Our editorial standards
OpenAccess Navigator exists to help people understand how they are feeling and find a sensible next step. Because this is health information, we hold it to a clear standard.
Grounded in primary sources
Every guide is built from primary public-health and clinical sources — the National Institute of Mental Health, NHS, CDC, World Health Organization, American Psychological Association, Mayo Clinic, and NIOSH. Each article lists its references so you can check the original.
Validated screening tools
The platform uses nine validated screening instruments — the PHQ-9 (depression), GAD-7 (anxiety), PC-PTSD-5 (PTSD), ASRS (adult ADHD), MDQ (bipolar), OCI-R (OCD), Mini-SPIN (social anxiety), AUDIT-C (alcohol use), and DAST-10 (drug use) — alongside a safety screen. Scores are educational indicators, not diagnoses.
Clinical review
Content is written by our editorial team and medically reviewed by Dr. Ashwani Dhar, MD — a physician and the platform's founder. Review confirms clinical accuracy and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
What this is not
OpenAccess Navigator provides educational information and wellness guidance only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, crisis intervention, or emergency services. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (U.S.), or call 911.
How we keep it current
Guides carry a "reviewed" date, and we check sources and links on a regular cycle. Public-health guidance evolves; if you spot something out of date, we want to hear about it.
A note from our founder
“Over the years, I have learned that mental well-being is every bit as important as physical health. OpenAccess Navigator is an honest attempt by my team and me to create something useful — a place where people can pause, reflect, and better understand what they may be experiencing.”