Editorial Team

Dr. Jesse Hanson, Ph.D., is a somatic psychologist with 20+ years of experience. He holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, specializing in somatic and neuropsychology, and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Santa Barbara Graduate Institute.

Nia Coppack is a medical writer and mentor with a background in Biochemical Engineering and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Newcastle University.

Jill Sensenig is a medical writer with 16+ years experience in the healthcare industry as a writer, editor, and author.

Sean Jackson is a medical writer with 25+ years of experience, holding a B.A. degree from the University of Nottingham.

With over a decade of writing experience, Simone utilizes her personal experience with anxiety and natural writing talents to empower people in their pursuit of well-being.

Ottoline Hart is a medical writer and psychotherapist with a background in Integrative Psychotherapy from the University of Oxford.

Danielle J. Harrison is writer and mental health counselor with a master’s degree from The City College of New York.

Claire Bennett is a medical writer with 14+ years of experience with a (B.Sc.) degree in Psychology from the University of Sheffield.

Miriam Calleja is a pharmacist with an educational background from the University of Malta and the European Medicines Agency.

Aimee Aveyard is a medical writer with 20+ years of experience in communications.

Andrew Carasco is a medical writer with a degree from Loughborough University, driven by a passion for raising awareness about mental health.

Samantha Bazely is a medical writer with a background that includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Augustana College.

Morgane Cadot is a medical writer with a Master’s Degree in Research focusing on Translation from the University of Stirling.

Ross McKenzie is a somatic-relational psychology facilitator, mental health coach, and film producer with 30+ years of experience.

Naomi Carr is a writer with a background in English Literature from Oxford Brookes University.

Erin Rogers is medical writer with a Master’s in Comparative Literature from The University of Edinburgh and a Bachelor’s in English from the University of York.

Ethan Cullen is a medical writer with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Oxford University.

Nadia Whiston is a medical writer with a Master of Arts (MA) degree in English Literature from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) degree in English Literature from The University of Manchester.

Emily Doe is a medical writer with 8+ years of experience, holding a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in English from the University of Leeds.

Cristina Po Wenger is a medical writer and mental health advocate with a Sociology Degree from the University of Stirling.

Stacey Bartlett is a skilled medical writer, experienced in crafting engaging, informative, and insightful resources.

Samir Kadri is a medical writer with a non-profit sector background, committed to raising awareness about mental health.

Arthur Mead is a medical writer with a non-profit sector background, committed to raising awareness about mental health.

Darlene Lancer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in codependency and trauma.

Ondina Nandine Hatvany is a licensed psychotherapist with practices in both Mill Valley and the Castro, San Francisco. Her specialty is queer, alternative, and traditional relationships.

Dr. Mark Dombeck is a trauma-informed psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He specializes in adult neurodiversity, couples therapy, and trauma and dissociation.

Dr. Harry Mills is a Licensed Psychologist in Florida, providing behavioral and emotional consultations at Florida Hospital.

Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a medical editor for MentalHealth.com, focusing on many issues, including personality disorders, stress, anger, self-esteem, and more. She received her MD degree from Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM, Canada.

Dr. Lorraine Benuto is currently a clinical psychologist and associate professor of clinical psychology, specializing in trauma, interpersonal violence, and PTSD.

Dr. Rashmi Nemade received her Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Development Biology from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Dr. William Dubin, Ph.D. is licensed by the state of Texas as a Psychologist and specializes in the treatment of addictions, having received the Certificate of Proficiency in the Treatment of Alcohol and Other Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders from the American Psychological Association.

Dr. Brian Thompson, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist at Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center in Portland, Oregon, and he also works at the Portland Mood Disorders Clinic.

Dr. Carrie Steckl earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology with a Minor in Gerontology from Indiana University – Bloomington in 2001 and has spent more than 10 years working for agencies in the health and human service sectors.

Dr. Natalie Staats Reiss is a licensed Psychologist in the state of Ohio. She received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. Her research has focused on healthy aging, stress, and burnout in hospice care staff, while her clinical specializations include the mental health needs of older adults and their caregivers.

