Terms of Service

1. Agreement to Terms

By accessing or using HealTalk ("Platform," "Service," "we," "us," or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access the Service.

2. Description of Service

HealTalk is a telehealth platform that connects patients with licensed psychologists for video consultations, messaging, and mental health support services. We provide:

• Video and audio consultation sessions
• Secure messaging between patients and psychologists
• AI-powered mental health screening assessments
• Group therapy sessions
• Progress tracking and appointment management

Important: HealTalk is a platform service only. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All clinical services are provided by independent licensed psychologists who use our platform.

3. Eligibility

You must meet the following requirements to use our Service:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement
• Provide accurate and complete registration information
• Maintain the security of your account credentials
• Not be prohibited from using the Service under applicable law

4. User Accounts

4.1 Account Registration

You must create an account to access most features of the Service. You agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your account information
• Keep your password confidential
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized account access
• Accept responsibility for all activities under your account

4.2 Account Types

• Patient Accounts: For individuals seeking mental health services
• Psychologist Accounts: For licensed mental health professionals (subject to verification)

4.3 Psychologist Verification

Psychologists must provide valid licensing credentials before approval. We verify:

• Professional license numbers and validity
• Educational credentials
• Malpractice insurance (where required)
• Good standing with licensing boards

5. Services and Limitations

5.1 Not Emergency Services

HealTalk is NOT intended for emergency situations. Do not use this Service if you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency. Call emergency services immediately.

5.2 Not a Substitute for In-Person Care

While telehealth can be effective, it may not be appropriate for all conditions. Your psychologist may recommend in-person care if necessary.

5.3 Geographic and Licensing Limitations

Psychologists can only provide services in jurisdictions where they are licensed. You must be physically located in the psychologist's licensed jurisdiction during sessions.

6. Appointments and Payments

6.1 Booking and Fees

• Session fees are set by individual psychologists and displayed before booking
• Payment is required at the time of booking
• Prices are in your local currency and include applicable taxes
• Platform fees may apply

6.2 Cancellation Policy

• 24+ hours notice: Full refund
• Less than 24 hours: 50% refund (at psychologist's discretion)
• No-show: No refund

Individual psychologists may have different cancellation policies, which will be disclosed before booking.

6.3 Technical Issues

If a session cannot be completed due to our platform's technical issues, you will receive a full refund or credit for a future session.

7. User Conduct

You agree NOT to:

• Violate any laws or regulations
• Harass, abuse, or harm others
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Share your account with others
• Interfere with the Service's operation
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to systems or data
• Record sessions without explicit consent from all parties
• Use the Service for any commercial purpose without authorization
• Share or disclose another user's personal information

8. Intellectual Property

The Service and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by HealTalk and are protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You retain ownership of any content you submit, but grant us a license to use, modify, and display it as necessary to provide the Service.

9. Privacy and Confidentiality

Your use of the Service is governed by our Privacy Policy. Please review it carefully.

Patient-Psychologist Confidentiality: Communications between you and your psychologist are confidential, subject to legal exceptions (e.g., imminent harm, child abuse).

10. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability

10.1 Service "As Is"

The Service is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

10.2 No Medical Guarantees

We do not guarantee any specific outcomes from using the Service. Treatment results vary by individual and condition.

10.3 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, HealTalk shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues. Our total liability shall not exceed the amount you paid to us in the past 12 months.

11. Termination

We may terminate or suspend your account immediately, without prior notice, if you breach these Terms. You may also terminate your account at any time through your account settings.

Upon termination, your right to use the Service will immediately cease. Data retention is governed by our Privacy Policy.

12. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through the Service. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

13. Governing Law and Disputes

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Your Jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Service shall be resolved through binding arbitration, except where prohibited by law.

14. Contact Information