Psychiatrist serving Los Angeles and all of California
Dr. Vicki Kalira is passionate about working with people and fostering an environment of self-compassion.
Dr. Kalira earned her Medical Degree through West Virginia University and completed 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 continues to bolster her understanding of the treatment of trauma. Dr. Kalira is the Medical Director for Addiction Recovery Treatment Services at the VA Northern California Health Care System, one of the largest VAs in the country. She is double board certified in General Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry.As part of her well-rounded education and experience, Dr. 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. Kalira’s tailored approach is goal-oriented and flexible. Given her extensive training, she seamlessly integrates medication management, psychotherapy, nutrition, physical movement, and social engagement at different stages of treatment, with an emphasis 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. If you do not have your own therapist, Dr. Kalira welcomes the opportunity to work with patients on their preparation and integration.
Dr. Kalira is mainly available for evening sessions but is also available for daytime sessions on most Mondays, via telehealth appointments.