Michael Callans is the founder of Psychology.com and a content reviewer for the site. He launched Psychology.com in 1995, making it one of the earliest mental health resources on the web, and has stewarded the platform and its therapist directory for nearly three decades. Today he reviews the site's condition guides and educational content for accuracy and clarity, drawing on a background that spans psychology, social work, and assessment.
His work centers on making complex mental health information clear, accurate, and genuinely useful to the people who come to the site at difficult moments, and on upholding the editorial standards that Psychology.com holds every page to.
Connect with Michael Callans on LinkedIn.
Background
Michael holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a Master of Social Work (MSW). His career has centered on people science and assessment, and he brings that grounding in psychology and social work to his review of Psychology.com's content. As founding advisor, he also helps steward the site's editorial standards and its long-standing commitment to clear, trustworthy mental health information.
Credentials and affiliations
Content reviewed by Michael Callans
397 pages across 6 sections, reviewed for accuracy and clarity before publication.
Tests (65)
- 16 Personalities Test
- ADHD Test (Adult)
- Alexithymia Test
- Am I in Love? Test
- Anger Issues Test
- Anxiety Test
- Asexuality Test
- AuDHD Test (Autism + ADHD)
- Autism Test (Adult)
- Big Five Personality Test
- Bipolar Test
- Borderline Personality (BPD) Test
- Brain Fog Test
- Burnout Test
- Child & Teen Autism Test
- Child ADHD Test (Parent Report)
- Chronotype Test
- Codependency Test
- Dark Triad Test
- Depression Test
- Dyscalculia Test
- Dysgraphia Test
- Dyslexia Test
- Dyspraxia Test
- Eating Disorder Test
- Emotional Dysregulation Test
- Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Test
- Empathy Test
- Enneagram Test
- Gambling Addiction Test
- Gender Identity Test
- Grief Test
- Health Anxiety Test (Hypochondria)
- Highly Sensitive Person (Empath) Test
- Imposter Syndrome Test
- Intermittent Explosive Disorder Test
- Internet Addiction Test
- Introvert or Extrovert Test
- Love Language Test
- Maladaptive Daydreaming Test
- Memory & Dementia Concern Screen
- Misophonia Test
- Narcissism Test
- Neurodivergence Test
- OCD Test
- OCPD Test (Obsessive-Compulsive Personality)
- Overthinking Test
- Panic Disorder Test
- Pathological Liar Test
- People-Pleasing (Fawn Response) Test
- Perfectionism Test
- Phone Addiction Test
- Postpartum Depression Test
- Psychopathy Test
- Psychosis & Schizophrenia Screening
- Rejection Sensitivity (RSD) Test
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Test
- Self-Esteem Test
- Sensory Processing Test
- Sexual Orientation Test
- Social Anxiety Test
- Sociopathy Test
- Synesthesia Test
- Test Anxiety Test
- Trust Issues Test
Tools (191)
- 4-7-8 Breathing
- ABC Model Worksheet
- ACCEPTS Distraction Skills
- ACT Values Worksheet
- ACT Worksheets
- ACT Worksheets Library
- Activity Scheduling Worksheet
- Addiction Recovery Worksheets
- Anger Coping Skills
- Anger Log
- Anger Management Worksheet
- Anger Triggers Worksheet
- Anger Warning Signs Worksheet
- Anxiety Triggers Worksheet
- Anxiety Worksheets
- Appreciation & Admiration Exercise
- Art Therapy Activities
- Assertive Communication Worksheet
- Assertiveness Bill of Rights
- Attachment Styles
- Automatic Negative Thoughts Worksheet
- Bedtime Routine Planner
- Behavior Chain Analysis Worksheet
- Behavior Chart (Kids)
- Behavior Tracker
- Behavioral Activation Planner
- Behavioral Experiment Worksheet
- Best Possible Self Exercise
- Body Image Worksheet
- Body Scan Meditation
- Box Breathing
- Building Habits Worksheet
- Calm-Down Corner Cards
- Case Conceptualization Template
- CBT Case Formulation (5 Ps)
- CBT Worksheets
- Challenging Negative Thoughts
- Character Strengths Worksheet
- Check the Facts Worksheet
- Circle of Control Worksheet
- Cognitive Defusion (ACT)
- Cognitive Restructuring Worksheet
- Committed Action Plan Worksheet
- Communication Skills
- Communication Styles
- Conflict Resolution Worksheet
- Continuing Bonds Worksheet
- Cope Ahead Plan
- Coping Skills for Depression
- Coping Skills Library
- Coping with Cravings Worksheet
- Coping with Self-Harm Urges
- Core Beliefs Worksheet
- Cost-Benefit Analysis Worksheet
- Couples Communication Worksheet
- Cycle of Abuse
- DBT Diary Card
- DBT Skills Library
- DBT Worksheets
- DEAR MAN Worksheet
- Decatastrophizing Worksheet
- Decisional Balance Worksheet
- Deep Breathing Exercise
- DESC Assertiveness Script
- Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise
- Downward Arrow Technique
- Drink/Drug Refusal Skills
- Emotion Cards
- Emotion Faces Chart
- Emotion Regulation Skills (DBT)
- Emotional Regulation Activities for Kids
- Emotions Iceberg
- Exposure Hierarchy Builder
- Fair Fighting Rules
- Fear Ladder (Exposure Hierarchy)
- Feelings Chart
- Feelings Thermometer
- Feelings Wheel
- Fight or Flight Response
- Five Senses Calming Exercise
- Four Horsemen Worksheet (Gottman)
- Genogram Maker
- Genogram Symbols Reference
- Goal Setting Worksheet
- Goodbye Letter Exercise
- Gratitude Jar
- Gratitude Journal
- Gratitude Letter
- Grief & Loss Worksheets
- Grief Cycle Diagram
- Grief Rituals & Ceremonies
- Growth Mindset Worksheet
- Guided Imagery (Safe Place)
- Habit Tracker
- Habituation & Why Exposure Works
- HALT Check-In
- Harm Reduction Plan Worksheet
- Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships
- I-Statements Worksheet
- Identifying Emotions Worksheet
- Identifying Triggers Worksheet
- If-Then Plan (Implementation Intentions)
- IMPROVE the Moment
- Intake / Biopsychosocial Assessment Template
- Interoceptive Exposure Worksheet
- Interpersonal Effectiveness (DEAR MAN)
- Journaling Prompts
- Leaves on a Stream
- List of Cognitive Distortions
- List of Emotions & Feelings
- List of Strengths
- Love Languages Chart
- Loving-Kindness Meditation
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- Mental Status Exam (MSE)
- Mindful Breathing Exercise
- Mindfulness Activities for Kids
- Mindfulness Exercises Library
- Mindfulness Meditation Exercise
- Mindfulness Skills Worksheet
- Mood & Activity Log
- Mood Tracker
- Motivation & Confidence Ruler
- Opposite Action Worksheet
- Parenting Worksheets
- Passengers on the Bus
- Pleasant Activities List
- Positive Affirmations Worksheet
- Positive Psychology Worksheets
- Positive Self-Talk Worksheet
- Problem-Solving Worksheet
- Progress Note (SOAP/DAP) Template
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Pros and Cons Worksheet (DBT)
- Radical Acceptance Worksheet
- RAIN Mindfulness Technique
- Rebuilding Trust Worksheet
- Relapse Prevention Plan Worksheet
- Relationship Check-In Worksheet
- Relaxation Techniques
- Reward Chart (Kids)
- Savoring Worksheet
- Scheduled Worry Time
- Self-Care Plan Worksheet
- Self-Compassion Break
- Self-Compassion Exercises
- Self-Esteem Journal
- Self-Esteem Worksheet
- Self-Forgiveness Worksheet
- Setting Boundaries (Quick Guide)
- Setting Boundaries Worksheet
- Sleep Diary
- Sleep Hygiene Checklist
- Sleep Restriction Worksheet
- SMART Goals Worksheet
- Social Skills Worksheets
- Socratic Questioning Worksheet
- Stages of Change Worksheet
- Suicide Risk Assessment Tool
- Tasks of Mourning Worksheet
- The Anger Cycle
- The Anger Iceberg
- The Anxiety Cycle
- The Cognitive Triangle
- The Cycle of Depression
- The Observing Self
- The Stages of Grief
- Thought Record (CBT)
- Thought Stopping & Defusion
- Three Good Things Exercise
- Time Management Worksheet
- TIPP Skills
- Treatment Plan Template
- Understanding Intrusive Thoughts
- Unhelpful Thinking Styles
- Urge Surfing Worksheet
- Values Bullseye Worksheet
- Values Clarification Worksheet
- Vicious Flower Maintenance Diagram
- Warning Signs Worksheet
- Wellness Recovery Action Plan
- What Are Schemas?
- What Is Anxiety?
- What Is Exposure Therapy?
- What Is Mindfulness?
- What Is Rumination?
- Wheel of Life
- Who Am I? Worksheet
- Wise Mind Worksheet
- Worry Decision Tree
- Worry Journal
Concepts (28)
- Attachment Theory
- Bandura's Bobo Doll Experiment
- Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory
- Classical Conditioning
- Cognitive Dissonance
- Defense Mechanisms
- Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development
- Kohlberg's Stages of Moral Development
- Learned Helplessness
- Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
- Nature vs Nurture: The Debate Explained
- Operant Conditioning
- Parasympathetic vs Sympathetic Nervous System
- Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development
- Psychology vs Psychiatry: What's the Difference?
- Social Identity Theory
- Social Learning Theory
- Sociopath vs Psychopath: What's the Difference?
- Sympathy vs Empathy: What's the Difference?
- The Big Five Personality Traits (OCEAN)
- The Fight or Flight Response
- The Fundamental Attribution Error
- The Halo Effect
- The Little Albert Experiment
- The Milgram Obedience Experiment
- The Robbers Cave Experiment
- The Stanford Prison Experiment
- Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory
Careers (20)
- How Long Does It Take to Become a Therapist?
