Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of terms

By creating an account or using The Open Circle, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use the app.

2. What The Open Circle is

The Open Circle is a peer-support and wellness-education community. It is not therapy, counselling, medical treatment, diagnosis, or a substitute for professional mental health care. It is not an emergency or crisis service and is not monitored around the clock.

3. Age requirement

You must be 18 years or older to use The Open Circle.

4. Your account

• You are responsible for keeping your sign-in details secure.
• You agree to provide accurate information when creating your account.
• You may delete your account at any time from the Profile page.

5. Community conduct

When participating in communities and discussions, you agree to:

• Treat other members with respect.
• Keep what others share confidential and not record, screenshot, or repost it.
• Not post medical advice, diagnoses, or present yourself as a licensed professional.
• Not share personal contact details or anyone else's private information.
• Not harass, threaten, or discriminate against anyone.
• Not use the app for any unlawful purpose.

We may remove content or suspend accounts that violate these standards. Reporting a post does not alert a therapist and does not guarantee any intervention.

6. No emergency or crisis service

The Open Circle is not an emergency service. If you are in danger, having thoughts of suicide, or in a crisis, contact your local emergency services or a crisis line immediately. In the US, call 911 or 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Do not rely on this app for urgent help.

7. User content

You own the content you create (such as journal reflections and posts). Journal reflections are stored only on your device. Community posts are visible to other members and may be moderated. You are responsible for what you post and agree not to post content that is unlawful, harmful, or infringes on others' rights.

8. Privacy

Our handling of your information is described in our Privacy Policy. We do not track you, do not sell your data, and keep most of your activity on your device only.

9. Cost

The Open Circle is completely free to use. Every community, discussion, and resource is available to every approved member at no cost.

10. Disclaimers

• The app is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind.
• We do not guarantee that the app will be uninterrupted, error-free, or available at all times.
• Content shared by members reflects their opinions and is not professional advice.
• The Open Circle is not monitored around the clock.

11. Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Open Circle and its facilitators are not liable for any outcomes arising from peer conversations, shared opinions, educational content, or your use of the app. You are responsible for your own choices and wellbeing and should seek qualified professional care for medical or mental health needs.

12. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will note the updated date above. Continued use of the app after changes means you accept the updated Terms.

13. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Contact us at hello@theopencircle.app.