Editorial Policy

Our Commitment to Accuracy

At Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center, we understand that mental health information can significantly impact treatment decisions and patient outcomes. As a healthcare provider serving vulnerable populations in rural West Virginia, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of accuracy and clinical integrity.

All medical and clinical content on this website is:

• Reviewed by licensed clinicians - All content is reviewed and approved by our medical director, licensed psychiatrists, LICSWs, or LPCs
• Evidence-based - We cite peer-reviewed research, clinical guidelines, and authoritative sources
• Regularly updated - Content is reviewed annually and updated when new clinical guidelines or research emerges
• Contextually relevant - Information addresses the unique challenges of accessing mental health care in rural Appalachia

Our Review Process

Content Creation

All clinical content is created by or in collaboration with our licensed clinical staff, including psychiatrists, licensed clinical social workers (LICSWs), licensed professional counselors (LPCs), and certified peer recovery specialists (CPRS). Content creators have direct experience providing mental health and substance use treatment in Southern West Virginia.

Clinical Review

Before publication, all medical and clinical content undergoes review by at least one licensed clinician with expertise in the relevant area. Reviewers verify:

• Accuracy of diagnostic criteria and symptom descriptions
• Appropriateness of treatment recommendations
• Alignment with current clinical guidelines (DSM-5-TR, ASAM criteria, etc.)
• Clarity and accessibility for general audiences
• Cultural sensitivity and relevance to rural Appalachian communities

Annual Review Cycle

All clinical content is reviewed at least annually to ensure it reflects current best practices and research. Content is updated more frequently when:

• New clinical guidelines are published (e.g., updated DSM criteria)
• Significant new research changes treatment recommendations
• FDA approves new medications or treatment modalities
• We receive feedback indicating content needs clarification

Credentials & Qualifications

Our clinical team includes licensed professionals with extensive training and experience in mental health and substance use treatment:

For detailed information about our clinical leadership and staff, visit our Our Team page.

Sources & References

We cite authoritative, evidence-based sources including:

Corrections Policy

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy. If you identify an error or inaccuracy in our content, please contact us immediately.

Our commitment: We will review all reported errors within 5 business days. If an error is confirmed, we will correct it immediately and note the correction with the date updated.

Transparency & Conflicts of Interest

Southern Highlands Community Mental Health Center is a nonprofit, federally certified Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). We do not:

• Accept pharmaceutical company funding for content creation
• Receive compensation for recommending specific medications or treatments
• Promote proprietary treatments or services not supported by evidence

Our clinical recommendations are based solely on evidence-based best practices and the individual needs of our patients.

Privacy & Patient Confidentiality

Any patient stories, testimonials, or case examples on this website are:

• Fully anonymized to protect patient identity
• Published only with explicit written patient consent
• Reviewed by our HIPAA compliance officer
• Composite narratives combining elements from multiple patients when appropriate

We never share identifiable patient information without explicit consent and appropriate legal authorization.