Editorial policy
Editorial standards
Last updated: July 2026
ThriveOnlineHealth publishes plain-language mental health writing. Because our topic touches wellbeing, we take accuracy, sourcing, and honesty seriously. This page explains how we work.
Who writes for us
Our articles are written by a small independent editorial team with lived experience of mental health challenges and a background in health communications. Every piece is drafted by a writer, edited by a second reader, and cross-checked against public clinical sources (WHO, NIMH, NHS, APA, NICE, and peer-reviewed literature).
We are not doctors, therapists, or a licensed clinical service. Where a topic requires clinical judgment (medication dosing, differential diagnosis, treatment planning), we point readers to qualified professionals rather than trying to substitute for them.
How we source
- Primary sources first. We start from the World Health Organization, the US National Institute of Mental Health, the UK NHS, the American Psychiatric Association, NICE guidelines, and Cochrane reviews.
- Peer-reviewed research. When primary sources disagree or lag behind, we consult peer-reviewed journals (JAMA Psychiatry, The Lancet Psychiatry, BMJ) and named researchers in the field.
- Lived-experience voices. On practical topics (what a panic attack feels like, what it's like to start therapy), we include perspectives from people who have been there.
- Links are cited. Where a claim needs a source, the source is linked directly on the page.
Accuracy and updates
Every article carries a "last updated" date. We revisit condition guides at least once a year and sooner when major guidelines change. If we notice — or a reader flags — an error, we correct it, add a short correction note, and update the date.
Corrections
Spotted something wrong or outdated? Please email hello@thriveonlinehealth.com with the page URL and a description. We aim to review corrections within seven days.
Independence and funding
ThriveOnlineHealth is an independent educational site. We do not take money from pharmaceutical companies, clinics, therapy marketplaces, or supplement brands in exchange for coverage. The site is supported by display advertising served through third parties (see our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy). Advertising has no influence on our editorial decisions and ads are clearly distinguishable from articles.
What we don't do
- We don't diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
- We don't sell therapy sessions, coaching, or supplements.
- We don't publish sponsored posts disguised as editorial.
- We don't use AI-generated text as final published content without human editing and fact-checking.
- We don't publish content that promotes self-harm, extreme dieting, or unproven "cures".
A final note
A website cannot replace a good therapist, a trusted GP, or a supportive friend. Our job is to help you understand what's happening, learn what has helped others, and feel a little less alone while you decide what to do next.