Frances Hessel, M.D.
Psychiatrist
EducationDr. Hessel graduated cum laude from Rice University, where she studied Cognitive Science, Psychology, and Neuroscience. She received her M.D. at Baylor College of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society in recognition of her dedication to compassionate patient care. Dr. Hessel completed psychiatry residency training at New York Presbyterian - Weill Cornell Medicine, where she was chosen to serve as a Chief Resident based on her outstanding clinical work and leadership skills throughout her four years of adult psychiatry residency. Finally, Dr. Hessel went on to complete sub-speciality training in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at New York-Presbyterian Hospital's combined Columbia & Cornell fellowship program.
AreaS of ExpertiseDr. Hessel is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist and psychotherapist who takes a warm, empathetic, and collaborative approach to care. She believes that meaningful treatment begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, curiosity, collaboration, and mutual understanding. She works closely with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan that reflects their unique needs, goals, strengths, and circumstances. Drawing from a range of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP), and psychodynamic therapy, she tailors her approach to each individual rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model. Her work is grounded in flexibility and an appreciation for the ways that each person's experiences, relationships, and developmental stage shape their emotional well-being.
She enjoys working with children, teens, and young adults navigating ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, OCD, trauma-related disorders, neurodevelopmental differences, medical diagnoses, reproductive-related concerns, relationship difficulties, and challenging life transitions. She strives to create a supportive space in which patients feel understood, empowered, and equipped to make meaningful changes, considering medication and/or psychotherapy as available tools. Dr. Hessel sees patients both virtually and in-person in our Upper East Side location.