Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jessica Turner MD, a concierge psychiatrist in Boca Raton, Florida. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Turner, we are looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you ever experienced a time when your entire field felt like it was taking a U-Turn?
Medicine is steeped in a history of doctors taking an authoritative role in directing patient care. Historically it was expected for doctors to “know better” than their patients, and dictate exactly what treatment would look like. Fortunately, times are changing, and taking a collaborative approach to patient care is becoming much more of the norm.
I view my clients as experts in their own life experience. I prefer to work with my patients to find treatment plans that align with their personal values and goals. When it comes to mental health treatment, there is almost never a “one size fits all” approach. I use my expertise as a psychiatrist to present choices for my patients, so that they can make a decision that feels authentic to them.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I always knew that I wanted to be a physician, but bringing that dream to reality took a different course than I initially expected. In medical school, you have the opportunity to learn about each field, for example pediatrics, surgery and gynecology. I assumed that I would pick a traditional field, because I loved learning about the human body. However, I quickly realized, what I really loved about medicine, was not just the end result, but the actual journey that patients take to achieve wellness.
I fell in love with psychiatry early on, and I have never looked back. I completed my mental health training at Brown University, and then immediately transitioned into working full time in the outpatient setting. As an outpatient psychiatrist, I am able to build long term relationships with my clients. I get to witness my clients overcoming life’s obstacles and it’s amazing to see their growth over time. I opened my own concierge private practice in March 2023 because I wanted to provide mental health care on my own terms. My practice is intentionally small, so that I can take the time to get to know my clients and be there for them when they need me the most. People are always shocked when they call my office, and it’s the actual doctor answering the phone! I pride myself on providing personalized care for everyone that comes to see me.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Absolutely. My job is to help people navigate the most vulnerable moments of their life, and every day I am inspired by my patient’s strength and resilience. There is no greater privilege.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
There has been extensive research in trying to discover what makes a good therapist. People wonder whether it’s the educational background, the years of experience or even the gender of the provider that seems to make the difference. At the end of the day however, the answer is not surprising. Patients tend to improve if they like their therapist! This makes absolute sense to me, because of course people want to be listened to and understood by an individual that is not only knowledgeable, but caring. That is why I make it a point to put my computer and phone away when I am in session with my clients. My goal is to be 100% present, and people can sense that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jessicaturnermd.com