Learn more about the experts who review our articles to make sure they are accurate and trustworthy.

TheVerywell Mind Review Boardis a team of board-certified physicians and established mental health experts who ensure our content is high-quality and inclusive. They join us inour missionto be a compassionate resource that helps you prioritize your mental health and well-being.

Get to know the passionate psychotherapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, mindfulness coaches, and other mental health professionals and educators who make up the Review Board.

Review Board Members

Alicia Bigelow, NDNaturopathic PhysicianAlicia Bigelow, ND is a functional and integrative medicine physician with over 20 years of experience in patient care. Formerly, she served as a clinical and academic faculty member at NUNM. Currently, she offers consultations through the non-profit organization, Right to Heal. She also provides IV ketamine treatment to patients with depression, anxiety, and PTSD at Cascade Psychedelic Medicine in Portland, OR.Read more

Alicia Bigelow, NDNaturopathic Physician

Alicia Bigelow, ND

Naturopathic Physician

Alicia Bigelow, ND is a functional and integrative medicine physician with over 20 years of experience in patient care. Formerly, she served as a clinical and academic faculty member at NUNM. Currently, she offers consultations through the non-profit organization, Right to Heal. She also provides IV ketamine treatment to patients with depression, anxiety, and PTSD at Cascade Psychedelic Medicine in Portland, OR.Read more

Alicia Bigelow, ND is a functional and integrative medicine physician with over 20 years of experience in patient care. Formerly, she served as a clinical and academic faculty member at NUNM. Currently, she offers consultations through the non-profit organization, Right to Heal. She also provides IV ketamine treatment to patients with depression, anxiety, and PTSD at Cascade Psychedelic Medicine in Portland, OR.

Janet Brito, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, CST-SAASECT-Certified Sex Therapist & SupervisorDr. Janet Brito is a nationally certified Latinx sex therapist, AASECT supervisor, speaker, and trainer. She is a graduate of Pacifica Graduate Institute and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Brito is the founder and owner of the Hawaii Center for Sexual Relationship Health, a group practice that specializes in relationship sex therapy, out-of-control sexual behavior, and gender sexually diverse populations, as well as The Sexual Health School, an online training program for healthcare professionals seeking human sexuality training.Read more

Janet Brito, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, CST-SAASECT-Certified Sex Therapist & Supervisor

Janet Brito, PhD, PsyD, LCSW, CST-S

AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist & Supervisor

Dr. Janet Brito is a nationally certified Latinx sex therapist, AASECT supervisor, speaker, and trainer. She is a graduate of Pacifica Graduate Institute and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Brito is the founder and owner of the Hawaii Center for Sexual Relationship Health, a group practice that specializes in relationship sex therapy, out-of-control sexual behavior, and gender sexually diverse populations, as well as The Sexual Health School, an online training program for healthcare professionals seeking human sexuality training.Read more

Dr. Janet Brito is a nationally certified Latinx sex therapist, AASECT supervisor, speaker, and trainer. She is a graduate of Pacifica Graduate Institute and completed her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Minnesota Medical School. Dr. Brito is the founder and owner of the Hawaii Center for Sexual Relationship Health, a group practice that specializes in relationship sex therapy, out-of-control sexual behavior, and gender sexually diverse populations, as well as The Sexual Health School, an online training program for healthcare professionals seeking human sexuality training.

Daniel B. Block, MDPsychiatristDaniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Dr. Block is a staunch patient advocate and was awarded the Medical Service Advisor Award in 2000 for his work with New Directions, a chapter of the DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance).Read more

Daniel B. Block, MDPsychiatrist

Daniel B. Block, MD

Psychiatrist

Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Dr. Block is a staunch patient advocate and was awarded the Medical Service Advisor Award in 2000 for his work with New Directions, a chapter of the DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance).Read more

Daniel B. Block, MD, is an award-winning, board-certified psychiatrist who operates a private practice in Pennsylvania. Dr. Block is a staunch patient advocate and was awarded the Medical Service Advisor Award in 2000 for his work with New Directions, a chapter of the DBSA (Depression Bipolar Support Alliance).

