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. 

Le smiling and standing in front of desk

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

  1. Ketamine is FDA-approved as an anesthetic

    1970

    Synethesized 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.   

  2. First report of Ketamine's antidepressant efficacy 

    2000

    Yale'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

  3. Ketamine studied in earnest 

    2000 onwards;

    Mounting evidence studying Ketamine's effect on symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain

  4. Dr. Ladan Eshkevari introduces Ketamine protocol to Virginia, DC, Maryland

    2018

    At 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.

  5. Avesta Ketamine and Wellness opens in McLean, Virginia

    2020

    Having previously practiced out of shared office space, Avesta opens its first stand-alone location in Northern Virginia.

  6. Spravato comes to market; Avesta Ketamine and Wellness begins to offer Spravato

    2020

    J&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. 

  7. Avesta Ketamine and Wellness opens in Bethesda, Maryland 

    2021

    Bethesda quickly becomes the premier clinic for Ketamine infusions in Montgomery County, Maryland.

  8. Avesta Ketamine and Wellness opens in Washington, D.C.

    2022

    Located in Dupont Circle, Avesta's third clinic allows residents of Washington, D.C. to easily access the clinic by foot and Metro.

  9. Avesta Ketamine and Wellness expands offerings to include Coaching and Therapy options

    2023

    Clinic increases partnerships with trained ketamine therapists and coaches in the region to increase service and support options for its patients.

  10. Avesta Ketamine and Wellness becomes in-network with the Veterans Affairs

    2024

    Clinic 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.

  11. Avesta Ketamine and Wellness begins to work with Commercial Payers

    2024

    In 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

See the Rest of the Team

Treatments tailored to your needs

Visit Avesta for IV Ketamine, Spravato, and more

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

great experience at avesta, Stephanie was great I would highly recommend

Melissa Lux April 26, 2025

This is the absolute best and safest place to go for Ketamine infusions treatments! They have a stellar staff from the head doctor through the many nurse practitioners and med techs that make you feel as if you’re in a safe place. I go for pain management but there are many that go to reduce depression and I know it works because including my pain it also gives me relief from depression. Dr E. is the best and will take time out of her day to talk to you; all of them will from the top to the bottom that’s why I love this place so much! So if you’re looking to get treatment know Avesta is the biggest provider in MD and has 4 locations now. You won’t be disappointed you may just get a new lease on life! Good luck!

Rob Baker April 1, 2025

Very Thorough!

Faye Little March 18, 2025

Such a lovely and kind staff. They work super hard to ensure a good experience and are wonderful to their patients.

Angela Galiardo March 10, 2025

Professional and comfortable in every way. Excellent company.

Steve Arnold January 25, 2025

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.

Caitlyn Bartsch January 25, 2025

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.

Rachel Smith January 25, 2025

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.

Molly Gourdin October 28, 2024

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 Healing Journey

Take the first step toward improving your mental, emotional and physical health. Speak with one of Avesta's specialists to determine if you are an ideal candidate.