Terms of Usage

Last updated: January 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Mental Bytes. By accessing and using our platform (www.mentalbytes.org), you agree to these Terms of Usage. Mental Bytes is a facilitator of peer support services, connecting individuals with independent trained peers and coaches, while also providing technology for one-on-one sessions, internal training, co-reflection meetings, and professional exchanges to enhance the experience of our collaborators.

These Terms govern your use of our services, and by continuing to use the platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by them.

2. Nature of Services

Mental Bytes provides an online platform where trained peers and coaches offer peer support and coaching services. Additionally, Mental Bytes:

1. Provides the technology for hosting one-on-one peer support sessions within the platform.
2. Organizes monthly co-reflection meetings, where peers and coaches discuss challenges and learn from each other.
3. Offers internal training to enhance the credibility and skills of peers and coaches.
4. Facilitates exchanges, events, and networking opportunities to foster community and professional development.

However, Mental Bytes is not a healthcare provider, medical institution, or licensed therapy service. Peer support is not a substitute for professional mental health care, therapy, or crisis intervention.

3. Ethical Code & Safety Standards

To ensure a safe and respectful experience for everyone, all users, peers, and coaches must adhere to the following ethical principles:

1. Respect & Boundaries: All interactions should be based on mutual respect, active listening, and clear personal boundaries.
2. Safety: Both users and peers/coaches have the right to stop a session at any time if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
3. Confidentiality: Personal information shared during sessions must be treated with discretion and respect.
4. Honesty & Transparency: Sessions should be conducted in an open and truthful manner, upholding the principles of Intentional Peer Support (IPS).

3.1 Complaint Resolution Process

If a user or peer/coach has concerns regarding a session:

1. They may file a complaint with Mental Bytes.
2. Mental Bytes will initiate a conversation with both parties to understand and address the concern.
3. If necessary, appropriate action may be taken, including mediation or removal from the platform in cases of repeated violations.

Both parties should feel safe at all times, and Mental Bytes is committed to ensuring a respectful and ethical environment.

4. Independent Contractor Relationship

All peers and coaches on Mental Bytes are independent contractors and not employees of Mental Bytes. This means:

1. Peers and coaches are responsible for their own services, legal compliance, and conduct.
2. Mental Bytes facilitates the platform, training, and technology but does not oversee or control the content of peer support sessions.
3. Mental Bytes retains a 20% service fee for facilitating transactions, while peers and coaches invoice Mental Bytes at the end of the month for their earnings.

5. Payment & Refund Policy

1. Payments are processed through Mental Bytes, with 80% of session fees paid to the peer or coach after deducting our facilitation fee.
2. Refunds are not guaranteed and are at the discretion of Mental Bytes and the peer/coach involved.
3. Users must adhere to cancellation policies set by individual peers or coaches.

6. Disclaimer of Liability

Mental Bytes is not liable for:

1. The content, advice, or guidance provided by peers and coaches.
2. Any decisions or actions taken by users based on their sessions.
3. Emotional, financial, or personal consequences resulting from peer support services.
4. Any disputes between users and peers/coaches, except where platform policies are violated.

6.1 Client Acknowledgment & Liability Waiver

By using Mental Bytes, you explicitly acknowledge:

1. Understanding of Peer Support
2. Peer support is not therapy, professional mental health treatment, or medical care.
3. Peers and coaches provide lived-experience-based support, which is different from therapy.
4. Limitation of Liability
5. Mental Bytes does not guarantee any specific outcomes from peer support sessions.
6. You cannot hold Mental Bytes or individual peers/coaches legally liable for personal decisions, interpretations, or outcomes.
7. Dispute Resolution & Legal Waiver
8. Any disputes will be handled internally first, via mediation with Mental Bytes.
9. You waive the right to sue Mental Bytes or any peer/coach for services provided through the platform.
10. Crisis Situations
11. Mental Bytes is not a crisis service. If you are in crisis, seek immediate professional help.
12. In situations where a peer/coach encounters a client in crisis, Mental Bytes may offer crisis team support for peers/coaches but is not responsible for client outcomes.

7. Code of Conduct for Peers & Coaches

All peers and coaches must:

1. Adhere to Intentional Peer Support (IPS) principles.
2. Follow ethical and professional guidelines in their interactions.
3. Participate in monthly co-reflection sessions to discuss challenges and improve practice.
4. Seek guidance from the Mental Bytes crisis team when handling difficult situations.

Failure to adhere to these standards may result in removal from the platform.

8. Intellectual Property

All content, tools, and platform features provided by Mental Bytes remain the intellectual property of Mental Bytes. You may not copy, modify, or distribute any platform materials without prior permission.

9. Changes to Terms of Usage

Mental Bytes reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the platform after modifications implies acceptance of the new terms.

10. Contact Information

For questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us at hello@mentalbytes.org.