Saya Des Marais

Saya is a clinical social worker/therapist-turned-mental health writer who specializes in making dense (but important!) mental health research easy-to-digest for the average consumer. She truly believes the right health content can save lives. Her work has been published on GoodRx Health, Psych Central, and more. As a therapist, she worked at community health clinics, group homes, and public schools. You can learn more about her on her LinkedIn or website.

Professional experience

• Founder & Mental Health Content Writer at Saya Des Marais: Mental Health Content Writing (Self-employed since Jan 2019): Specializes in clinical content and web copy for various mental health sectors. Proficient in SEO content writing, research, thought leadership, engaging tone, and copywriting.


• Freelance Mental Health and Substance Use Writer for GoodRx (Since May 2021): Responsibilities include following editorial briefs, interviewing SMEs, conducting peer-reviewed journal research, and writing clinically sound content.


• Freelance Mental Health Writer for Psych Central (Since Apr 2022): Contributes high-quality content under tight deadlines, turns complex medical research into understandable materials, conducts SME interviews, and manages multiple projects.


• Freelance Mental Health Writer for Klarity Health (Since Oct 2022): Focuses on in-depth research, synthesizing complex psychological concepts, utilizing SEO practices, and editing content for accuracy and SEO optimization.


• Mindfulness Blogger / Freelance Writer for Calm Classroom (Since Jun 2021): Writes B2B and B2C content in K-12 education, conducts SEO research, monitors industry trends, and maintains relationships with staff.


• SEO Content Writer for Huckleberry Labs (Oct 2023 to Jan 2024): Duties include writing and updating SEO content, conducting medical journal research, and making on-page SEO changes.


• Freelance Mental Health Writer for Calmerry (Jan 2023 to Jan 2024): Follows SEO briefs, demonstrates SEO strategy implementation, updates content, and creates mental health assessments and quizzes.


• Training Manager at Sibly (Feb 2018 to Jan 2021): Led the development of motivational interviewing curriculum, managed training items, and developed advanced trainings on various topics.


• Mental Health Coach at Sibly (Sep 2017 to Feb 2018): Provided text-based mental health coaching using motivational interviewing techniques and managed crisis situations.


• Coordinator of Global Partnerships and Volunteers at Do Good as You Go - The Muskoka Foundation (Apr 2017 to May 2018): Developed relationships with partner organizations and managed volunteer teams.


• Bilingual School-Based Mental Health Clinician at Social Advocates for Youth (Feb 2015 to Jun 2016): Provided bilingual psychotherapy services, counseled students and families, participated in IEP teams, and developed a support group program for immigrant children.


• Various roles in mental health and social work from 2009 to 2015, including positions at Bellevue Union School District, Olive Crest - Strong Families, Safe Kids, Penny Lane Centers, and as a Clinical Social Work Intern at Covenant House California.

Education

• University of Southern California: MSW in Social Work (Mental Health concentration), 2008 - 2010. Grade: 3.98 GPA (Dean's Scholar).


• University of California, Irvine - School of Social Ecology: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology and Social Behavior; English, 2004 - 2008.


• Iniciativa Ciudadana: Diplomado in Primeros Auxilios Psicológicos para Personas Migrantes, Refugiadas y Desplazadas, 2019. A diploma program in Psychological First Aid for Migrants, Refugees, and Displaced Peoples; offered by a network of organizations and universities and organized by Iniciativa Ciudadana. Completed in Spanish in December of 2019. This is the only diploma of its kind in the Americas specializing in the mental health of displaced people and the effects on mental health of forced migration.

About Calmerry

Calmerry is a trusted online therapy and counseling platform that connects clients with licensed mental health professionals for text and video sessions.

We’re also a mental health community with the mission to increase awareness, fight the stigma, and help thousands of people to be heard and supported. We team up with experts and people passionate about mental health, who have much to say, to do this important work.

Learn more about us and our editorial process.