Dr. Gold’s unique interest in mental health storytelling and normalizing mental health through popular culture has led her to consulting across the entertainment and journalism industries. She believes very strongly that the images we see and stories we read about mental health inform our help-seeking behaviors. She wants to work with (not against) the creators, producers, and public to support a more honest, helpful understanding of mental health.
Media & Entertainment Consulting
Jessi serves as a member of the Expert Advisory Council for the Viacom CBS Mental Health Storytelling Initiative and was a co-author of the Mental Health Media Guide, a widely adopted resource created to help entertainment professionals portray mental health with accuracy, empathy, and inclusivity.
This groundbreaking resource was designed to support content creators across all stages of production—whether scripted or unscripted—and across genres. It provides best practices to encourage positive portrayals of mental health and ensure representation of diverse lived experiences. Its recommendations have informed programs such as The Bachelorette, The Girl from Plainville, Teen Mom, Love & Hip Hop Atlanta, Basketball Wives, and others.
Dr. Gold is listed in the guide’s expert directory and is available to consult at any point in the storytelling process—across film and television, scripted or unscripted.
Advising MTV Entertainment Studios on Mental Health Storytelling
Following her work co-authoring the Mental Health Media Guide, Dr. Gold became a Mental Health Storytelling Advisor for MTV Entertainment Studios. In this ongoing role, she collaborates closely with producers, talent, and staff to ensure thoughtful, accurate, and stigma-reducing mental health content across platforms.
Her work includes:
-
Reviewing scripts and video content for mental health language, tone, sensitivity, especially within unscripted series
-
Evaluating programming to support research and implementation of the Mental Health Media Guide
-
Participating in strategy meetings—virtual and in person—to help shape upcoming mental health initiatives
-
Advising talent, including Tori Deal, on how to share personal mental health stories responsibly, including feedback on social media content. Their partnership was featured in Entertainment Weekly
-
Providing internal talks and training for staff on mental health issues, including stigma in entertainment and language choice
Mental Health Council Member | Rare Beauty
Dr. Jessi Gold also serves on the Mental Health Council for Rare Beauty, the global cosmetics brand founded by Selena Gomez.Through its Rare Impact Fund, Rare Beauty donates 1% of annual sales to expand access to mental health services in underserved communities.
As a council member, Dr. Gold contributes to the brand’s mission of advancing mental health awareness—particularly among youth audiences. Her work includes:
-
Participating in quarterly advisory meetings to help shape mental health education initiatives and philanthropic goals
-
Serving as a featured panelist at both in-person and virtual events, including:
-
Rare Beauty Mental Health Virtual Event (2022): Two panels for over 1,500 influencers, community members, and partners
-
Mental Health Awareness Month (2021): Community Q&A on Instagram (16.2K views)
-
Getting Real About Burnout: Rare Beauty Instagram panel with Nikki Eslami, Deepica Mutyala, and Elyse Cohen (45.1K views)
-
-
Creating and reviewing mental health-related content for Rare Beauty’s social media platforms (with over 3.5 million followers), offering tangible advice, video Q&As, and youth-centered mental health messaging
Dr. Gold with other mental health advocates at the MTV Social Impact Meeting
Additional Consulting Work & Media Expertise
In addition to her work with MTV and Rare Beauty, Dr. Jessi Gold provides expert guidance across a wide range of mental health-related projects. Her consulting contributions include:
Public Policy & Social Media
- White House Leaders in Social Media Round Table: Selected as a trusted physician voice on medicine and mental health in the digital space. Briefed on federal health policy to help amplify public information from the President and Vice President.
Publishing & Podcast Review
- Sensitivity Reader for Print Publishing: Consults on manuscripts for accuracy, respectful representation, and removal of stigma around mental health. Titles reviewed include Loveboat, Taipei and Girl on the Line.
- Sensitivity Listener, Podcasts: Offers guidance on language, tone, and content triggers for shows such as The Nocturnists, The Unwell Doctor, and Gravity: On Personal Narrative.
Television, Awards & Campaign Consulting
- TV Consulting (Non-MTV): Advises on mental health portrayals for series including Impulse.
- Hollywood Sentinel Awards: Serves as a judge evaluating TV submissions related to mental health, safety, and wellness.
- Ad Council Campaign: Contributed to the development of Love Your Mind, a national mental health initiative, including content creation and editing for the campaign website.
- Post-show Q&A: Answered questions post show for a local playwright about mental health content.
Media Commentary & Cultural Expertise
Dr. Gold is frequently interviewed by national outlets on the intersection of pop culture, sports, and mental health—including appearances on Good Morning America, Teen Vogue, and others. Known for her cultural fluency and deep clinical expertise, she’s often sought out for commentary on high-profile figures and trending stories.
As a dedicated Swiftie, she has become a go-to expert on mental health themes related to Taylor Swift and broader conversations around celebrity vulnerability and fan connection.
She was recently recognized as one of the Top 10 Psychiatrists Making an Impact on Social Media.
To contact Dr. Gold for consulting work or for a media interview on these topics, click here.
