Who We Are
Under Dr. Ladan Eshkevari's leadership, Avesta Ketamine and Wellness is the premier Ketamine Infusion Therapy clinic in Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Read more to learn about our history.
The Avesta Difference
The highest safety standards. We understand you and your background thoroughly before you come in for treatment. We spend time educating you so that you can make the most informed decisions for your health.
Expert understanding. We’re not casual with your mental and physical health – we keep up with the latest research and rely on our expert understanding of the pharmacology of Ketamine to provide safe, effective, evidence-based personal care.
Proactive coordinated care. We’re firm believers that coordination across your wider health team is key to helping you achieve your best results. Ketamine is cutting-edge treatment with many misconceptions; we believe in educating your care providers, too.
An emphasis on integration beyond the medicine. Results rely on more than your Ketamine infusions. We work to offer you more for your infusions.
Giving you our all in every interaction is the Avesta promise.
Our Origins
Where We Started
Avesta's history is intertwined within the history of Ketamine for Mental Health in the United States
Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic
1970Synethesized in 1962, Ketamine is approved around the time of the Vietnam War, is quickly adopted in ERs, and by 1985 is listed on the WHO's list of Essential Medicines.
First report of Ketamine's antidepressant efficacy
2000Yale's School of Medicine publishes the first randomized controlled trial to demonstrate Ketamine's antidepressant effects. Researchers showed that a single dose of ketamine, less than what would be given for anesthesia, improved depression—and in some cases led to a near complete recovery—in less than 24 hours
Ketamine studied in earnest
2000 onwards;Mounting evidence studying Ketamine's effect on symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain
Dr. Ladan Eshkevari introduces Ketamine protocol to Virginia, DC, Maryland
2018At the time a Professor at Georgetown University, Dr. Eshkevari drew on research studies and clinical experience to devise ketamine protocols for mental health and chronic pain, becoming one of the first providers in the Nation to offer this treatment. Dr. Eshkevari subsequently led Georgetown's nationally-ranked Nurse Anesthesia program as Program Director.
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness opens in McLean, Virginia
2020Having previously practiced out of shared office space, Avesta opens its first stand-alone location in Northern Virginia.
Spravato comes to market; Avesta Ketamine and Wellness begins to offer Spravato
2020J&J achieves FDA-approval for ketamine-derived compound Esketamine, or Spravato, administered in nasal spray format. Avesta Ketamine and Wellness begins offering Spravato for its patients.
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness opens in Bethesda, Maryland
2021Bethesda quickly becomes the premier clinic for Ketamine infusions in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness opens in Washington, D.C.
2022Located in Dupont Circle, Avesta's third clinic allows residents of Washington, D.C. to easily access the clinic by foot and Metro.
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness expands offerings to include Coaching and Therapy options
2023Clinic increases partnerships with trained ketamine therapists and coaches in the region to increase service and support options for its patients.
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness becomes in-network with the Veterans Affairs
2024Clinic is approved as a VA Community Care Clinic in early 2024 to increase options for Veterans living close to its clinics in Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C and surrounding states.
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness begins to work with Commercial Payers
2024In an effort to expand access for patients, Avesta is now in-network with Cigna and billing for United Healthcare and Aetna.
Our Wellness Leaders
Our Avesta Leadership
Meet Our Team of Experts
Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, CRNA, PhD, FAAN,
Founder & Co-CEO
Dr. Anne Bielamowicz, MD
Anesthesiologist
Ganapathy Premkumar, MS Finance
Chief of Staff
Stephanie, BA Public Health, Psychology, RBT
Operations & Patient Care Lead
Sam, BS Nursing, MS Nursing
Regional Clinical Lead, Nurse Practitioner
Treatment Plans tailored to your needs
We offer a variety of treatment options
Our Treatments Do More Than Manage Your Symptoms
Results are beyond my expectations.
The staff is incredibly caring, attentive, and thorough
I wish I would have done this sooner.
I feel like I have a new outlook on life, and I feel free.
Ketamine treatments offered at Avesta have been life-changing and wonderful for me
my friends noticed a change
I feel more happiness and peace than I have in a very long time
Avesta Ketamine treatment has truly given me my life back.
Outstanding experience
even the small improvements in his daily demeanor have genuinely shocked me, and even brought my wife to tears
What People Say About Us
Professional and comfortable in every way. Excellent company.
My care and experience at Avesta has been nothing short of incredible. The staff is warm, patient, and genuinely invested in your wellbeing. Dedicated staff assesses your insurance benefits or potential self pay costs before you even schedule treatment. Their communication is excellent, as well as their facilities. Treatment at Avesta and adding their staff to your mental healthcare team is an excellent investment, and I encourage you to explore their offerings if you are ready to take the next step in your healing journey.
I have rsd/crps and having to go somewhere for treatment isn’t fun. However everyone at Avesta is super nice and there is absolutely no judgement that goes on. They make you feel welcome the moment you walk in. I would highly recommend them.
Very thoughtful people work here who care about your treatment plan and how you are feeling. I have always felt safe there and always feel better after. Very thankful for the staff and practice.
Everyone who I have come to meet and get to know at Avesta, are very caring thoughtful individuals. Sam and Loren are the best and really care about your full treatment plan. Sam is very knowledgeable and makes you feel at home. Great experience always for me at Avesta
If I could leave an extra star in this review I definitely would! Everything about this place is wonderful: the atmosphere, the staff, and of course the experience! Sam and Christina were nothing short of amazing, they are truly two of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Thanks to them I had an absolutely transcendental experience, more beautiful than words can convey. If you go here you’ll definitely be in good hands!
Have been to three clinics in area. By far the best run organization, most compassionate staff, and most affordable. Could not recommend them more highly.
Wholeheartedly believe in the impactful work being done at Avesta. You will be in good hands here.
We Focus On Healing
At Avesta, we are committed to changing lives with evidence-based ketamine treatments in a safe, patient-centered environment. Patient care is our sole focus.
Start Your Wellness Journey
Take the first step to healing. Speak with one of our experienced intake coordinators to:
Avesta In The News
Leading the charge with innovative Ketamine therapy solutions
Recent Avesta Blog Posts
Learn more about Ketamine and about the Avesta difference
