About Us

Helpguide.org was launched in 1999, following the suicide of Robert and Jeanne Segal’s daughter, Morgan. We believe that Morgan’s tragedy could have been avoided if she had access to well-written professional information that gave her a sense of hope and direction. In the past 12 years this website has grown from a small local project to an internationally recognized resource now serving 1 million visitors weekly.

Editorial and publishing core team

Founders and Co-publishers

Robert Segal, M.A., Managing Director and Co-Publisher, holds an engineering degree and a master's degree in educational psychology. He heads up Segal Enterprises, a commercial real estate development and management firm. He is an active long-time board member of Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica.  He served for nine years on the board of the California Community Foundation and has been active in numerous community service organizations.

Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., Editorial Director and Co-Publisher, is a sociologist, psychologist, and author. For over 37 years, Dr. Segal has explored emotional health and Emotional Intelligence, helping people enhance their lives and improve their relationships. Her books have been translated into thirteen languages. Dr. Segal focuses on how individuals can empower themselves and bring about life-altering social and emotional change. She has served as an active long-time board member of many community service organizations.

Research, writing, and website development

Melinda Smith, M.A., Senior Editor, is a freelance writer with a master's degree in psychology and over ten years experience as a health writer and editor. She is passionate about keeping up with the latest research and giving readers the facts they need to make better choices and take control of their mental health.

Lawrence Robinson, Editorial Contributor, is a freelance writer with over ten years experience working for print and online publications, covering a wide range of subjects in the health and fitness fields. He is also a published author and has edited several books on psychology.

Adrian Tarango, Webmaster, is a freelance web developer. He has over ten years experience in developing and optimizing websites and web applications.

Consultants

Tim Ream, Technical Support, has a master’s degree in library and information sciences. He is experienced in database management and IT systems management.

Joelle Belmonte, Web Design. Joelle is a freelance web designer with over ten years industry experience using, testing, designing and building websites and applications.

Joanna Saisan, MSW, Content Advisor. Joanna is a freelance writer with a master's degree in social work and over ten years experience in mental health, older adults, and working with veterans.

Maya W. Paul, Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Content Advisor. Maya is a nutritionist, and health consultant. In her private practice, she works to transform the lives of her clients through a holistic approach to health and wellness.

In-kind services

Roger Goodman, Mediation Music Composer / Peformer. Roger is an accomplished musician, mathematician and IT professional.

Chris Saranchock, Male Voice for Toolkit Meditation. Chris is a Los Angeles-based actor with numerous television credits.

Mike Rubino, Video Music Composer and Toolkit Audio Recording Engineer. Mike is a Los Angeles based composer who's music has been heard by millions in both movies and television.

Editorial review board

Helpguide's editorial review board includes Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. and the following people:

Marti Glenn, PhD, is the founder and former dean of the Santa Barbara Graduate Institute. She has been a pioneering psychotherapist for over 25 years, as well as a professor of clinical psychology specializing in attachment, early development, and trauma.

Monika White, Ph.D., is an Adjunct Professor of Gerontology at USC and former Executive Vice President of WISE & Healthy Aging. She has worked with older adults and their families since the mid-1970s. An author, lecturer and teacher, she is considered a pioneer in the field of aging.

Jaelline Jaffe, Ph.D., has been a licensed psychotherapist for 30 years, specializing in couples and relationship issues, eating disorders, adolescent treatment, and emotional aspects of medical conditions. Her counseling approaches life's problems as opportunities for growth and learning.

Advisory committee

• Charlene Underhill Miller, Ph.D. – Licensed marriage and family therapist
• Douglas Russell, M.S.W., L.C.S.W. – retired Medical Social Worker
• Grace Cheng Braun – President and CEO of WISE & Healthy Aging
• Lisa Alexander – Partner, Jakle & Alexander, LLP
• Julia Miele – Executive Director, YWCA Santa Monica / Westside
• Monika White, Ph.D. – Adjunct Professor of Gerontology at USC

Collaborating organizations

Harvard Health Publications, the consumer health publishing division of Harvard Medical School, offers exclusive educational supplements for Helpguide. No funds are exchanged in this collaboration. Harvard Health Publications draws on the expertise of the 9,000 faculty physicians at Harvard Medical School to publish current, trustworthy information about health and wellness.

Rotary Club of Santa Monica sponsored the founding of Helpguide and members serve on the Steering committee. Robert Segal, Helpguide’s Executive Director and Co-Publisher, has been a Santa Monica Rotarian for 25 years. Learn more about Rotary

WISE & Healthy Aging, is Helpguide’s IRS Section 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. In that role, WISE & Healthy Aging acts as the guardian of grants and donations to Helpguide and handles our accounting. WISE & Healthy Aging is a non-profit agency based in Santa Monica that provides programs, services, information and support for seniors, caregivers, and professionals in the aging field.