About Us
It wasn’t always this way, but now, as someone who regularly finds themselves starting sentences to friends and family with “well, according to my therapist…,” MentallyWhere was born to democratize and destigmatize mental health conversations beyond my own circle.
Many of us learned more about the Pythagorean theorem and how to play “Hot Cross Buns” on the recorder than how to handle our emotions and navigate human adult life’s many challenges, despite their universalness. (Read: you’re not alone).
Teaming up with some of the most innovative minds in psychology, we decided what’s going on in all of our heads shouldn’t be a dirty secret, hard to understand, or something to shield yourself from with a “live, laugh, love” sign, or ~good vibes only~ mantra.
MentallyWhere is a community that is here to confront the truly absurd nature of life that is sometimes funny, sometimes painful, and sometimes so painful it’s kind of funny using sharp research, continuous views of intersectionality, and unflinching honesty.
All are welcome. We’re so happy you’re here.
– Elisabeth Brier, Founder
Lead Scientific Advisors
Dr. Danielle Hairston
Dr. Danielle Hairston is currently the youngest Black, Psychiatry Residency Program Director in the country at Howard University College of Medicine. Hairston is also the Scientific Program Chair for the Black Psychiatrists of America and the President of the American Psychiatric Association’s Black Caucus. She is a practicing psychiatrist in the Department of Psychiatry at Howard University and is one of the authors of MentallyWhere’s ‘Dear Doctor’ section.
Alex Pack
Alex Pack, MA, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist based in Los Angeles. Alex runs his own private practice, previously working in different community mental health clinics across the city since 2015. Pack is also the founder and creator of FutureMindReader, as well as MentallyWhere’s meme master—dolling out stingingly relatable content.
Melissa Middlebrook
Melissa Middlebrook is a modern licensed psychotherapist and trauma-informed yoga teacher. She currently works in private practice and integrates both mind and body in her sessions. Previously, she worked in public health through harm reduction and community outreach. She believes in embracing our full humanity, understanding that none of us are immune to life’s challenges, and the importance of humor. Middlebrook specializes in working with adults and young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, feeling “stuck,” self-worth issues, life transitions, and past trauma. She is also the author of MentallyWhere’s weekly Mini Sessions.
Adam Maurer
Adam Maurer, LMFT, LPC is a straight-friendly, genderqueer (him/her pronouns used interchangeably) therapist from Austin, TX. He is a slayer of shame and often works with folx who identify as queer, kinky, or more than monogamous. Adam founded Moontower Counseling in 2013 and has been in private practice ever since. When not in session Adam hosts a podcast on sex, love, and all things relationships with his husband called “Me & My Gorgeous Husband” and teaches therapists how to be even better supports to clients with marginalized identities.
Celine Barron
Celine Barron, LMSW is a young licensed psychotherapist based in Detroit. Celine is currently a part of a private practice utilizing trauma-informed interventions with adolescents and young adults. She specializes in relationship advice, childhood trauma, social anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Previously, Barron worked in Medicaid outpatient therapy and medication-assisted programs. Celine is passionate about breaking the stigma and humanizing mental health clinicians. Additionally, as a social media content creator, she has been able to utilize her personality, humor, and therapeutic background to deliver relatable content to the masses.
Dr. Nicole Washington
Dr. Nicole Washington is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to matriculate at the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her residency in Psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completion of her residency training, Dr. Washington has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental illness, and high-performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education in efforts to decrease the stigma around mental health.