Deepa Burman, MD, FAASMPediatric Sleep Medicine SpecialistDeepa Burman, MD, FAASM, is a board-certified pediatric sleep medicine specialist and co-director of the Pediatric Sleep Evaluation Center at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She is also an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.Read more

Deepa Burman, MD, FAASMPediatric Sleep Medicine Specialist

Deepa Burman, MD, FAASM

Pediatric Sleep Medicine Specialist

Deepa Burman, MD, FAASM, is a board-certified pediatric sleep medicine specialist and co-director of the Pediatric Sleep Evaluation Center at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She is also an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.Read more

Deepa Burman, MD, FAASM, is a board-certified pediatric sleep medicine specialist and co-director of the Pediatric Sleep Evaluation Center at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She is also an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Minaa B, LMSWLicensed Social WorkerMinaa B., MSW, LMSW, is a licensed social worker, mental health educator, author of “Owning Our Struggles,” and the current host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. With a background as a former psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma, Minaa has worked in several mental health industries, including early childhood in NYC Early Head Start Programs, private practice, and community mental health. She earned her graduate degree in social work from New York University.Read more

Minaa B, LMSWLicensed Social Worker

Minaa B, LMSW

Licensed Social Worker

Minaa B., MSW, LMSW, is a licensed social worker, mental health educator, author of “Owning Our Struggles,” and the current host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. With a background as a former psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma, Minaa has worked in several mental health industries, including early childhood in NYC Early Head Start Programs, private practice, and community mental health. She earned her graduate degree in social work from New York University.Read more

Minaa B., MSW, LMSW, is a licensed social worker, mental health educator, author of “Owning Our Struggles,” and the current host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. With a background as a former psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma, Minaa has worked in several mental health industries, including early childhood in NYC Early Head Start Programs, private practice, and community mental health. She earned her graduate degree in social work from New York University.

Claudia de Llano, MFT

Claudia de Llano is a Marriage and Family Therapist, lecturer, mental health speaker, and author of “The Seven Destinies of Love.” She facilitates peoples’ paths toward awakening of inner harmony and conscious being.Read more

Claudia de Llano is a Marriage and Family Therapist, lecturer, mental health speaker, and author of “The Seven Destinies of Love.” She facilitates peoples’ paths toward awakening of inner harmony and conscious being.

Claire Eggleston, LMFT-AssociatePsychotherapistClaire Eggleston, LMFT-Associate is a neurodivergent therapist and specializes in and centers on the lived experiences of autistic and ADHD young adults, many of whom are also in the queer and disability communities. She prioritizes social justice and intertwines community care into her everyday work with clients.Read more

Claire Eggleston, LMFT-AssociatePsychotherapist

Claire Eggleston, LMFT-Associate

Psychotherapist

Claire Eggleston, LMFT-Associate is a neurodivergent therapist and specializes in and centers on the lived experiences of autistic and ADHD young adults, many of whom are also in the queer and disability communities. She prioritizes social justice and intertwines community care into her everyday work with clients.Read more

Claire Eggleston, LMFT-Associate is a neurodivergent therapist and specializes in and centers on the lived experiences of autistic and ADHD young adults, many of whom are also in the queer and disability communities. She prioritizes social justice and intertwines community care into her everyday work with clients.

Steven Gans, MDPsychiatristSteven Gans, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and practices at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. Dr. Gans leads a team-based approach to treating patients with serious mental illnesses.Read more

Steven Gans, MDPsychiatrist

Steven Gans, MD

Steven Gans, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and practices at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. Dr. Gans leads a team-based approach to treating patients with serious mental illnesses.Read more

Steven Gans, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and practices at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. Dr. Gans leads a team-based approach to treating patients with serious mental illnesses.

Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOSPsychologistRachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS, is a licensed psychologist and clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine. She is also a speaker and wellness expert specializing in stress management and health behavior change, as well as weight management and eating behaviors. She serves on leadership boards of The Obesity Society and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.Read more

Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOSPsychologist

Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS

Psychologist

Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS, is a licensed psychologist and clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine. She is also a speaker and wellness expert specializing in stress management and health behavior change, as well as weight management and eating behaviors. She serves on leadership boards of The Obesity Society and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.Read more

Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS, is a licensed psychologist and clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine. She is also a speaker and wellness expert specializing in stress management and health behavior change, as well as weight management and eating behaviors. She serves on leadership boards of The Obesity Society and the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Monica Johnson, PsyDClinical PsychologistDr. Monica Johnson is a clinical psychologist and owner of Kind Mind Psychology, a private practice in NYC specializing in evidence-based approaches to treating a wide range of mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, and personality disorders). Additionally, she works with marginalized groups of people, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and alternative lifestyles, to manage minority stress.Read more

