Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Valerio.
Hi Holly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been fascinated by how the mind works and how people heal. I entered medical training at the University of Florida with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist, drawn to the way psychiatry combines science with a deep interest in people’s stories. During residency at the University of Pennsylvania, I had wonderful mentorship that fostered my interest in OCD, anxiety disorders, and evidence-based psychotherapies. I also completed a Public Psychiatry Fellowship at Penn, which shaped my commitment to recovery-oriented care—emphasizing person-centered treatment, meeting people where they are in their treatment journey, and practicing shared decision making.
Following training, I worked in the public psychiatry sector, including on an Assertive Community Treatment team and in outpatient mental health, where I gained invaluable experience caring for people with complex needs. I also worked at Penn’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety, as well as with Penn psychiatry residents and fellows, further developing my expertise in anxiety and OCD while contributing to education and collaborative care.
Over time, I developed a special focus on anxiety and OCD, areas where evidence-based treatments can truly transform lives. I later established my own practice in Philadelphia and, after moving to San Diego in July 2023, expanded my practice there as well. Today, I see patients both in person and via telehealth, integrating psychotherapy with medication management, with particular expertise in Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD and Prolonged Exposure for trauma. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I feel fortunate to support patients in reclaiming their lives.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but I feel like each challenge has been important and has taught me a lot. Early in my career, working in public psychiatry with people facing complex challenges felt pretty overwhelming at times, but it also gave me a deep appreciation for resilience, hope, and the value of personal connection. Later, building my own practice required balancing the demands of patient care with learning the practical side of running a practice and figuring out the business side of things, which I hadn’t really been trained in.
And like for everyone else out there, the pandemic was a big bump in the road. Changing the way care was delivered while navigating the joys and challenges of being a mom meant pivoting life significantly. More recently, moving to San Diego meant moving away from a network of friends and colleagues who were amazing, but it also brought the excitement of joining a new social and professional community and figuring out how to keep long distance connections strong.
I feel like each step has reinforced my commitment to meeting patients where they are and providing care that is collaborative, personalized, and recovery-oriented. It has also been important in figuring out what is important to me in my life.
As you know, we’re big fans of Holly Valerio, MD. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My practice, Holly Valerio, M.D., operates in th Carmel Valley area of San Diego, providing psychiatry and integrated mental health care for adults. I specialize in anxiety disorders and OCD, bringing both medical expertise and evidence-based psychotherapy to my work. What sets my practice apart is a focus on whole-person, recovery-oriented care—I strive to meet each patient where they are, practice shared decision-making, and collaborate closely with other members of the treatment team to ensure comprehensive, coordinated support.
I’m proud to offer a supportive environment where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered in their treatment. I provide both in-person and telehealth care, combining flexibility with high-quality, personalized treatment. At the heart of my practice is a commitment to integrating medical expertise with compassion, helping patients navigate challenges and achieve meaningful improvements in their mental health.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for psychiatrists just starting out—especially those considering private practice—is to connect with colleagues and mentors who can share their experiences and guidance. And, to stay connected as you go forward in your career. Explore the areas of psychiatry that excite you most and ask a lot of questions along the way. Trust yourself and embrace the uncertainty; building your path is a process, and it’s okay to adjust as you go. Stay curious, keep learning, and be open to what each experience can teach you. If private practice is your goal, explore different models, understand the business side of medicine, and give yourself time to find the approach that works for you. Every challenge and opportunity is a chance to grow, and over time, you’ll find your way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hollyvaleriomd.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-valerio-1893b345
Image Credits
Siobhan Gazur
