work.“What support is built in after the infusions?”
Insurance and accessSpravato is in-network with Aetna, Cigna, the VA and Medicaid. IV ketamine is in-network with Cigna, the VA and Workers’ Compensation. We check your benefits first.“Will you check my coverage before I commit?”
Track recordThe longest-standing ketamine practice in Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia, with five clinics and 178 Google reviews.“How long have you treated patients, and how many?”

Ask us any of these on your consult call. We answer them the same way in person.

Book a free consult

Who sets our protocols

Led by a team with a patient-first mindset

Our goal is simple: safe, evidence-based care in a patient-centered environment. Patient care is our sole focus.

  • Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, CRNA, PhD, FAAN, founder and co-CEO, is professor emeritus at Georgetown University and former Program Director of its nationally ranked Nurse Anesthesia program.
  • In 2018 she introduced ketamine protocols for mental health and chronic pain to Virginia, DC and Maryland, one of the first providers in the nation to offer them.
  • Her Georgetown study, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, supports ketamine therapy for people living with treatment-resistant depression.
  • Nurse practitioners, a collaborating psychiatrist and integration coaches support every patient.

A patient’s story

Hear it from someone who sat in the chair

Josh, an Avesta patient, shares how ketamine therapy restored his hope and joy.

Josh's Story: an Avesta patient shares his ketamine therapy experience

“Bringing hope and healing to our patients”Patient interview

“Even after the first couple of infusions, they saw my light shining again. That felt amazing because it had dimmed quite a bit.”
Josh K. · Avesta patient, IV ketamine infusions

Individual experiences vary. A patient story is not a guarantee of results.

Patient reviews

Patients say it best

ExcellentBased on 225 reviews
Write a review
Amy GutierrezAugust 18, 2026BethesdaGoogle
I have had the pleasure of going to 3 locations- Bethesda, Tyson, and DC. Every experience has been phenomenal and the staff makes sure you are heard and happy. Both before the infusion and afterwards. They are all amazing and have the best bedside manners!
Wendy LaffermanSeptember 25, 2026ColumbiaGoogle
This was my first visit to Avesta for a Ketamine infusion for chronic migraine pain comorbid with mental health diagnosis.

Coming in with a lot of anxiety due to past experiences, I was greeted by Nyla who was kind, patient, and empathetic throughout my entire visit. She was there to answer any questions I had. The environment was quiet and peaceful; with a sign as a reminder.

My practitioner, Nate, was amazing. He was caring and intentional. Communicated every step of the process and eased all my fears; specifically getting the IV on the first stick!! Both checked in on me often throughout the infusion to ensure I was having the best possible experience.

I’m incredibly grateful that I found this place and am looking forward to my next visit!
Kate GowingAugust 2, 2026Norfolk/Virginia BeachGoogle
Great treatment, been coming to Avesta in DC for a while. Glad they finally opened closer to me.
Spencer AgostiniAugust 2, 2026TysonsGoogle
Avesta is the best ketamine clinic in Northern Virginia. I did my research and I'm so glad I decided to go with Avesta.
Matthew ConnorsSeptember 10, 2026Washington DCGoogle
Nice atmosphere, professional staff that are also warm and friendly. I won't go anywhere else.
Paul ThompsonJuly 3, 2026BethesdaGoogle
Meghan was well informed, polite, answered all of my questions clearly and in the context of our conversation she provided information she discerned to be important to me.

Veterans and first responders

Care for those who served

Avesta is in-network with the VA for IV ketamine, Spravato and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, and partners with nonprofits such as Ten Ten Life that fund trauma-informed ketamine therapy for eligible service members, veterans and first responders.

Veterans care

FAQs

Questions patients ask first

Still unsure? Call (301) 381-8381 and a member of our team will help.

Do I need a referral?
No. Call us or book a free consult and we will talk through your options. We check your insurance benefits up front so you know what to expect before you commit.
Does insurance cover ketamine therapy?
IV ketamine is usually not covered because it is administered off-label, though Avesta is in-network for IV ketamine through Cigna, the VA and Workers’ Compensation. Spravato is FDA-approved and covered by most major plans; Avesta is in-network for Spravato with Cigna, Aetna, the VA, Virginia Medicaid and Maryland Medicaid. See the insurance page.
How long is each session, and how many will I need?
An IV ketamine session takes about 45 to 60 minutes, and a standard induction is six sessions over two to three weeks. Spravato is two sessions a week for four weeks, then one a week for four weeks. Your clinician tailors the plan to you.
Is ketamine therapy safe?
Safety is our number one priority. We screen every patient carefully, every treatment is administered in our clinic by a licensed clinician, and we monitor you closely until you are cleared to leave. Ketamine used outside a clinical setting, without a clinician present, carries greater risks, which is why Avesta treats in clinic only.
What does it cost?
Cost depends on the treatment and your insurance, and we check your benefits before you commit, so you know what to expect. Our insurance specialist gives you a plan-specific estimate before your first session. See pricing and payment options.
Do you treat veterans?
Yes. Avesta is in-network with the VA for IV ketamine, Spravato and KAP, and partners with veteran-focused nonprofits such as Ten Ten Life for additional support.

Ready to get started?

Book a free 30-minute consult. No referral needed, and we check your benefits before you commit to anything.

If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.