Monica Johnson, PsyDClinical Psychologist

Monica Johnson, PsyD

Clinical Psychologist

Dr. Monica Johnson is a clinical psychologist and owner of Kind Mind Psychology, a private practice in NYC specializing in evidence-based approaches to treating a wide range of mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, and personality disorders). Additionally, she works with marginalized groups of people, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and alternative lifestyles, to manage minority stress.Read more

Dr. Monica Johnson is a clinical psychologist and owner of Kind Mind Psychology, a private practice in NYC specializing in evidence-based approaches to treating a wide range of mental health issues (e.g., depression, anxiety, trauma, and personality disorders). Additionally, she works with marginalized groups of people, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and alternative lifestyles, to manage minority stress.

Ivy Kwong, LMFTPsychotherapist, Relationship CoachIvy Kwong, LMFT, is a psychotherapist specializing in relationships, love and intimacy, trauma and codependency, and AAPI mental health. For over seventeen years, she has had the honor of walking alongside hundreds of individuals on their journeys of healing in relationship with themselves and with others. She has a private telehealth practice where she sees individual clients for therapy in CA and WA and coaching worldwide.Read more

Ivy Kwong, LMFTPsychotherapist, Relationship Coach

Ivy Kwong, LMFT

Psychotherapist, Relationship Coach

Ivy Kwong, LMFT, is a psychotherapist specializing in relationships, love and intimacy, trauma and codependency, and AAPI mental health. For over seventeen years, she has had the honor of walking alongside hundreds of individuals on their journeys of healing in relationship with themselves and with others. She has a private telehealth practice where she sees individual clients for therapy in CA and WA and coaching worldwide.Read more

Ivy Kwong, LMFT, is a psychotherapist specializing in relationships, love and intimacy, trauma and codependency, and AAPI mental health. For over seventeen years, she has had the honor of walking alongside hundreds of individuals on their journeys of healing in relationship with themselves and with others. She has a private telehealth practice where she sees individual clients for therapy in CA and WA and coaching worldwide.

Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAANNeurologistShaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, is an award-winning, board-certified physician-scientist and clinical development specialist. He is board-certified in neurology and pain medicine, with clinical training from the Cleveland Clinic and Massachusetts General Hospital. He has taught at Harvard Medical School and the California University of Science and Medicine.Read more

Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAANNeurologist

Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN

Neurologist

Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, is an award-winning, board-certified physician-scientist and clinical development specialist. He is board-certified in neurology and pain medicine, with clinical training from the Cleveland Clinic and Massachusetts General Hospital. He has taught at Harvard Medical School and the California University of Science and Medicine.Read more

Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, is an award-winning, board-certified physician-scientist and clinical development specialist. He is board-certified in neurology and pain medicine, with clinical training from the Cleveland Clinic and Massachusetts General Hospital. He has taught at Harvard Medical School and the California University of Science and Medicine.

Mei T. Liu, Pharm.D., BCPPPsychiatric Clinical PharmacistDr. Mei Liu is the Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist at the Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.Read more

Mei T. Liu, Pharm.D., BCPPPsychiatric Clinical Pharmacist

Mei T. Liu, Pharm.D., BCPP

Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist

Dr. Mei Liu is the Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist at the Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.Read more

Dr. Mei Liu is the Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist at the Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health and is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

Akeem Marsh, MDChild, Adolescent, and Adult PsychiatristAkeem Marsh, MD, is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has dedicated his career to working with children and families of medically underserved communities. He is also the co-editor of the book, “Not Just Bad Kids: The Link Between Adversity and Disruptive Behavior.“Read more

Akeem Marsh, MDChild, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist

Akeem Marsh, MD

Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist

Akeem Marsh, MD, is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has dedicated his career to working with children and families of medically underserved communities. He is also the co-editor of the book, “Not Just Bad Kids: The Link Between Adversity and Disruptive Behavior.“Read more

Akeem Marsh, MD, is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist who has dedicated his career to working with children and families of medically underserved communities. He is also the co-editor of the book, “Not Just Bad Kids: The Link Between Adversity and Disruptive Behavior.”

