Welcome!
I created this space to share evidence-based insights and approachable guidance on mental health and psychiatry. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, or simply seeking to better understand your mind, my goal is to offer clarity, compassion, and practical tools you can use in your daily life.
— Jessica Stier, MD

What to Expect at Your First Virtual Psychiatry Appointment
Accessing quality psychiatric care is now easier than ever. Virtual psychiatry (also called telepsychiatry or online psychiatry) allows you to meet with a licensed psychiatrist from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
This guide will walk you through what to expect at your first virtual psychiatry appointment, so you can feel confident and prepared.

Anxiety vs. Stress: How to Tell the Difference
In our fast-paced world, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Stress and anxiety are words we often use interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you recognize what you’re experiencing — and when it might be time to seek help.
As a psychiatrist, I see patients every week who wonder: “Am I just stressed, or is this something more?” In this post, I’ll break down the key differences between stress and anxiety, how they show up in daily life, and what you can do about them.

Why Personalized Psychiatry Matters More Than Ever
Mental health care has come a long way, but for many people, the experience can still feel impersonal, rushed, or one-size-fits-all. Too often, patients leave appointments with more questions than answers — or with a treatment plan that doesn’t reflect who they are as a person.
As a psychiatrist, I believe that mental health care must be personalized to be truly effective. In a world that increasingly values convenience and speed, taking the time to understand the whole person has never been more important.
In this post, I’ll explain what personalized psychiatry means, why it matters now more than ever, and how it can lead to better, longer-lasting outcomes for people seeking help.