Dr. Peggy Ferguson has been in private practice in Stillwater, Oklahoma since 1990 and in the counseling field for over 25 years. Dr. Ferguson has provided inpatient and outpatient counseling services to individuals, groups, couples, and families for issues ranging from addiction to individual self-growth.

Dr. Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. is a therapist, researcher, and author with a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Doctorate in Naturopathy. Dr. Fredricks works as a licensed marriage and family therapist in California. She is also a certified clinical nutritionist, herbalist, hypnotherapist, and master NLP practitioner.

Dr. Rich Hanson is a neuropsychologist and writer on the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team. He has written extensively about mindfulness, relationships, intimacy, and more.

Dr. Roger P. Watts is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor who practices as a Chemical Dependency Professional II at a world-renowned treatment facility in Saint Paul MN. Dr. Watts received his Ph.D. in General Psychology from Capella University in Minneapolis with a specialization in addiction therapy.

Dr. Melissa DeCapua is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner who graduated from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Will Joel Friedman is a seasoned clinician with experience working with adults, couples, families, adolescents, and older children since 1976. As a medical writer for MentalHealth.com, he has written about relationship problems, communication, compassion, empathy, and more.

Dr. Allan Schwartz is a medical writer on the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team with over 30 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He writes about various mental health disorders, eating disorders, and issues related to relationships, stress, trauma, and abuse.

Dr. Daniel Sonkin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in an independent practice in Sausalito, California. Since 1981, his work has focused on the treatment of individuals and couples facing a variety of interpersonal problems.

Pat LaDouceur, PhD, helps people dealing with anxiety, panic, and relationship stress who want to feel more focused and confident. She has a private practice in Berkeley, CA.

Dr. Zupanick is a semi-retired, clinical psychologist, licensed in the state of Texas. Dr. Zupanick has enjoyed a rewarding career working in both the public and private sectors.

Dr. Simone Hoermann is a Psychologist in private practice in New York City. She specializes in providing psychotherapy for personality disorders, anxiety, and depression.

Julia Cottle, Ph.D., earned her doctorate in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California, Davis, and later served as a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Department of Psychiatry at the UC Davis School of Medicine.

Dr. Fugen Neziroglu is a board-certified cognitive-behavioral psychologist and expert in obsessive-compulsive and anxiety disorders.

Dr. Strong was born in the UK and studied medical science at the University of Oxford. He founded the Boulder Center for Mindfulness Therapy and teaches widely.

Emily Guarnotta, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist with a doctorate from the California School of Professional Psychology.

Erin L. George, MFT, holds a master’s degree in family therapy with a focus on group dynamics in high-risk families. As a court-appointed special advocate for children, she is dedicated to helping families rebuild relationships and improve their mental and behavioral health.

Kaia Koglin is a blog writer on the Editorial Team at MentalHealth.com, contributing articles about positive affirmations and self-esteem for women and children.

Angela Oswalt, who holds a Master of Social Work, is a writer on the Editorial Team at MentalHealth.com. Her focus is on child development, parenting, adolescents, and relationships.

Michele Happe is a certified health coach specializing in recovery coaching, mindfulness coaching, and health coaching.

Michael W. Adamowicz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, having worked 16 years as a private clinician at his own practice, as Admissions Triage Clinician and Outpatient Therapist at Butler Hospital for over 16 years, and at Thundermist Health Center as the Program Director of Medication Assisted Treatment for the past 3 years.

John Folk-Williams is a writer on the Editorial Team at MentalHealth.com, contributing blogs related to his personal experience with major depressive disorder.

Elizabeth Michael is a writer for MentalHealth.com, covering a range of topics, including men’s health, sexuality, addiction, mental and physical health, and more.

Ann Simmons is a MentalHealth.com writer, contributing articles about intellectual disabilities, exercise, health policy and advocacy, and more.

Buck Black, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is a medical writer for MentalHealth.com, contributing articles on topics like anger, social media, and mental illness. He offers psychotherapy for anger issues through his practice in the Lafayette, Indiana area.

