Review Policy

Clinical review keeps our content honest.

Mental health content can cause real harm when it oversimplifies a diagnosis, downplays a risk, or gives false reassurance. Our review process exists to catch those problems before a page reaches a reader who needs accurate information.

Scope of review

What reviewers check and what they don't

What review checks

  • Clinical accuracy. Are the symptoms, criteria, and treatment descriptions correct?
  • Risk language. Could any phrasing minimize a serious condition or delay someone from seeking help?
  • Missing context. Does the page leave out important caveats, contraindications, or population-specific differences?
  • Scope creep. Does the content stay within educational limits, or does it cross into diagnostic or prescriptive territory?
  • Next-step paths. Does the page direct readers toward appropriate resources, whether that's a therapist, a crisis line, or a primary care provider?
  • Screener fidelity. Do our implementations of validated instruments (PHQ-9, GAD-7, AUDIT) match published scoring and interpretation guidelines?

What review does not replace

  • Writing quality. Editors handle structure, tone, and readability. Reviewers focus on clinical substance.
  • Source verification. Writers are responsible for citing current, reputable sources. Reviewers flag obviously outdated references but don't audit every citation.
  • Legal compliance. Review is a clinical accuracy check, not a legal review.
  • Individual medical advice. Our content is educational. Review makes it more accurate. Neither replaces a consultation with your own provider.
  • Ongoing monitoring. Review happens at publication and during scheduled updates. It's not continuous surveillance of published pages.
Review tiers

Not all content needs the same level of review

The review standard matches the clinical sensitivity of the content. A page about journaling habits doesn't carry the same risk as a page about suicidal ideation.

Always reviewed

High-sensitivity content

  • Condition guides (depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, etc.)
  • Crisis and emergency resources
  • Substance use and addiction content
  • Screener result interpretations
  • Content about self-harm, suicidal ideation, or abuse
  • Medication and treatment descriptions
Reviewed when relevant

Moderate-sensitivity content

  • Therapy types and what to expect
  • Relationship patterns with trauma links
  • Burnout and work stress (when clinical overlap exists)
  • Attachment styles and personality frameworks
  • Guided meditation safety notes
Editorial review only

General wellness content

  • Sleep hygiene tips
  • Journal prompts and reflection exercises
  • Communication skills
  • Boundary-setting basics
  • Glossary definitions
Review board

The people behind the review process

Each reviewer holds an active license in their field and has direct clinical experience with the populations and conditions covered on this site.

Portrait of Dr. Maren Patel

Dr. Maren Patel

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Patel reviews condition guides for clinical accuracy, risk language, and whether the recommendations match current standards of care.

  • Anxiety
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Therapy literacy
Portrait of Ellis Rowan, LCSW

Ellis Rowan, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Ellis reviews crisis, access, and support-planning content to keep guidance realistic for readers navigating cost, privacy, and logistics.

  • Crisis support
  • Care access
  • Support planning
Portrait of Dr. Lena Hart

Dr. Lena Hart

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Dr. Hart reviews relationship and family-systems pages for nuance, safety, and guidance that readers can use without oversimplifying conflict.

  • Relationships
  • Family systems
  • Communication

Found something that seems off?

If you spot a factual error, misleading framing, or outdated information on any page, we want to know. Corrections help us serve readers better.