The initiative is available at Avesta ketamine clinics in Washington, D.C.; McLean, Virginia; and Bethesda, Maryland.
PRNewsfoto/Avesta Ketamine and Wellness
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness, a provider of IV ketamine infusions and Spravato in the Washington, D.C. area, said it is partnering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to offer free ketamine therapy to eligible veterans.
The initiative is available at Avesta ketamine clinics in Washington, D.C.; McLean, Virginia; and Bethesda, Maryland.
Nearly 1 million veterans live in Washington metropolitan area, and thousands suffer from mental-health issues, according to Avesta. Up to 18% of those deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq have faced PTSD or depression, according to a recent study, and nearly 9% of military ambulance calls stem from depression-related incidents. Treatment-resistant depression has contributed to the highest veterans’ suicide rates in history, with more than 6,000 dying each year.
“Avesta seeks to address these challenges by offering IV ketamine infusions and/or Spravato treatments to veterans who have not found relief through traditional therapies,” the clinic said in a news release.
Avesta noted that it partners with the Veterans Mental Health Coalition, a coalition committed to ending veterans’ suicide, “and views this new partnership as continuing its mission.”
“Our partnership with the VA marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to veterans,” said Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, founder and co-CEO of Avesta. “We recognize veterans’ unique challenges and their struggle to find compassionate care. By providing VA-covered ketamine treatments, we honor their sacrifice and aid in their healing.”
Veterans within the VA healthcare system can begin by consulting with their primary-care physician, chronic-pain specialist or psychotherapist to evaluate their suitability for ketamine, Avesta explained. Eligible patients’ doctors will submit authorized referrals to Avesta.
“Upon receiving the referral, Avesta’s care team quickly coordinates a personalized plan for Spravato or IV Ketamine with the patient,” the clinic said.
For veterans who aren’t eligible for VA healthcare, Avesta said it has partner with TenTen Life, a nonprofit that provides counseling and coaching to veterans and first responders. Additionally, Avesta’s Veterans Discount Program provides reduced pricing for current and ex-service members, Avesta noted.
“Free ketamine therapy for veterans is critical at a time where traditional therapies fail to address the root causes of depression, and private ketamine prices are often a barrier to entry,” said co-CEO Deborah Tan. “We are not just treating symptoms at Avesta; we are nurturing hope and recovery.”