The Avesta Blog
New to ketamine care? Read these first
Three guides that answer the questions most patients ask before their first visit.
Guides
What is Ketamine and How Does it Work?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used in surgery and pain management since the 1960s. At clinical doses it is an effective therapy for treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, anxiety and suicidality, and it can relieve chronic pain.
Guides
Is Ketamine Therapy Safe?
The article says ketamine IV infusions for mood disorders and chronic pain are very safe when given by highly trained, board-certified anesthesia providers, and notes the World Health Organization lists ketamine as an essential medicine. The ideal candidate has usually tried other treatments without success.
Pricing
How to Pay for Ketamine Therapy and Reduce Out-of-Pocket Costs
Most patients lower ketamine costs through insurance-based Spravato treatment or IV ketamine supported by reimbursement and other payment tools. Spravato often provides the lowest out-of-pocket cost for patients who qualify.
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Conditions
Is Ketamine Safe for People with Substance Use Disorders?
Actor Matthew Perry's death, attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, raised questions about ketamine safety for people with substance use disorders. The article explains how Avesta puts safety first and how to find out if you are eligible for in-clinic infusions.
Research
The Different Types of Ketamine Therapy
IV ketamine is the most common and best-studied type of ketamine therapy, given as a low dose into a vein over 40 to 60 minutes in a supervised setting. The article compares it with nasal and other forms.
Guides
Is Ketamine Legal in Virginia? Laws and Patient Access
Ketamine is legal in Virginia when prescribed by a licensed clinician. It is a controlled substance (Schedule III federally) with accepted medical uses in surgery, chronic pain and mental health conditions.
Community
Navigating Virginia’s Mental Health Crisis
More than one million adults in Virginia have a mental health condition, and more than half do not receive treatment. The article looks at depression and anxiety in Virginia and how ketamine therapy can help.
Insurance
How to Get Ketamine Insurance Coverage in Virginia
Insurance does not usually cover ketamine therapy in most areas, including Northern Virginia. The article explains why and how the application process for requesting coverage varies by insurer, so contact your insurance company directly.
Guides
How to find a Qualified Ketamine Therapist in Virginia
Patients who work with an experienced ketamine therapist before, during and after treatment tend to see more lasting benefits. The article explains the difference between ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and ketamine integration therapy and how to find a qualified therapist in Virginia.
Guides
Does Ketamine Therapy Get You High?
Ketamine is a dissociative that can cause feelings of detachment, so some patients feel a "high" state during treatment, but the article explains how clinical therapy differs from misuse. Some believe this dissociation is itself therapeutic.
Our Team
Dr. Eshkevari on Avesta’s Approach to Ketamine Therapy
In this interview, Dr. Ladan Eshkevari shares her path from nurse anesthetist to Georgetown University professor to ketamine therapy pioneer. She says Avesta has found an 80% efficacy rate among its patients, ranging from 18 to 65.
Community
Millennials & Therapy: Shifting Perspectives on Mental Health
Millennials have helped change how society sees mental health by talking openly and breaking down stigma, aided by social media. The article looks at how their views on mental health and therapy have shifted.
Community
Mental Illness in America: Where We Stand Globally
Mental illnesses are among the most widespread health problems in the United States, though many people feel apprehensive about discussing them. The article looks at how common they are and how attitudes are changing.
Guides
Is Ketamine Therapy Addictive?
The article explains ketamine's history and risk profile. At Avesta, individualized treatment by trained practitioners helps reduce risk, and patients with a personal or family history of addiction should ask about it before starting.
Research
The Future of Mental Health: Ketamine and Its Evolving Role
Around 21% of U.S. adults had a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety or PTSD in 2020. The article looks at how ketamine is playing an evolving role alongside traditional medication and psychotherapy.
The Avesta blog shares general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about your own situation.
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