Meet The Clinical Team
Meet the licensed clinicians who help assess our content for accuracy and relevancy
The clinical review team comprises licensed therapists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed psychologists with diverse experiences and backgrounds. These professionals are licensed and accredited in their states to provide compassionate, comprehensive mental healthcare, and many have experience in publication, research, and education. This team is responsible for assessing thousands of published articles for relevancy and accuracy, given current psychological research.
Because research is constantly evolving, the clinical review team reviews content on an ongoing basis to help bring the most up-to-date information to readers. Clinical reviewers use BetterHelp’s editorial guidelines based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The clinical review team also examines the cohesiveness of articles, evaluating them for empathy and authenticity. Both newly published and existing articles are reviewed and updated to meet quality standards.
The mental health library offers a wide range of mental health terms, disorders, conditions, and classifications. Articles are based on the current clinical diagnostic criteria and terminology used in the DSM-5. Within this library, readers can find medically reviewed and curated articles on topics like depressive disorders, substance use, and therapeutic techniques. All articles are reviewed for clinical accuracy and relevancy to help make mental health information available for those seeking it.
Dr. Daniel Sarmiento, MD
Medical reviewer
Dr. Sarmiento is a physician, consultant, and entrepreneur who loves solving complex problems in healthcare and beyond. He has a diverse background in surgery, public health, and business. He completed his internship in general surgery at Mayo Clinic, master's degrees in public health and business at Johns Hopkins University, and a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical outcomes research at Johns Hopkins Hospital. As a surgeon turned public health professional, Dr. Sarmiento understands the importance of preventive medicine to keep people healthy.
Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Medical reviewer
Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM is a double board-certified physician in both family medicine and obesity medicine. She has a wide array of clinical experience, ranging from years of traditional clinic practice to hospitalist care to providing a complex patient-centered medical home. Her varied clinical practice has allowed her to excel at health content creation, editing, medical education, and subject matter expert consulting. She strives to provide trusted, evidence-based advice in the wake of the misinformation that inundates the public daily. Dr. Stanford values holistic care, emphasizing patients' physical and mental health as parts to the whole and understanding the value of a multidisciplinary care team in providing the best care for patients.
Dr. Andrea Cziffer Paul, MD
Medical reviewer
Andrea Cziffer Paul, MD, is a physician and medical writer/editor. In 2011, she co-founded BoardVitals, a health and medical education company for which she oversaw the creation of millions of pieces of medical content, and now works as a consultant in the medical content space. With over a decade of medical writing, editing, and communications experience, she is delighted to be a part of this team to bring high quality content to those seeking important health information. Besides her interest medical writing and content, she is also a venture partner, focusing on investments in healthcare AI and technology. Dr. Cziffer Paul grew up in Canada then attended Michigan State Medical School and did her residency years at Yale University and Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Krista Klund, LCSW
Clinical reviewer
Krista Klund is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in Chicago, IL. As a therapist working in the field for over 20 years, she has experience in various settings. Krista has Type 73 licensure, which has enabled her to do extensive work within the special education system in the public school setting. Throughout her career, she has treated children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced significant trauma, also working in foster care and with at-risk young people. Other areas of professional interest include anxiety, depression, complexities of dating, alternative lifestyles, separation, and divorce. Krista takes an integrative treatment approach using modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, strength-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy (SFT), depending on the client's needs.
Corey Pitts, MA, LCMHC, LCAS, CCS
Clinical reviewer
Corey Pitts is a licensed counselor who graduated from Lenoir Rhyne University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. He specializes in the treatment and management of comorbid disorders and life challenges. Specific areas of specialty include low motivation, self-esteem, life adjustments, trauma-related difficulties, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. Corey has used various modalities in his ten years of practicing therapy, employing a combination of strength-based and behavioral interventions. Modalities he may practice include solution-focused therapy (SFT), reality therapy with choice theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Corey is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.
