Free Treatments for Veterans at Avesta
Veterans who receive a VA-authorized referral can receive free ketamine therapy at an Avesta clinic in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, or Bethesda, Maryland.
We at Avesta hold a deep reverence for our veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made. Our in-network partnership with Veterans Affairs (VA) is a heartfelt pledge to provide life-saving medicine for servicemembers grappling with treatment-resistant depression. Our IV infusion and Spravato protocols also address complex mental health needs arising from anxiety, PTSD, suicidality, and chronic pain.
Our licensed clinicians, coaches, and nurses are here to guide and advocate for Veterans. We see their struggles, recognize their strength, and strive to help them find peace.
Getting Started
For Veterans
STEP 1:
Meet with Your VA Provider or Call Avesta to Determine Whether You’re a Good Ketamine Candidate
The first step is to talk to your VA doctor about your condition and inquire about whether ketamine could help. Ask your provider to call Avesta if they need more details on our research-backed protocols.
Alternatively, schedule a free consultation with Avesta if you have any questions before visiting your doctor. We’ll let you know if ketamine can improve your health.
Please note that you are only eligible for a referral if you are currently being treated at a VA facility. Veterans who are not currently being treated will have to establish care prior to requesting a referral.
STEP 2:
Request an “Authorized Referral” for Treatment from Your VA Provider
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness operates under a Veterans Care Agreement with the VA. That means you can receive IV Ketamine and Spravato treatments at no out-of-pocket cost with an authorized referral from your VA provider. Ask your provider to submit this authorization once they determine your eligibility.
You can find our clinics on the VA clinic locator here.
STEP 3:
Get Ready to Book Your Treatment Session
Our Avesta team will receive a notification from the VA once they submit the authorized referral for your treatment. We will reach out to you within two business days to discuss the plan and schedule your first IV ketamine or Spravato session.
Note: An in-network referral to Avesta normally covers 100% of ketamine costs for veterans. However, your VA insurance plan may influence copayment obligations. We recommend consulting with your provider to confirm potential expenses before starting treatment.
Qualifying Conditions
- Treatment-Resistant Depression
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Suicidal Ideation
- Anxiety Disorder
- Chronic Pain
For Providers
STEP 1:
Assess Your Patient’s Suitability for IV Ketamine or Spravato
Veterans struggling with treatment-resistant conditions, like depression, suicidality, and chronic pain, can find transformative healing from ketamine. However, not everyone is a good candidate for ketamine therapy. If you have questions, please call our Avesta team anytime to discuss your patient’s case and determine eligibility.
STEP 2:
Issue an “Authorized Referral” for Avesta’s Ketamine Clinics to Treat Your Patient
Avesta is in-network with the VA through the Veterans Care Agreement. This agreement enables you to refer patients to receive IV Ketamine or Spravato therapy at one of our Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. clinics.
Please search in the Provider Profile Management System or the VA Provider Locator Tool for our Group NPI#: 1477262913 and submit a referral to the Community Care Department.
You can find our clinics on the VA clinic locator here.
STEP 3:
Collaborate with Avesta Regarding Your Patient’s Progress
The VA notifies us of the authorized referral as soon as it’s processed. Our team will then engage with your patient, ensuring they receive incredibly safe and effective care. We may also contact you to discuss your patient’s medical history and will gladly update you on their status should they authorize this collaboration.
Qualifying Physicians:
- Primary Care Doctors
- Psychiatrists
- Chronic Pain Specialists
Ketamine Therapy Can Help Veterans Who Struggle with the Following Symptoms:
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair–characteristic of Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks related to traumatic events–a common symptom of PTSD.
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide–often seen in those with Suicidal Ideation.
- Excessive worry or fear, disrupting daily activities–typically found in Anxiety Disorder.
- Long-lasting pain that does not improve with standard medical treatment– indicative of chronic pain.
Avesta’s In-Network VA Coverage Areas
Veterans in the following Washington D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland areas can request an authorized referral to receive free ketamine at Avesta.
- Washington DC
- McLean, VA
- Arlington, VA
- Alexandria, VA
- Fairfax, VA
- Vienna, VA
- Annandale, VA
- Springfield, VA
- Great Falls, VA
- Reston, VA
- Herndon, VA
- Chantilly, VA
- Sterling, VA
- Howard County, VA
- Bethesda, MD
- Rockville, MD
- Chevy Chase, MD
- Somerset, MD
- Kensington, MD
- Potomac, MD
More Ketamine Coverage Options: Veterans and First Responders
Veterans and first responders in VA, MD, and DC without VA coverage can still receive affordable ketamine therapy at Avesta.
Sliding-Scale Ketamine therapy through Avesta’s TenTen Life Partnership
TenTen Life is a non-profit organization that provides specialized counseling and coaching services to veterans and first responders. Patients can apply to TenTen Life for ketamine treatment funding at Avesta. Get Started.
Avesta’s Veterans Discount Program
Veterans nationwide who aren’t eligible for free ketamine through the VA can receive discounted ketamine therapy at one of Avesta’s clinics in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia. Contact Avesta for discount details.
FAQ
Does the VA cover ketamine treatment?
Yes, the VA does cover ketamine treatment for eligible veterans with treatment-resistant depression. Veterans should contact their local VA Medical Center (VAMC) Primary Mental Health Provider, Community Care Office, or Avesta for further information and evaluation.
Does ketamine work?
Studies show that ketamine therapy can significantly improve depression scores (PHQ-9) and reduce suicidal thoughts among veterans.
What are the risks?
Ketamine infusions, used at lower doses for depression treatment, generally pose fewer risks compared to higher doses used in anesthesia. Potential psychological side effects may encompass anxiety, panic reactions, fear, and agitation. However, reputable ketamine clinics like Avesta thoroughly prepare patients for the dissociative experience and coach them in-session to minimize discomfort and maximize therapeutic outcomes.
Additionally, ketamine is a known substance of abuse, and repeated doses could potentially increase side effects in at-risk individuals. Avesta screens patients for and rarely prescribes at-home ketamine to prevent dependence.
Physiological side effects include fluctuations in blood pressure and changes in heart rate or rhythm. However, these are normal, and ketamine clinicians closely monitor patient vitals to ensure they remain at safe levels.
Veterans concerned about the risks should know that they can request to discontinue IV ketamine at any time during sessions. Removing the IV line will immediately eliminate the dissociative effects.
How can I find a clinic that offers free ketamine for veterans?
Veterans seeking free ketamine treatment can start by contacting their VA provider and asking for an authorized referral to an in-network ketamine clinic. They can also search for ketamine coverage through the VA’s community care network.