Psychiatrist
For as long as he can remember, Dr. Vivek Gorijala, MD has been fascinated by how the brain works and why we as humans think and respond the way we do. That curiosity first took root in high school psychology classes, deepened in college when he switched his major to psychology, and ultimately led him to pursue medicine.
Education and background
Dr. Gorijala completed his medical degree at the University of South Florida and his psychiatry residency at Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania. During residency, he trained across inpatient, outpatient, and hospital-based settings and gained experience with a range of treatment modalities, including medication, therapy, and interventional treatments. His outpatient and interventional experiences especially showed him how personalized care plans can create lasting mental health change over time, and how rewarding it is to help people achieve their treatment and life goals. Having moved around frequently as both a kid and an adult, Dr. Gorijala brings a natural ability to connect with people from all kinds of backgrounds and places.
Care philosophy
Dr. Gorijala's approach to care is guided by a simple but powerful principle: treat others the way you want to be treated. As a physician, he also knows what it's like to be on the other side, whether as a patient himself or as a family member whose loved one is being cared for. Those experiences shape the way he practices every day. He is committed to providing evidence-based treatment that takes into account the unique values, lived experiences, and individual needs of every patient.
Personal interests
Dr. Gorijala has made the Alexandria, Virginia area home and loves the incredible diversity of the region, from exploring cuisine from different parts of the world to taking in the museums and history that come with being right next to the nation's capital. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking (especially in national parks), watching soccer, and reading, particularly if it's a book about history. He finds that these activities are the perfect way to recharge, and they're even better when shared with friends and family.
What to expect
Your first session with Dr. Gorijala is all about getting to know each other and laying the foundation for the sessions that follow. You'll have the opportunity to share your background, your history with mental health, and your goals for your care and your future. From there, he'll work with you to build a treatment plan that takes all of these aspects of your life into consideration. Dr. Gorijala believes the strongest care comes from a strong doctor-patient relationship, and that starts with understanding who you are and what matters most to you.