April Justice, LICSW
Clinical reviewer
April Justice, LICSW, practices therapy in Rochester, Minnesota, and has over 20 years of experience in social work and psychology. Her areas of expertise include women’s issues with depression, postpartum depression, and anxiety. She also works with clients experiencing relationship issues and self-esteem challenges. April worked with parents, children, and foster care clients for seven years and has experience supporting families with children’s issues.
Majesty Purvis, LCMHC
Clinical reviewer
Majesty is a licensed clinical mental health counselor with over six years of experience in the field. She currently practices in North Carolina and offers support to children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples. She has worked in various settings, including facilitating group therapy. Her primary areas of focus include anxiety, depression, mood disorders, life transitions and adjustments, and trauma. In her work, she targets the reduction of stigma surrounding mental illness and spreads awareness of resources and support options.
Bobbi Jo Stoner, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Bobbi Jo Stoner works in K-12 education and as a licensed practicing counselor. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in education and master’s in counseling psychology from Western Michigan University. Her approach to therapy is eclectic, using various methods based on the client’s goals for therapy. Her most commonly used techniques include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused therapy (SFT). Bobbi Jo is also a certified counselor supervisor, offering supervision to limited licensed professional counselors as they accrue experience and supervision hours to reach the fully licensed professional counselor status.
April Brewer, DBH, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Dr. April Brewer earned a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH) at Arizona State University, focusing on integrated behavioral healthcare to develop, manage, and implement behavioral health programs in medical, occupational, and school settings. She works to aid in preventing, managing, and improving comorbid chronic medical and mental conditions. In addition, she earned an MS in Clinical Counseling, an MS in Human Services, and a BS in Human & Social Services Administration from Bellevue University. April takes an eclectic approach to assisting each client, aiming to reduce barriers to mental health services.
Dr. Brewer has also worked as a US Air Force medic (Active Duty) OEF/OIF, psychometrician (US Navy Civilian), DUI and drug court counselor, behavioral health treatment court coordinator (Superior and State Courts), military and family life counselor (US Army Contractor), addiction therapist, health science specialist, crisis responder, and social science program coordinator for the VA. Currently, she provides individual, couples, and family therapy for people of all ages.
Nikki Ciletti, M.Ed, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Nikki is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado, working in the field of mental health and school counseling for over 24 years. She earned her BS in psychology and master’s in education from Colorado State University. She volunteers for the Red Cross and works as a disaster mental health counselor. When working with clients, Nikki takes a client-centered and solution-focused approach to helping them meet treatment goals. She specializes in supporting parents struggling with extreme behavioral challenges in children, school-related issues, and navigating the early onset of trauma. She also has experience in helping clients with addictions, anxiety, depression, and career transitions.
Kayce Bragg, LPCS, LAC, LCPC, LPC, NCC
Clinical reviewer
Kayce Bragg, LPCS, is a South Carolina therapist and licensed addiction counselor. She also has a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) credential in Kansas and a licensed professional counselor (LPC) credential in Georgia. Kayce has worked in mental health since 2011, starting in community mental healthcare with a non-profit organization. She began her practice in 2017 and is currently earning her doctorate in psychology from California Southern University.
Kayce’s areas of expertise include trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship problems, conflict resolution, anger management, stress management, coping skills, wellness, integrative mental health, holistic mental health, work stress, and severe and persistent mental illness. Approaches she uses in client care include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), positive psychology, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and psychoeducation.
April Kouri, LMHC
Clinical reviewer
April Kouri is a licensed mental health counselor with a wide range of experience in the mental health field. She has worked in inpatient facilities for the chronically ill and outpatient programs for children, teens, and adults struggling with mental illness and addiction. She spent several years in a K-12 education setting, assisting a team in helping children with social, emotional, and cognitive challenges become more successful in the classroom. In this setting, she collaborated with families of neurodivergent students to help them build a stronger connection between school and home life. April has experience in supporting those with chronic illnesses who might benefit from non-traditional counseling settings.
