Valentina Djordjevic has pursued a path that has led her towards integrative psychiatry. A deep commitment to science, clinical excellence, and patient-centered care has guided her. Grounded in a strong academic background and a passion for exploring the intersection of mental health, nutrition, and psychedelic-informed care, her professional journey has been anything but conventional.

Valentina began her academic career at DePaul University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science in 2016. Her passion for teaching was evident early on, exemplified by her role as a Supplemental Instruction Leader at DePaul University, where she supported organic chemistry students and researched effective teaching strategies. During her undergraduate years, she conducted meaningful research, co-authoring multiple peer-reviewed publications in chemistry. Her early interest in the biochemical foundations of health would later inform her approach to psychiatric care.

Driven to translate her scientific curiosity into clinical practice, Valentina completed her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in 2018. She earned her NCCPA certification that same year. Her diverse clinical clerkships—spanning general surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, family practice, and more—equipped her with a broad clinical foundation. Yet it was her elective rotations in psychiatry and neurology that solidified her deeper interest in mental health.

Valentina’s professional journey in psychiatry began formally with a clerkship at Able Psychiatry under the mentorship of Dr. Abdullah Sallaj, MD. This experience clarified her clinical direction and ultimately led to her long-term role with the practice.

Under the mentorship of Dr. Abdullah Sallaj, Valentina was introduced to the innovative microdose polypharmacy technique. This method was developed to optimize medication management by using lower doses of agents in combination to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing side effects. She closely observed his psychodynamic therapy style and actively participated in numerous case discussions, deepening her understanding of complex patient presentations.

Dr. Sallaj laid the groundwork for Valentina’s integrative approach to psychiatry. Her foundation in holistic healthcare is modeled from his emphasis on sleep interventions, proper hydration, routine lab monitoring, and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Since 2018, Valentina has served as a Psychiatric Physician Associate at Able Psychiatry, providing care to adolescents and adults with acute and chronic psychiatric conditions. Her approach is integrative—blending psychopharmacology with psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and psychedelic considerations, including ketamine coordination and harm reduction strategies related to psychedelic use. She has taken an active role in ketamine treatment protocols, from screening and dosing to post-session integration.

Valentina mentors new clinicians and has created over 40 clinical templates for patient education. Her leadership was recognized when she was appointed Medical Director at Able Psychiatry in 2022. Valentina held this position during a key phase of the clinic’s development. During this time, she designed and taught a 12-week course on Nutritional Psychiatry, delving into gut-brain physiology and intervention strategies. She also led TMS education and implementation efforts at the clinic while supporting the onboarding and development of new providers.

In parallel with her clinical career, Valentina has embraced roles as an educator and content creator. She served as a clinical preceptor for Rosalind Franklin University’s PA program, providing students with immersive training and mentorship in psychiatric care. Her emphasis on reflective practice and case-based learning fostered deeper understanding among trainees.

Valentina works closely with a dedicated team of mental health professionals who regularly meet to discuss cases, treatment protocols, and complementary wellness strategies. This collaborative approach reflects her commitment to community, emphasizing the importance of shared expertise and diverse perspectives to enhance patient care and foster continuous learning.

Outside of the clinic, Valentina channels her passion for education and outreach through multiple digital platforms. As the founder of Practice Integrative Psychiatry, she writes articles and produces multimedia content for both patients and professionals, covering topics such as pharmacotherapy, nutrition, psychedelic safety, and harm reduction. She works closely with digital media specialists to increase public awareness of integrative psychiatry.

Valentina’s innate curiosity and dedication to lifelong learning have driven her evolving clinical expertise. She enthusiastically embraces new research and emerging treatments, continuously refining her approach to deliver the best possible care. This commitment to growth naturally fuels her love of teaching, as she finds great fulfillment in sharing knowledge and empowering others —whether patients or colleagues —to expand their understanding and improve outcomes.

Throughout her career, Valentina has remained grounded in the belief that optimal psychiatric care demands scientific precision, holistic awareness, and open dialogue. She continues to push the boundaries of conventional psychiatry, one thoughtful, compassionate step at a time.