Clinical Expertise,
built in from
the start
I help founders building digital mental health products integrate clinical & research leadership early, when it actually shapes the product.
Clinical input often arrives at the end of the product cycle: a compliance check, a risk flag, a late-stage correction. The founders I work with are doing it differently and building clinical integrity in from day one.
About Me
I’m a clinical child psychologist with 20 years of clinical practice as well as a research background in mechanisms of change, clinical trials, and developmental neuroimaging. I’m also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Northwestern University and Director of a private practice specializing in pediatric anxiety. I received training from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!), Northwestern University, and Columbia University.
"I came to this work because my patients were turning to genAI in the middle of the night. I realized: if kids are already using these tools, we have to make sure they’re getting effective treatment ingredients.”
How We Can Work Together
Fractional Leadership
Embedded clinical and scientific leadership for teams that need ongoing strategy without a full-time hire. Typical engagements run 6-12 months.
Advisor on Retainer
Recurring strategic guidance for founders who want a thought partner without an embedded role. Project work also available.
What I help with
Clinical & Scientific Strategy
Ground your approach in what we know about child and adolescent development so your product is clinically sound and clearly differentiated.
Product Design
Get clinical insight on how young people today actually interact with digital tools, what their parents care about, and how to align with ethical guidelines when working with vulnerable populations.
Measurement & Evidence
Design measurement and evidence generation that holds up in front of investors, regulators, and users.
Funding & Partnerships
Position your product for funders and partners through grant writing and university research collaborations.
Why This Matters?
Clinical and research expertise is often brought in at the end of the product cycle: a compliance check, a risk flag, or a costly late-stage correction. The founders I work with build differently.
They integrate clinical science from the start, leading to fewer costly rebuilds, stronger product-market fit, and products that earn the trust of users, investors, and partners. Especially when the users are kids and families, the stakes are too high to leave this until the end.
You’re probably a good fit if
✓ You’re building for kids, teens, or families
✓ You want a clinician who understands product
✓ Decisions are still being made
✓ You don’t want to risk getting the science wrong
Let’s Talk
Strategy calls are free and run about 30 minutes.
Make products that are:
✔ clinically credible
✔ investor-ready
✔ built for real-world impact
Having trouble with the button? You can also directly email at drjacobs@wellbraintherapy.com or fill out the form below.
What clients say
“Rachel brings a powerful combination of scientific rigor, versatile therapeutic expertise, and a keen eye for detail. Beyond these skills, she is an excellent communicator and a true joy to collaborate with.”
Lauri Lukka
Digital Mental Health | Chief Psychology Officer, Co-Founder | D.Sc.