Editorial Policy

At States of Mind, we publish evidence-based, culturally aware, and human-centered content that helps people live with greater awareness, autonomy, and compassion. Our editorial principles ensure that everything we produce — from explainers and tutorials to original features and longreads — is trustworthy, transparent, and grounded in both science and lived experience.

Our Approach

We work at the meeting point of science, culture, and personal transformation. Our aim is to translate complex ideas — from neuroscience and psychedelics to emotional regulation and modern identity — into narratives that are accurate, meaningful, and genuinely useful. Each piece we publish reflects our core values of clarity, integrity, inclusivity, and usefulness. We strive to demystify, not overwhelm; to inform without prescribing; and to connect factual knowledge with the realities of human experience.

How We Create Content

Content at States of Mind is shaped collaboratively by writers, editors, reviewers, and domain experts. Every article undergoes a structured editorial process designed to ensure precision and accountability. We expect all pieces to deliver accurate and up-to-date information supported by reliable evidence; to be written in clear, accessible language that respects readers’ diverse backgrounds; to avoid stigma, bias, and medical overclaims; and to center the human dimension behind the science. Our formats include explainers, guides, features, interviews, trend analyses, study overviews, and personal journeys — united by a shared commitment to rigor and empathy.

Trusted Sources

Scientific integrity is at the heart of our work. We rely exclusively on credible, primary, and well-established evidence when presenting scientific or medical information. Preferred sources include peer-reviewed journals, accredited academic institutions and research labs, government and health organizations, and expert interviews or firsthand insights when appropriate. We do not reference Wikipedia or similar secondary compilations. When scientific certainty is limited, we use cautious, transparent language — such as “may,” “can,” or “emerging research suggests” — to reflect the evolving nature of knowledge.

Review & Verification

All articles that contain scientific content, medical claims, psychological concepts, or references to therapeutic use of psychoactive substances undergo rigorous fact-checking and, when necessary, expert review. Licensed clinicians, psychologists, neuroscientists, integration specialists, or researchers assess whether each piece reflects current evidence, avoids overgeneralization, maintains nuance, and preserves ethical and inclusive framing. We update articles regularly as new information emerges, and the latest update date is clearly indicated at the bottom of each page.

AI Use & Originality

We maintain a strict zero-AI content and zero-plagiarism policy. Every article must be fully original, written entirely by the author, and rooted in their actual expertise and human judgment. All texts are screened for AI generation, plagiarism, and derivative phrasing; any piece that does not pass these checks is declined without exception. We value real authorial voices, informed perspectives, and accountability — especially in fields as sensitive as mental health, psychology, and psychedelics. All contributors must confirm that each submission is fully original and written by them.

Authors

We collaborate with writers who bring expertise, responsibility, and a distinctive human voice — journalists, researchers, practitioners, and storytellers who can approach psychology, culture, psychedelics, and personal transformation with rigor and depth. We expect careful sourcing, transparent reasoning, and a willingness to engage with thoughtful editing. Every accepted contributor shares our commitment to accuracy, originality, and ethical storytelling that respects both science and lived experience.

Medical Review

When an article touches on clinical practice, therapeutic modalities, neuroscience, or mental health science, it undergoes medical review by qualified clinicians or researchers. Reviewers ensure the piece reflects current evidence, avoids overreach, and offers readers responsible, contextualized information. Authors are expected to integrate all essential corrections and clarifications. We reserve the right to decline any article that does not meet our scientific or ethical standards.

Ethics & Compliance

States of Mind adheres to relevant ethical, legal, and safety requirements across all health-related content. We do not offer diagnoses or individual treatment recommendations, nor do we position our materials as substitutes for professional care. Our work complies with global standards for responsible communication on mental health, substance use, and clinical practice. Ethical integrity — toward readers, subjects, and the broader field — is central to everything we publish.

Conflicts of Interest

We uphold full transparency in our editorial work. All contributors must disclose any financial, professional, or personal relationships that could influence their perspective — including affiliations with clinics, companies, research institutions, or advocacy groups. If a potential conflict of interest exists, we assess whether it needs to be stated, mitigated, or if the assignment should be reassigned. We do not accept paid editorial placements, undisclosed sponsorships, or ghostwritten scientific content. Our responsibility is to maintain an open, honest relationship with readers built on trust, fairness, and clear intentions.

Transparency with Readers

We believe that a publication is accountable to its audience. We actively welcome feedback, corrections, and suggestions, and we update our coverage and editorial priorities in response to new insights or emerging questions from readers. Our mission is to create a space where rigorous science, cultural context, and human experience intersect — offering clarity, agency, and compassion to those navigating an increasingly complex world.