Dr. Valerie Jenkins, MD

Dr. Valerie Jenkins is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist who brings warmth, curiosity, and depth to her clinical practice. Originally from a rural town in Pennsylvania, Dr. Jenkins was deeply impacted by the opioid epidemic and its effects on her community. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for mental health and human connection, eventually leading her to specialize in psychiatry.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, with minors in Health Care Ethics and Philosophy, from Saint Joseph’s University. She later completed her medical training at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, followed by residency in Psychiatry at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt, where she served as Executive Chief Resident. Through her academic and clinical experiences, Dr. Jenkins developed a strong foundation in both evidence-based care and integrative, patient-centered approaches.

Her approach is grounded in psychodynamic therapy, meaning she works closely with …individuals to understand how early relationships, attachments, and experiences shape their current patterns and worldview. She also integrates dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills, mindfulness, and lifestyle-based strategies that focus on sleep, nutrition, movement, and stress reduction.

In addition to her general practice, Dr. Jenkins has advanced training and expertise in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry. She is passionate about supporting women throughout the reproductive life cycle—including during pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause—and takes pride in helping women navigate complex emotions in a supportive and validating space.

What keeps Dr. Jenkins inspired is the privilege of witnessing her clients gain clarity, strengthen their sense of self, and advocate more openly for what they need. She sees each therapeutic relationship as a journey, one that evolves with trust, time, and shared insight.