Alana Luna is a writer on the Editorial Team at MentalHealth.com, covering a range of topics, including addiction, sexual disorders, wellness, grief and bereavement, relationship issues, and more.

Imogen Sharma is a writer and contributor on the Editorial Team at MentalHealth.com, covering addiction, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, and therapy.

Amy Jo Smith is a MentalHealth.com writer focusing on addiction, self-medication, mental illness, and recovery.

Annie Gurton holds a Master’s in Psychotherapy from Nottingham Trent University and is a member of the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team. She primarily writes about therapy, attachment, and personality disorders.

Bob Livingstone is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in private practice for 22 years. As a member of the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team, he has written about wellness, personal development, and abuse.

Gary Gilles is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in private practice for over 20 years. He is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration, Trinity International University and Argosy University.

Janet Singer is a blog writer on the Editorial Team at MentalHealth.com, writing about obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly from her experience as a mother with a son affected by this condition.

Jennifer Bullock is a licensed psychotherapist and group therapist as well as the founder of the Greater Philadelphia Centers for Social Therapy.

Jeremy Fink is a psychologist specializing in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis for adults, couples, children, teens, and parents. He is also the Director of The Dynamic Counseling Center.

Laura is dual-licensed as both a Professional Clinical Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist in California. She has a counseling psychology master’s degree from Santa Clara University and an MBA from Columbia University and is currently the Director and Founder of the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center of Silicon Valley.

Danielle Smith is a writer on the Editorial Team for MentalHealth.com, contributing blogs and articles related to stress, emotional resilience, and mental illness in children.

Mandy Kloppers has been working in the mental health field for more than eight years and has worked with a diverse group of clients, including people with learning disabilities, the elderly suffering from dementia, and mentally ill patients detained in medium and high-secure units.

Bridget Coila is a writer for MentalHealth.com, specializing in topics related to childhood development, parenting, pregnancy, and grief.

Marina Edelman is a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 18 years of experience oinproviding therapy to individuals, couples, and families.

Bridget Coila is a writer for MentalHealth.com, specializing in topics related to childhood development, parenting, pregnancy, and grief.

Mark Gorkin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an acclaimed keynote and kickoff speaker.

As a writer and blogger for MentalHealth.com, Lisa A. Koosis has written about the science of positive affirmations and the brain.

Dr. Robert “Bob” Fancher was educated as a philosopher at Vanderbilt University and trained as a psychoanalytic psychotherapist at Blanton Peale Graduate Institute. He practiced psychotherapy for many years in New York City and now maintains a counseling practice, Life Therapy Counseling Services, in Portland, Oregon.

Robin Kahler is a blogger on the Editorial Team at MentalHealth.com, contributing personal perspectives on her struggle with clinical depression, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, and more.

Tracey Rosenblath is an experienced writer for MentalHealth.com, contributing articles on a broad range of topics, including autism spectrum disorder, family and relationship issues, and divorce.

Steve Pavilanis is a writer on the Editorial Team at MentalHealth.com, writing blogs inspired by his struggles with social anxiety and panic attacks, providing guidance for others with similar issues.

Dana Vince is a licensed Professional Counselor practicing in Knoxville, Tennessee and a medical writer for MentalHealth.com, focusing on relationship problems, infidelity, and relationship repair.

Catrina Cowart is a writer on the Editorial Team for MentalHealth.com, focusing on behavioral health, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and borderline personality disorder.

Leigh Morgan is a writer on MentalHealth.com’s Editorial Team. She has written about essential mental health topics like teen counseling, online therapy, schizophrenia, disabilities, and beyond.

Sally Connolly has been a therapist for over 30 years, specializing in work with couples, families, and relationships. She has expertise with clients both present in the room as well as online through email, phone, and chat therapy.

Christy Matta M.A. is a medical writer for MentalHealth.com, with extensive training and experience in mindfulness and dialectical behavior therapy. She has authored many articles on DBT, communication skills, happiness, mindfulness, and more.

Zawn Villines is an Atlanta-based writer specializing in behavioral health and addiction. She attended Georgia State University, Berry College, and the Catholic University of America, where she studied psychology, philosophy, and journalism.

