At the Journal of Mental Health and Psychiatry (JMHP), we recognize that peer review is the foundation of credible and trustworthy scientific publishing. Our peer review process is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and the highest level of scholarly integrity. Every manuscript submitted to JMHP undergoes a rigorous double-blind peer review, where both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other.

1. Initial Submission Check

Upon submission, each manuscript is first assessed by the Editorial Office to verify:

• Compliance with author guidelines (format, references, word count).
• Plagiarism screening using similarity detection tools.
• Ethical compliance, including statements on informed consent and institutional approval.
• Relevance to the aims and scope of JMHP.

Manuscripts that do not meet basic requirements may be returned to authors for correction or declined without review.

2. Editorial Screening

The Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor conducts a preliminary evaluation to determine whether the manuscript has sufficient quality, novelty, and alignment with the journal’s scope. At this stage, a decision is made to:

• Send the manuscript for peer review.
• Request technical or content-related revisions before review.
• Decline the manuscript if it is unsuitable for JMHP.

3. Reviewer Selection

• Manuscripts are typically assigned to two or more independent expert reviewers with relevant subject expertise.
• Reviewers are selected based on their academic qualifications, publication record, and absence of conflicts of interest.
• In specialized or interdisciplinary topics, additional reviewers may be invited.

4. Double-Blind Review

• Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to ensure unbiased evaluation.
• Reviewers are asked to assess the manuscript for:
  • Originality and novelty of research
  • Methodological rigor and reproducibility
  • Clarity and organization of presentation
  • Relevance and contribution to the field of mental health and psychiatry
  • Ethical standards and research integrity
• Reviewers provide detailed feedback, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions for improvement.

5. Reviewer Recommendations

After careful evaluation, reviewers submit one of the following recommendations:

• Accept (no or minor changes needed)
• Minor Revision (small improvements required)
• Major Revision (substantial revisions needed before reconsideration)
• Reject (unsuitable for publication in JMHP)

6. Editorial Decision

• The editor reviews all reports, weighs reviewer feedback, and makes the final decision.
• In cases of conflicting reviews, an additional reviewer may be consulted or the Editor-in-Chief may adjudicate.
• Authors are provided with a decision letter, which includes constructive reviewer comments and editorial feedback.

7. Revision Process

• Authors are expected to revise their manuscript in response to reviewer feedback.
• A point-by-point response letter should accompany revised submissions.
• Revised manuscripts may be sent back to reviewers for re-evaluation, especially in cases of major revision.

8. Final Acceptance and Production

Once a manuscript is accepted:

• It undergoes technical editing, copyediting, and typesetting.
• Authors receive proofs for final corrections.
• The article is published online as open access, making it freely available to the global research community.

9. Appeals and Complaints

Authors who disagree with an editorial decision may submit a formal appeal with justification. Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and, when necessary, by an independent board member. JMHP also follows COPE guidelines for handling complaints and ethical concerns.

10. Commitment to Ethical Peer Review

JMHP is committed to:

• Ensuring fairness and transparency in all editorial decisions.
• Preventing bias based on nationality, gender, institutional affiliation, or personal beliefs.
• Promoting diversity in the reviewer pool.
• Recognizing the invaluable contribution of reviewers through acknowledgment programs.

The peer review process at JMHP is designed not only to safeguard scientific quality but also to enhance manuscripts through constructive dialogue. By working together with editors, reviewers, and authors, JMHP strives to publish research that advances mental health and psychiatry while maintaining the highest standards of integrity.