Effective Date: July 07, 2025

Tbuddy Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

General

Tbuddy (“Tbuddy,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a peer-led support platform created to serve transmasculine individuals by offering emotional support, community care, and mental health resource navigation. Our Services (“Services”) include:
- Peer support sessions via phone, text, or video with trained transmasculine volunteers
- A curated database of gender-affirming mental health professionals
- Resource referrals and mental health advocacy
- Tbuddy’s official website (www.tbuddy.us)
- Public campaigns, educational materials, and donor-supported programming

This page outlines our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy (“Terms”), which govern the use of our Services and explain how we collect, store, and use your data.

By using or attempting to use our Services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, you may not access our Services.

Eligibility

Tbuddy Services are available exclusively to transmasculine individuals age 14 and older. By using our Services or scheduling a session, you affirm that:
- You are at least 14 years old
- You identify as transmasculine or are seeking support as a transmasculine person
- You understand and accept these Terms

We do not provide services to individuals under 14 years of age or those outside the scope of our mission.

Nature of Services

Tbuddy provides peer emotional support, not clinical mental health treatment. We are not licensed therapists, and our services are not a substitute for:
- Therapy or psychiatric care
- Emergency intervention
- Medical diagnoses or treatment
- Legal or financial advice

Our peer supporters are trained based on lived experience, not clinical certification. We do not provide medical documentation, prescriptions, or crisis rescue.

Emergency Disclaimer

Tbuddy is not a crisis hotline. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or are at immediate risk of harm, please contact:
- 911 (U.S. only)
- Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
- Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

We are not responsible for crisis response and will not contact emergency services on your behalf unless explicitly agreed upon and legally required.

Appointment & Conduct Policy

- You may book peer sessions directly through our website.
- You are permitted up to two missed sessions. After two no-shows, your booking privileges may be paused or revoked.
- You must cancel or reschedule at least 12 hours in advance.
- Abusive language, harassment, or inappropriate conduct will result in permanent removal from our platform.

We reserve the right to deny access to anyone who violates our conduct expectations or misuses our Services.

Privacy & Data Collection

We take your privacy seriously. Tbuddy collects minimal data necessary to deliver our services, including:
- Name (optional)
- Age (to confirm eligibility)
- Email address
- Phone number (for session communication)
- Session details (only for administrative use and service improvement)

We will never share or sell your information. Your data is stored securely and used solely for internal purposes, including support tracking, impact reporting, and system maintenance.

We do not record sessions, and peer supporters are trained to maintain confidentiality unless:
- You disclose intent to harm yourself or others
- You report abuse of a minor or dependent person
- We are legally required to disclose information (e.g., via subpoena)

Text Messaging Consent and Communication Policy

By booking an appointment with Tbuddy, you agree to receive text messages from Tbuddy at the phone number you provide. These messages may include:

Appointment confirmations and reminders
30-minute peer support sessions conducted via text
Follow-up messages after sessions
Scheduling changes, service updates, and peer communication

Text messaging is an essential part of how Tbuddy provides peer support services. We do not send promotional or marketing messages. All messages are sent only to individuals who voluntarily book appointments or contact us for support.

You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying “STOP”. Standard message and data rates may apply.

By submitting your booking, you confirm that you are the owner of the phone number provided or have permission to give this consent on behalf of the owner. Your phone number will never be sold or shared, and all communication is handled in accordance with privacy best practices.

If you have questions about this policy, please contact us at admin@tbuddy.us.

International Use

If you are outside the United States, you may access Tbuddy through our video sessions. We currently operate only in English and cannot guarantee the accessibility of all services internationally.

Donations

If you contribute to Tbuddy through our website or partner platforms, we may collect the following:
- Legal name
- Email and contact information
- Donation amount and transaction details

We never sell donor data. We may use donation info to send thank-you messages or periodic updates. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Use of Website and Materials

Tbuddy’s website and all associated content, branding, and resources are the intellectual property of Tbuddy. You may download and use public resources for personal, non-commercial use. Do not modify, reproduce, or distribute our materials without permission.

Legal Release & Liability

By using Tbuddy, you agree that:
- You are voluntarily participating in non-clinical peer support
- Tbuddy is not liable for any injury, mental health outcome, or crisis resulting from use of our Services
- You release Tbuddy and its team from all liability, including claims of negligence, data breach, or service unavailability

We use secure tools to protect your data but cannot guarantee full immunity from cyber threats. You accept this risk by engaging with our Services.

Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Updates take effect immediately upon posting. Continued use of our Services indicates your acceptance of the updated Terms.

Contact

Questions about these Terms or your data? Contact us at:
admin@tbuddy.us
www.tbuddy.us