Dr. Vicki Kalira is an expert in treating substance use disorders and is board certified in General Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry.
Dr. Vicki Kalira completed medical school at West Virginia University and her psychiatry residency at Johns Hopkins University. After completing a one-year addiction psychiatry fellowship at New York University (NYU), she supported hospitalized patients at NYU-Tisch Hospital as a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatrist. Here, her focus centered on providing care to patients with complex medical and psychiatric comorbidities who were experiencing acute intoxication or withdrawal. Dr. Kalira then transitioned to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), where she still provides crucial psychiatric support. Dr. Vicki Kalira is the Acting Medical Director for Addiction Recovery Treatment Services at the VA Northern California Health Care System, the fifth largest VA in the country.
As part of her well-rounded education and experience, Dr. Vicki Kalira participated in a two-year psychodynamic psychotherapy training program at the Institute for Psychoanalytic Education, affiliated with NYU Langone Health, a Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD), and has obtained a certification as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. Dr. Vicki Kalira’s approach tailors to each patient is goal-oriented, flexible, and integrative. Her multifaceted clinical approach incorporates medication, psychotherapy, nutrition, physical movement, and social engagement at different stages of treatment, always focusing on self-compassion. She has robust experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Dr. Kalira has a particular interest in the re-emerging field of psychedelics. She has been a strong advocate in Oregon on Measure 109, which focuses on creating legal access points to psilocybin. She has also participated in training through the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) for MDMA assisted psychotherapy. She brings all of her experience and passion to her ketamine evaluations. Dr. Kalira's 2-part evaluation over two sessions addresses the psychotherapeutic aspect of psychedelic-assisted treatment in order to optimize the patient's experience with a thoughtful and holistic approach. The 1st of 2 hour-long introductory consultations focuses on previous psychedelic experiences, intentions, current medication regimen, current substance use, medical history, family history, etc. If permitted by the patient, Dr. Kalira will review the plan with the patient's medical team, gaining insights on how to individualize the treatment. The 2nd session focuses on reviewing the information gathered, the consent form, and an agreed-upon plan for start date, frequency, etc. Patients have a more in-depth discussion on preparation and integration in the 2nd session. If you do not have your own therapist, Dr. Kalira welcomes the opportunity to work with patients on their integration.
Dr. Kalira is available for evening telehealth appointments.