Armeen Poor, MDPulmonologist, IntensivistArmeen Poor, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist, specializing in critical care and sleep medicine. He is an assistant professor of medicine at New York Medical College, with clinical duties in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York City. Dr. Poor was awarded the Resident Research Award from Columbia University Medical Center.Read more

Armeen Poor, MDPulmonologist, Intensivist

Armeen Poor, MD

Pulmonologist, Intensivist

Armeen Poor, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist, specializing in critical care and sleep medicine. He is an assistant professor of medicine at New York Medical College, with clinical duties in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York City. Dr. Poor was awarded the Resident Research Award from Columbia University Medical Center.Read more

Armeen Poor, MD, is a board-certified pulmonologist, specializing in critical care and sleep medicine. He is an assistant professor of medicine at New York Medical College, with clinical duties in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Metropolitan Hospital Center in New York City. Dr. Poor was awarded the Resident Research Award from Columbia University Medical Center.

Yolanda Renteria, LPCPsychotherapistYolanda Renteria, LPC, is a licensed therapist, somatic practitioner, national certified counselor, adjunct faculty professor, speaker specializing in the treatment of trauma and intergenerational trauma.Read more

Yolanda Renteria, LPCPsychotherapist

Yolanda Renteria, LPC

Yolanda Renteria, LPC, is a licensed therapist, somatic practitioner, national certified counselor, adjunct faculty professor, speaker specializing in the treatment of trauma and intergenerational trauma.Read more

Yolanda Renteria, LPC, is a licensed therapist, somatic practitioner, national certified counselor, adjunct faculty professor, speaker specializing in the treatment of trauma and intergenerational trauma.

Divya Robin, LMHCPsychotherapistDivya Robin, LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist, wellness educator, content creator, and media contributor in New York City. As a licensed mental health counselor, she works with adults and adolescents facing various mental and emotional challenges.Read more

Divya Robin, LMHCPsychotherapist

Divya Robin, LMHC

Divya Robin, LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist, wellness educator, content creator, and media contributor in New York City. As a licensed mental health counselor, she works with adults and adolescents facing various mental and emotional challenges.Read more

Divya Robin, LMHC is a licensed psychotherapist, wellness educator, content creator, and media contributor in New York City. As a licensed mental health counselor, she works with adults and adolescents facing various mental and emotional challenges.

Sabrina Romanoff, PsyDClinical PsychologistDr. Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in New York City, where she works with individuals and couples. She is also a professor at Yeshiva University’s clinical psychology doctoral program where she teaches advanced doctoral candidates about principles of group theory and practice.Read more

Sabrina Romanoff, PsyDClinical Psychologist

Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in New York City, where she works with individuals and couples. She is also a professor at Yeshiva University’s clinical psychology doctoral program where she teaches advanced doctoral candidates about principles of group theory and practice.Read more

Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a private practice in New York City, where she works with individuals and couples. She is also a professor at Yeshiva University’s clinical psychology doctoral program where she teaches advanced doctoral candidates about principles of group theory and practice.

David Susman, PhDPsychologistDavid Susman, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience providing treatment to individuals with mental illness and substance use concerns. He is also an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky, award-winning blogger, and the founding director of Eastern State Hospital’s Recovery Mall.Read more

David Susman, PhDPsychologist

David Susman, PhD

David Susman, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience providing treatment to individuals with mental illness and substance use concerns. He is also an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky, award-winning blogger, and the founding director of Eastern State Hospital’s Recovery Mall.Read more

David Susman, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience providing treatment to individuals with mental illness and substance use concerns. He is also an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky, award-winning blogger, and the founding director of Eastern State Hospital’s Recovery Mall.

John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPEAddiction Medicine SpecialistJohn C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. He is the medical director at Alcohol Recovery Medicine.Read more

John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPEAddiction Medicine Specialist

John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE

Addiction Medicine Specialist

John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. He is the medical director at Alcohol Recovery Medicine.Read more

John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. He is the medical director at Alcohol Recovery Medicine.

Former Verywell Mind Review Board Members

How Our Review Board Process Works

Mind Review

When you see this check mark on a Verywell Mind article, you can trust it meets the high standards of our Review Board.

The Verywell Mind Review Board members confirm each piece of content they review is up-to-date, thorough, and authoritative—containing facts and guidelines that reflect the latest in mental health research and health information, as well as compassionate advice to help you feel your best.