LOS ANGELES— Avesta Ketamine and Wellness, a leading provider of innovative mental health treatments, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to offer free ketamine therapy for eligible veterans. This initiative is set to address the critical mental health challenges faced by veterans, including treatment-resistant depression (TRD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, chronic pain, and substance misuse disorders.
The program, now available at Avesta’s clinics in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Bethesda, Maryland, targets the nearly one million veterans residing in these areas. Many of these veterans suffer from debilitating mental health issues, with up to 18% of those deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq experiencing PTSD or depression. The alarming rate of veterans’ suicides, with over 6,000 cases annually, underscores the urgent need for effective treatments.
Avesta’s approach involves IV ketamine infusions and/or Spravato (esketamine) treatments, recognized for their rapid and significant impact on depression and suicidal ideation. Clinical data over the past decade has demonstrated ketamine’s efficacy, with one study from the Little Rock VA Clinic showing that 86% of veterans exhibited substantial improvement in TRD symptoms.
Despite the proven benefits of ketamine therapy, most VA clinics do not offer this treatment, making private in-network partnerships like Avesta’s a vital resource for veterans. The Veterans Care Agreement established by Avesta ensures that veterans in the vicinity of its clinics can access these life-saving treatments without financial burden.
Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, founder and co-CEO of Avesta and a pioneer in ketamine administration, emphasized the partnership’s significance: “Our partnership with the VA marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to veterans. 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 seeking ketamine therapy can start the process by consulting with their primary care physician or mental health specialist. After receiving an authorized referral, Avesta’s care team coordinates a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Acknowledging that some veterans may not have access to VA healthcare, Avesta has also partnered with TenTen Life, a nonprofit offering counseling and coaching to veterans and first responders. Moreover, Avesta’s Veterans Discount Program provides additional financial support for those ineligible for VA-covered treatments.
Co-CEO Deborah Tan highlighted the importance of offering free ketamine therapy: “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. We are not just treating symptoms at Avesta; we are nurturing hope and recovery.”
Avesta Ketamine and Wellness operates with a high standard of care, ensuring a supportive and safe environment for veterans as they embark on their journey towards recovery. This partnership with the VA exemplifies Avesta’s dedication to pioneering mental health care and its commitment to supporting veterans’ well-being.
