Our standards
Editorial policy
Our guides are health information for young people, so we hold them to a high bar. Here’s how they’re made, reviewed, and kept accurate.
Written in plain language
We write for real people having a hard day — clear, warm, around an 8th-grade reading level, and free of clinical jargon. The goal is to feel like a knowledgeable friend, not an intake form.
Editorial review before publishing
Before a guide goes live, our editorial team reviews it for clarity, accuracy against the sources we cite, and a warm, affirming tone. We show who wrote each guide and who reviewed it. This is an editorial review — independent review by a licensed clinician is a goal we’re working toward, and we’ll name those reviewers and their credentials here once it’s in place.
Sourced from authoritative places
We cite reputable, current sources — organizations like The Trevor Project and SAMHSA, and peer-reviewed research — and link to them so you can read further. We don’t state clinical claims we can’t support.
Dated and reviewed on a schedule
Each guide shows a “Last updated” date and a “Next review” date. Health guidance changes, so we revisit our content on a regular cycle and refresh it when the facts do.
Corrections
If we get something wrong, we fix it and update the date. Spotted an error? Please let us know — we take corrections seriously.
Safety first (YMYL)
We never publish anything that could delay someone getting help or cause harm. Crisis resources appear on every health page, and when a topic is sensitive we lead with safety and point to professional support.
Independence
Resources are chosen on merit — whether they’re affirming, safe, and useful — not in exchange for payment or placement. Outline doesn’t sell ads or listings.