Karen Foster, LPC
Clinical reviewer
Karen Foster, LPC, is based in Oklahoma City, OK. She has been licensed since 2008 and has worked in mental healthcare since 1999. Karen has worked extensively with children and families in the US child welfare system and has experience teaching parent-child interaction for a loving and safe home environment. Karen has also had experience working in inpatient and crisis intervention settings. However, her current work is on providing individual therapy services to women and those in the LGBTQIA+ community. She takes a client-centered approach to therapy, meeting clients where they are in their journey.
Brianne Rehac, LMHC
Clinical reviewer
Brianne Rehac is a licensed mental health counselor in West New York with ten years of industry experience. She has pioneered integrative care initiatives to promote consumers' health and wellness and drive positive community impact. Brianne has worked with Fortune 500 companies, community-based organizations, and small businesses. She graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a master's in Community Mental Health.
Katrice Hollins, LCSW, LICSW
Clinical reviewer
Katrice Hollins is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Georgia. She has over 20 years of experience in social work, supporting children and families in child welfare, special education settings, public schools, and independent practice. Katrice is a public speaker, trainer, and clinical supervisor.
Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D.
Clinical reviewer
Paige Henry is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Detroit, MI. She earned a BSW degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2009, a master’s in social work from the University of Michigan in 2010, and a JD degree from Wayne State University in 2022. Paige uses a client-centered and strengths-based approach, pulling from modalities like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She has worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families in the US and abroad and has extensive experience in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, parenting issues, and relationship issues.
Jerry Crimmins, PsyD, LP
Clinical reviewer
Jerry Crimmins, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist based in Minnesota since 1996. He is the co-owner of the Minnesota Center for Psychology and has been offering telehealth since 2016. He has been a licensed psychologist since 2003 and works primarily with clients living with personality disorders, specializing in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). His background includes working as an outpatient counselor in community mental health and as a grief support counselor. He welcomes clients of all races, ethnicities, genders, and sexualities and has provided clinical supervision to pre-licensed therapists since 2003.
Andrea Brant, LMHC
Clinical reviewer
Andrea Brant is a licensed mental health counselor based in Boston, MA. She is focused on providing evidence-based techniques that help clients grow through reasonable and measurable goals. She has been practicing therapy for over ten years and has worked with children, teens, adults, and seniors. Her career began in a dual diagnosis inpatient facility in Florida, after which she switched to outpatient care. She has worked in independent practice since 2016 and solely provides online therapy. Her specialty areas include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Julie Dodson, MA
Clinical reviewer
Julie Dodson, MA, has a bachelor’s degree in marriage and family relations, a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and a doctorate in counseling psychology from the State of Indiana. She is a licensed professional counselor working in the field for over 33 years and has served a wide range of clients. Challenges she has experience treating include anxiety, depression, intimacy, relationship issues, parenting concerns, self-esteem, motivation, and domestic violence, as well as others. She has experience offering individual and group care and working in education and consulting. She takes a relational and respectful approach to counseling, often using modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive therapy, and psychoeducation.
Kimberly L Brownridge, LPC, NCC, BCPC
Clinical reviewer
Kimberly L Brownridge, a Missouri and Indiana therapist, is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), nationally certified counselor (NCC), and certified mental health provider (CTMH). She has a master’s in professional counseling and general psychology and has been an educator for ten years, currently teaching at Marian University.
Kimberly’s counseling style is solution-focused, looking at goals specific to a client’s current situation and life obstacles. She takes a client-centered approach and believes the client is the expert on their life. Kimberly also enjoys working with couples to strengthen relationships and marriages. Her expertise includes women’s concerns, spiritual care, parenting concerns, career, and LGBTQ+ mental health. She is the author of 50 Things To Know About Coping With Stress: By a Mental Health Specialist.