Our Editorial Process


The mind-body connection is real, but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to understand. When it comes to gaining deeper insights into your mental health and well-being, you need clear, concise information that won’t alarm or intimidate you— information that’s written by medical and behavioral experts who know what they’re talking about and who genuinely care.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. We’re here to share trusted and compassionate information to help you find a happier, more balanced life.

It’s our duty and responsibility to help you explore mental health and psychology topics in a way that’s approachable, personal, and stigma-free. We work hard to break down complex health jargon, reflect the latest research, and present the most accurate information in a way that empowers you to take an active role in understanding the way your mind works. 

Verywell Mind answers your mental health questions in the very moments they matter most to you. Just like your physical health, we understand mental health is a journey, so we intend to be your partner along the way, equipping you with the information necessary to make informed and actionable choices. Every year, we help 150 million people who come to Verywell Mind seeking answers to their health questions.

Our mission is simple—help you prioritize your mental health and find balance.

Subject-Matter Expert Writers

Our writers are notable voices in their respective disciplines, from physicians to therapists to mindfulness experts. These individuals are specifically selected for their extensive knowledge and real-world experience, as well as their ability to communicate complex information in a clear, helpful, and unbiased way. 

Diverse Voices

We have a renewed commitment to help all people navigate their health and well-being—regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, culture, geography, body type, ability, or experience. We are invested in working with BIPOC health writers, Review Board members, expert sources, illustrators, photographers, and more to create, edit, and enhance our content—not just on isolated topics of race, but across our brands’ coverage. Read Verywell’s Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to learn more about our promise of diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Editorial Team

Our highly-skilled editorial team manages all of our content. Each individual piece of content has several people behind it working to make sure that it’s responsible, accurate, understandable, helpful, trustworthy, comprehensive, up-to-date, and inclusive. 

Review Board

Our Review Board, comprised of board-certified physicians and psychiatrists, licensed psychotherapists and social workers, and other mental health counselors, vets content containing statements of medical fact. They work tirelessly to provide the necessary critique that ensures our information is accurate and current.

Content is reviewed by either a board-certified physician or other noted authority whose specific area of expertise aligns with the content topic. A reviewer will confirm that a piece of content—whether article, illustration, video, tool, or other resource—is thorough and contains facts and guidelines that reflect the latest in evidence-based research and mental health information. 

If improvements are suggested, they are shared directly with our editorial team to be addressed and implemented immediately. It is only when a reviewer approves a piece of content that it is officially stamped as such in the byline.

Fact Check

Our team of qualified and experienced fact checkers provides a critical step in our commitment to content integrity. Fact checkers rigorously review medical statements, claims, and recommendations for accuracy and timeliness. We rely only on the most current and reputable primary references, including peer-reviewed medical journals, government organizations, academic institutions, and advocacy associations. Sources are listed both inline and at the bottom of every article.

News

Now, more than ever, people are going online for their news. It is our responsibility to ensure every piece of news published on Verywell Mind is held to the highest standards of clarity, accuracy, thoughtfulness, and trustworthy reporting.

We rely on primary sources, input from credentialed medical experts, and a team of conscientious news writers and thorough fact checkers to provide you with the latest and most important updates in the world of mental health. From groundbreaking research to new treatments for mental health conditions, Verywell Mind goes beyond breaking news—we provide the context and insights needed to keep you and your family informed.

References, Sources, and Citations

We fact-check medical statements, claims, and suggestions with the most current primary references, including peer-reviewed medical journals, government organizations, academic institutions, and advocacy associations. Sources are listed both inline and at the bottom of every article. 

(Verywell favors human research and proven treatments, though relevant animal research and experimental/alternative treatments may be reported if that’s all that’s available to promote an understanding of a topic.)

Up-to-Date Information

Times change and so does information. With help from our subject-matter experts and Review Board, our editorial team routinely evaluates our existing content every few months to ensure all information is updated and reflective of the most current research, guidelines, and statistics.

If needed, content is re-worked, re-edited, and re-certified by our Review Board. If you happen to come across any inconsistencies or outdated facts, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

The Verywell Voice

We aim to break down the stigma that unfortunately still exists around discussing mental health. And we do that by presenting all of our information in a way that informs and empowers you to embrace these sometimes tough topics and conversations, both with others and with yourself.

Our authoritative yet compassionate voice echoes our intention to be your partner as you proudly navigate your healthy relationship with your mind. We give you the advice and next steps you need to discover a happier, healthier, and more balanced life.

Have Feedback?

We love to hear from our readers. If you have a comment or suggestion to share, feel free to contact us at [email protected].