Meet Harper
We’re on a mission to transform HSV care — combining medical expertise with empathy to help you move from anxiety to calm, lasting confidence.
Harper was born from real experience
Herpes is confusing. There are two types of the virus. It can be difficult to diagnose. Doctors only treat the physical body, but for many, a herpes diagnosis carries more than physical symptoms.
We founded Harper because we’ve been there. We’ve received an HSV diagnosis and experienced the range of emotions that can come with it. We’ve felt confused, alone and overwhelmed. We’ve dealt with recurring outbreaks and medication. We’ve had disclosure conversations and dealt with other emotional aspects caused by the stigma.
And after all of that, we thought “there has to be a better way to do this”, so Harper was born. We want to create a better experience for people living with herpes.
No one should have to navigate herpes alone. Harper is here to help.
Mission, vision & values
Our Mission
To provide holistic, easy-to-access, judgment-free care for herpes. Empowering you to manage your health confidently and live without stigma.
Our Vision
A world where a herpes diagnosis is straightforward and treated like any other manageable health condition. A world without stigma, and where everyone with herpes has access to compassionate care.
Our Values
- Empathy: We lead with compassion, always
- You First: We’re here to improve your quality of life
- Candor: We’re not going to jerk you around. Only the honest truth
- Evidence: Science-backed, trusted care. No mumbo jumbo treatments here
“We’ve created a safe, stigma-free space where everyone is valued”
The Harper difference
Specialized Expertise
Our providers will specialize in HSV and know the nuances of living with herpes, cold sores, and genital herpes. You’ll never have to explain yourself, they’ll already get it.
Whole-Person Support
We’ll address both the physical realities and the emotional weight that can come with a herpes diagnosis. From provider guidance to mental health resources, we’ll be there for all of it.
Stigma-Free Environment
At Harper, there’s no judgment. Herpes is a viral infection — nothing more. We’ve created a safe, stigma-free space where everyone is valued.
Always Accessible
Our telehealth platform will offer support from anywhere, at any time. No awkward in-person visits or waiting weeks to see a provider. Just discreet, convenient access whenever you need it.
Built by people who get it
Founder & CEO
Ashley McHugh
“I was diagnosed with herpes in 2021, something I was not prepared for. I had so many questions and answers were difficult to find. I internalized the stigma and felt hopeless. Doctors would treat my physical symptoms, but healing my emotions was less straightforward. I thought ‘there has to be a better way’— a better way to receive a herpes diagnosis and to heal from it, so Harper was born.”
Ashley is a telehealth entrepreneur and has HSV-2. Her background is in software technology and biomedical engineering. Her mission is to improve the herpes care experience.
Medical Advisor
Dr. Jeffrey Klausner
MD, Cornell · MPH, Harvard · Infectious Disease · 25+ yrs HIV/STI
Dr. Klausner is a board-certified infectious disease specialist with over 25 years of clinical research and public health experience in HIV and STI prevention. He served as Deputy Health Officer and Director of STD Prevention at the San Francisco Department of Public Health, led the South African PEPFAR program as CDC Branch Chief for HIV and TB, and spent a decade as senior faculty in infectious diseases and epidemiology at UCLA. His work has spanned prevention programs, NIH-funded research across multiple countries, and a consistent focus on making care more accessible for underserved populations. Currently, he is a Clinical Professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Population and Public Health Sciences at USC.