- How to Become a Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- How to Become a Child Psychologist
- How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
- How to Become a Counseling Psychologist
- How to Become a Counselor
- How to Become a Forensic Psychologist
- How to Become a Licensed Therapist
- How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist
- How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
- How to Become a Neuropsychologist
- How to Become a Psychiatrist
- How to Become a Psychologist
- How to Become a School Psychologist
- How to Become a Social Worker
- How to Become a Sports Psychologist
- How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor
- How to Become a Therapist
- How to Become an Art Therapist
- How to Become an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
Degrees (12)
- Best Online Counseling Programs
- Best Online Master's in Counseling Psychology
- Best Online Psychology Degrees
- Master's in Psychology Requirements
- Online Counseling Degree
- Online Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
- Online Forensic Psychology Degree
- Online Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Programs
- Online Master's in Clinical Psychology
- Online Master's in Social Work (MSW)
- Online PhD in Psychology
- Online PsyD Programs
Conditions (81)
- Addiction: Signs, Causes & Treatment
- ADHD or Just Lazy? How to Tell the Difference
- ADHD: Symptoms, Types & Treatment
- Adolescent and Teen Therapy: Signs, Issues & How It Works
- Alzheimer's Disease: Symptoms, Stages & Treatment
- Antidepressants: Types, How They Work & Side Effects
- Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
- Asperger Syndrome: Traits, Diagnosis & Support
- Autism: Signs, Causes & Support
- Bariatric Surgery and Mental Health: The Psychological Side
- Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Types & Treatment
- Burnout or Depression? How to Tell the Difference
- Career Counseling: Transitions, Decisions and Work Stress
- Child Behavior Disorders: Signs, Types & Help
- Child Therapy: How It Works and What It Treats
- Christian Counseling: What It Is & How to Find a Counselor
- Chronic Illness and Caregiving: The Emotional Toll & How Counseling Helps
- Chronic Pain: The Mind-Body Link & Psychological Care
- Couples Counseling: Methods & What to Expect
- Crisis Counseling: 988, Hotlines and What to Expect
- Dementia: Symptoms, Causes & Care
- Depressed or Just Sad? How to Tell the Difference
- Depression: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment
- Divorce Counseling: Support Through Separation
- Do I Need Therapy or Medication?
- Do I Need Therapy? Signs It Could Help
- Dual Diagnosis: Co-Occurring Mental Health & Substance Use
- Eating Disorders: Types, Signs & Treatment
- EMDR Therapy: How It Works for Trauma & PTSD
- Free & Low-Cost Therapy in the US: How to Get Help
- Gambling Addiction: Signs & Treatment
- Geriatric Mental Health: Depression, Anxiety & Aging
- Getting Started With Therapy
- Group Therapy: How It Works & What to Expect
- How to Find a Therapist That Takes Your Insurance
- How to Find the Right Therapist for You
- How to Know If Therapy Is Working
- How to Switch Therapists (and What to Say)
- Hypnotherapy: What It Is, Uses & Evidence
- Immigration and Acculturation Stress: Mental Health Support
- Infertility and Mental Health: Coping, Grief & Counseling
- Internet Addiction: Signs & Treatment
- Is BetterHelp Worth It? Pros, Cons & Alternatives
- Learning Disabilities: Signs, Assessment & Support
- LGBTQ Mental Health: Minority Stress & Affirming Care
- Life Coaching: What It Is and How It Differs From Therapy
- Male Sexual Dysfunction: Causes, Mind-Body Link & Treatment
- Marriage and Family Therapy: A Systemic Approach
- Memory Loss: Causes, Warning Signs & When to Worry
- Men's Mental Health: Stigma, Signs & Getting Help
- Mental Health Glossary: Common Terms Explained
- Midlife Transitions: Reappraisal, Not Crisis
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Evidence & How to Start
- Mood Disorders: Types, Symptoms & Treatment
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP): Claims & Evidence
- Neurofeedback and Biofeedback: How They Work & Evidence
- Normal Anxiety or an Anxiety Disorder? How to Tell
- OCD: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
- Online vs In-Person Therapy: How to Choose
- Panic Disorder: Symptoms, Panic Attacks & Treatment
- Parenting Support: Help for Parents at Every Age
- Personality Disorders: Types, Symptoms & Treatment
- Phobias: Types, Symptoms & Treatment
- Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
- Prader-Willi Syndrome: Behavior & Mental Health Support
- Psychiatric Medication Management: What to Know
- Psychotherapy and Counseling: Types and What to Expect
- Questions to Ask a Therapist Before You Start
- Relationship Counseling: How It Helps
- Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Symptoms & Treatment
- Self-Esteem: Signs of Low Self-Worth & How Therapy Helps
- Sex Therapy: What It Is, What to Expect & Finding a Therapist
- Signs of a Good (or Bad) Therapist Fit
- Spirituality and Mental Health: Meaning, Struggles & Support
- Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs & How to Get Help
- Therapist vs Psychologist vs Psychiatrist vs Counselor
- Therapy for Adults: What It Helps With & How to Begin
- What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
- What to Talk About in Therapy (When You're Stuck)
- Women's Mental Health: Life Stages & Support