As a writer on MentalHealth.com’s Editorial Team, Katelynne Shepard has contributed guides about alternative medicine, wellness, personal development, dating, and more.

Sean Molony is an award-winning producer pioneering health video by blending evidence-based research, behavioral science, and documentary filmmaking.

Kerry Nenn is an experienced writer and blogger covering a wide range of topics, including depression, anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, eating disorders, and trauma.

Marcia Naomi Berger is a licensed therapist, author of Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love, offering tips for enhancing relationships and communication skills.

Dr. Benjamin McDonald is a gastroenterologist, specializing in inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Mary Dyer has been writing professionally for more than 20 years. She specializes in behavioral health, writing primarily about topics related to addiction treatment and recovery.

Kathryn Patricelli, MA, was a medical editor (2004-2015). She holds a Master’s in Counseling and Psychological Services and dual Bachelor’s in Psychology and Philosophy.

Patrick A. Condron has over 15 years of experience in the addictions field and holds a Master of Science in Addiction Studies from King’s College, London, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dan Callahan, LMSW, is a licensed social worker in New York with over 40 years of experience in addiction treatment and recovery.

Tracey Gartenmann received her Master of Science in Global Public Health/Substance Abuse and Mental Health from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Brittany Tackett, MA, is a transformational life coach, writer, and speaker, and the founder of The Buttered Muse, a personal development blog.

Melanie Rudnick is a Certified Life Coach and Weight Loss Coach who trained with bestselling author Martha Beck.

Madeline Aimes is a New England-based freelance writer with a diverse background as a public relations executive, newspaper writer, editor, and scriptwriter.

Rebecca Morgan, LICSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience and a private practice in Holliston, MA.

Rachel Moheban-Wachtel is a Licensed Social Worker and a seasoned therapist with 17 years of private practice in New York City.

David Van Nuys, Ph.D., is a market research consultant and runs e-focusgroups.com, serving clients like The New York Times, Apple, IBM, and QuickenLoans.

Cheryl is working on her master’s in Substance Abuse Counseling and also has several years of experience working for drug treatment centers as a content specialist.

Harriet Geller has been a member of the IPA since 1978. She has served on the board of directors for most of those years, and has been IPA president, secretary, convention/retreat chair, and newsletter editor.

Ria Fyffe Freil is currently pursuing her PhD at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She has always been interested in addiction as a mental health and medical disease, and thus chose to pursue her Master’s in Addiction Studies from VCU/King’s College/University of Adelaide.

Brenda Ankney is a writer specializing in elder care and a contributor to Assisted Living Today, a resource for senior living news and facility searches in the US

Fernando Saavedra is a freelance writer and counselor at a community mental health agency specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders.

Bruce Ecker, M.A., L.M.F.T., is the co-originator of Coherence Therapy and a founding director of the Coherence Psychology Institute.

Lauren Brande is a dedicated psychological researcher with a passion for making scientific findings accessible.

Ashley Rooks is a licensed substance abuse counselor with a Master’s in Psychology and a second Master’s in Addictions Counseling.

Marie Monroe Doutaz is a psychotherapist and writer living in Louisville, KY. She has worked in many settings with a focus on addiction treatment and trauma resolution.

Chelsea Harvey is a science journalist with expertise in addiction and health-related topics.

Paul Cohen is a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Queens, NY. He received his MSW degree from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work at Yeshiva University in New York City.

Uma Ayer received her master’s Degree in Addiction Studies and holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology.

Daniel Michael Parks is a lifelong survivor of bipolar disorder, sharing his personal experience with the illness to offer a unique perspective beyond the clinical view found in most textbooks.

For a couple of decades, Terry McLeod has been a trailblazer in providing professionals with addiction and mental health tools in the form of electronic health records (EHR). He is a writer for MentalHealth.com, contributing knowledgeable articles on technology like telemedicine, electronic health records, and data.

Cassandra Gilley is a Master’s level clinician with 5 years of experience in the mental health field.

Vickie Linegar is a blogger and advocate who shares her personal experiences with anxiety, OCD, emetophobia, and past trauma, including childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence.