Conditions we treat
All treatmentsIV Ketamine Therapy
A clinician-monitored treatment option for people whose depression, anxiety, PTSD or chronic pain has not improved enough with standard care.
No obligation · No referral needed · We check your benefits up front
Conditions & Concerns
Ketamine infusion therapy for mental health is designed for individuals whose symptoms have not adequately responded to standard psychiatric medications or psychotherapy. We treat patients with the following conditions:
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) that have not lifted with traditional antidepressants.
Severe generalized anxiety (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety unresponsive to first-line pharmacotherapy.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors seeking rapid neural relief.
Neuropathic pain conditions including CRPS, fibromyalgia, migraines, and central sensitization syndromes.
Depressive episodes associated with Bipolar I and II disorder under close clinical supervision.
Intrusive thought cycles and compulsive behaviors resistant to standard SSRI and CBT protocols.
Schedule a consultation with our office. Following a thorough examination, we work with your existing doctor to confirm IV ketamine is the right fit and to build your treatment plan.
6 sessions over 2-3 weeks
Induction is at least 6 sessions, 45-60 minutes each, spread over 2-3 weeks — the regimen research has shown to be most effective. Depending on your response, additional sessions may help before you move into a maintenance phase.
5 consecutive sessions, 4 hours each
Pain protocols use 5 consecutive sessions at 4 hours each, with additional medications added to the infusion to work toward reducing your pain.
Booster infusions are generally needed periodically after induction to maintain relief. Your care team tailors your plan to your history and adjusts it based on how you respond.
Your Journey
Do not eat for at least 5-6 hours before your appointment, and avoid drinking for 1-2 hours before. You will not be able to drive for the rest of the day, so arrange transportation in advance. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms.
You stay awake during treatment, in a state of deep physical relaxation. A clinician remains with you for the entire infusion, monitoring your safety and comfort. Most patients describe the experience as calm and floating, with a temporary shift in how time and physical sensation feel — that shift is expected, it is part of how the medication works, and it settles within about 20 minutes of the infusion ending. Some patients notice dizziness, blurred vision, or mild nausea.
Outcomes & Timeline
Many patients report improved mood and general well-being after the first few treatments, and it is not uncommon to feel relief within hours of the first infusion. How long results last varies by individual and can range up to several months. After your initial series, we can build a maintenance program with you if needed.
A Patient’s Perspective
“Even after the first couple of infusions, they saw my light shining again. That felt amazing because it had dimmed quite a bit.”
Individual experiences vary. A patient story is not a guarantee of results.
Investment & Coverage
| Payer | Coverage | What you pay per session |
|---|---|---|
| Veterans Affairs (VA) | In-network, VA pre-authorizes | $0 |
| Cigna (incl. NALC) | In-network | $0 – $220, depending on plan |
| Workers’ Compensation | In-network | Can be $0, billed to the claim |
| Aetna | Out-of-network, we bill on your behalf | $0 – $300 |
| United Healthcare | Out-of-network, we bill on your behalf | $0 – $450 |
| BCBS / CareFirst | Out-of-network | $450, or $425 each in a 6-session package |
| No insurance (self-pay) | — | $450, or $425 each in a 6-session package |
| Chronic pain protocol (any payer) | Cash; Workers’ Comp is the exception | $1,400 per session, 5 sessions |
A standard mood-disorder induction is 6 sessions. Your exact cost depends on your plan’s deductible and coinsurance — our insurance specialist gives you a plan-specific estimate before your first session. See our full insurance breakdown or complete pricing guide for every treatment type.
Founder & Co-CEO · Georgetown University faculty
Dr. Eshkevari led a study with her Georgetown graduate students published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, supporting ketamine therapy for people living with treatment-resistant depression. She sets the clinical protocols used at every Avesta clinic.
Patient Experiences
Amy GutierrezAugust 18, 2026BethesdaGoogle
Wendy LaffermanSeptember 25, 2026ColumbiaGoogle
Kate GowingAugust 2, 2026Norfolk/Virginia BeachGoogle
Spencer AgostiniAugust 2, 2026TysonsGoogle
Matthew ConnorsSeptember 10, 2026Washington DCGoogle
Paul ThompsonJuly 3, 2026BethesdaGoogle
Toby KatesAugust 2, 2026ColumbiaGoogle
Carole WilkinsFebruary 10, 2026TysonsGoogle
Elsa AlaswadJuly 18, 2026Washington DCGoogle
D SMay 3, 2026BethesdaGoogle
Carolyn ErwinAugust 1, 2026ColumbiaGoogle
B CJanuary 16, 2026TysonsGoogleSafety & Side Effects
Ketamine is FDA-approved for general anesthesia. Racemic ketamine, which contains both S and R forms, has not been FDA-approved for mental health indications and is administered off-label for that purpose.
Known safety concerns include sedation, dissociation, psychiatric events or worsening of psychiatric disorders, increased blood pressure, respiratory depression (slowed breathing), and lower urinary tract and bladder symptoms. These concerns are greatest when ketamine is used outside a clinical setting, without a clinician present. Safety is our number one priority: we screen every patient carefully to confirm candidacy, every infusion is administered in-clinic by a licensed clinician, and we monitor you closely from the start of your infusion until you are cleared to leave.
Side effects of your infusion can include nausea, dizziness, and tiredness. We proactively provide anti-nausea medication and ask patients to rest well afterward.
Locations
Every Avesta location is staffed by a licensed clinician for every session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ketamine is used for mood disorders such as Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain syndromes. It has been studied for its effects on various brain areas involved in these conditions.
Anyone with a confirmed mental health or pain condition under treatment is a good candidate for ketamine infusion therapy. A consultation with the office is required to determine eligibility.
The number of treatments depends on the condition being treated. For mood disorders, an induction phase of at least 6 sessions is recommended. Chronic pain treatment typically includes 5 consecutive sessions.
Before treatment, fasting is required. During treatment, patients experience extreme relaxation and are monitored for safety. Side effects may include dizziness, blurred vision, and nausea.
Known safety concerns associated with ketamine products include sedation, dissociation, psychiatric events or worsening of psychiatric disorders, increased blood pressure, respiratory depression, and lower urinary tract and bladder symptoms. These concerns are greatest when ketamine is used outside a clinical setting. At Avesta, every infusion is administered in clinic by a licensed clinician, and patients are screened beforehand and monitored until they are cleared to leave.
Many patients report improved mood and well-being after ketamine therapy. Relief can be felt within hours and may last for several months. Maintenance programs are available if needed.
Book a free 30-minute consult. No referral needed, and we check your benefits before you commit to anything.