Editorial Standards & Content Integrity

Lucy Zhang, LMFT | lucymft.com

Purpose

My published work explores psychotherapy, trauma, relationships, neurodivergence, professional practice, systems thinking, business, and emerging technology. These standards explain how I approach original editorial and educational content on this website. They describe my publishing process—not the legal terms for using the website or the rules governing clinical care.

Evidence, reasoning & uncertainty

I aim to distinguish established evidence, professional consensus, clinical interpretation, personal perspective, and open questions. Where appropriate, I prioritize peer-reviewed research, professional guidelines, official records, primary documents, and other credible sources, while considering their dates, methodology, limitations, and context.

A citation supports a particular claim; it does not imply that every conclusion is settled. When evidence is mixed, incomplete, or evolving, I aim to say so rather than present unwarranted certainty. I distinguish documented facts from my interpretations, hypotheses, forecasts, and open questions, particularly in consequential claims. Original frameworks and hypotheses are not presented as validated scientific findings unless supported by appropriate evidence.

Clinical context & confidentiality

My clinical training and licensure inform my work on mental health, but do not make me an authority on every subject I explore. Public educational material is distinct from individualized clinical assessment and psychotherapy. Client confidentiality is a priority, and I do not publish identifying clinical information without appropriate authorization. My separate professional and privacy notices govern applicable clinical obligations.

Authorship & AI-assisted work

I may use technology, including AI, to assist with research, organization, drafting, editing, or visual development. AI-generated output is not treated as a reliable source by itself. I retain editorial responsibility for the content I choose to publish and evaluate material factual claims before presenting them as established. When synthetic content could materially mislead a reader about its origin or authenticity, I aim to identify it clearly.

Editorial independence & attribution

My assessments are guided by evidence, professional judgment, and independent analysis—not by a requirement to agree with a company, institution, source, or prevailing viewpoint. I disclose material commercial relationships clearly and close to the recommendations or claims they may influence. I credit and, where practical, link to work on which my writing relies. Ownership and permission to reuse original website materials are addressed in my Terms of Use.

Corrections & updates

Ideas, research, products, professional guidance, and policies change. I may revise content to improve accuracy or reflect material developments. When I discover a significant factual error, I aim to correct it and, when appropriate, indicate the substantive change on the affected page. A publication or review date does not guarantee continuous monitoring.

Questions & corrections

Thoughtful criticism and good-faith corrections are welcome. To flag a factual error or important missing context, contact hello@lucymft.com and include the page link and relevant details.

Last reviewed: November 2026