AYÚDATE MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT

This agreement is between Ayúdate, a nonprofit that helps Hispanic and Latino communities access mental health resources in Spanish, and you, the Member. By signing the document, you agree to these terms.

1. Membership
- Fee: Membership costs $50 for one year. You get access to Ayúdate’s website with therapist listings, support groups, and events.
- Third-Party Payment: If someone else pays for your membership, the same rules apply.

2. Member Code of Conduct
- Respectful Interactions: Members are expected to treat Ayúdate staff and therapists respectfully and follow appointment policies. We reserve the right to terminate membership if this code is not followed.

3. Connecting with Therapists
- Therapist List: If you wish to see a therapist, you can choose one from Ayúdate’s Therapist List.
- Therapist Fees: You pay Ayúdate $30 per hour for individual therapy or $35 per hour for couples or family therapy.
- Therapist Changes: If you are not happy with your therapist, you can switch to another one.

4. Payments and Cancellations
- Payment: You pay Ayúdate directly for therapy sessions.
Cancellations: Cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid a charge. If you cancel at the last minute, you will need to pay for that session.


5. Communications
- Email and Text Messages: Ayúdate may send reminders about your appointments and payment status via email and text messages. These reminders are meant to support you in managing your sessions and payments and are sent for convenience and informational purposes only.
- Notification Methods: Reminders may include details of scheduled appointments, upcoming payment deadlines, or outstanding balances.
- Feedback Requests: Ayúdate may contact you via email or text to request feedback on our services. Your feedback helps us improve our offerings and better serve our members.
- Fundraising Efforts: Ayúdate may contact you via email or text with information about fundraising efforts to support our mission. Participation in these efforts is entirely voluntary.
- Opt-Out Option: You may opt-out of receiving these reminders at any time by notifying Ayúdate in writing. Please note that opting out may limit our ability to keep you updated on your appointments and payment information.

6. Registering Your Account
- On-line Registration: In order to register for an on-line account with Ayúdate, you will be asked to provide an email, phone number, and a password during the registration process. You cannot complete on-line registration without this information. Keep this information safe, as you are responsible for all activity on your account.
- Account Security: Let Ayúdate know if someone else uses your account without permission.

7. Information Is Not Medical Advice
- Educational Only: The information Ayúdate shares is for learning and planning. It is not a replacement for professional mental health advice or treatment.
- Emergency Help: If you have an emergency, call 911. Do not rely on Ayúdate for urgent mental health needs.

8. No Therapist-Patient Relationship
- Independent Choice: Ayúdate helps you find therapists but does not guarantee their work. You are responsible for deciding if a therapist is right for you.
- No Endorsement: Ayúdate does not endorse specific therapists and is not responsible for any issues between you and a therapist.

9. Your Responsibility to Choose a Therapist
Ayúdate may suggest therapists based on your preferences, but you make the final choice about whether to see a therapist and which therapist to see.
Ayúdate’s Role: Ayúdate provides assistance in connecting you with therapists but is not liable for the outcomes of therapy sessions.

10. Minor Members
- Parental or Guardian Consent: If the member is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must provide written consent for membership. This includes consenting to any services provided through Ayúdate and agreeing to the terms in this Membership Agreement on behalf of the minor.
- Guardian Responsibility: The parent or legal guardian acknowledges responsibility for overseeing the minor’s use of Ayúdate’s services, including interactions with therapists and participation in any educational or support activities.
- Consent for Information Sharing with Therapists: In cases where a minor wishes to work with a therapist, Ayúdate requires explicit written authorization from the parent or legal guardian before sharing any relevant information with the therapist.
- Role of Ayúdate and Parent or Guardian in Therapy: While Ayúdate may assist in connecting the minor with a therapist, any decisions regarding therapy, including consent for therapy services and attendance at sessions, remain the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
- Limitation of Liability: Ayúdate is not liable for any outcomes related to therapy services provided to a minor member. The parent or guardian acknowledges that they are responsible for determining the appropriateness of any therapist and for supervising the minor’s engagement with Ayúdate’s services.

11. Confidentiality of Member Information
- Our Commitment to Confidentiality: Ayúdate takes strong measures to keep member information confidential. We are committed to protecting your privacy and securing any information you provide.
- Security Measures: We use secure methods to safeguard all member information and ensure it is protected from unauthorized access.

12. Member Information (Non-Health Information Only)
- No Health Information Collected: Ayúdate does not collect or store health information about its members.
- Types of Information Collected: We may collect information needed for membership, such as contact details, payment details, and demographic information. This information is only used to manage your membership.
- Health Information with Therapists Only: Your health information is held solely by therapists and only if and when you choose to work with one.

13. Authorization to Share Information with Therapist
- Information Sharing Authorization: By signing this membership agreement, you give Ayúdate explicit permission to share specific information about you with a therapist so that we may connect you with services that meet your needs.
- Information Reporting by Therapists: Therapists may be required to report certain information to Ayúdate for performance and quality monitoring purposes. This includes: Name of Facilitator/Therapist, Dates and Times of Therapy, Number of Sessions Per Month.

14. Use of Your Information
- How We Use Your Information: Ayúdate collects your information to communicate with you, improve our services, and support members effectively. Your information is managed responsibly and is only used for these purposes.
- Sharing Your Information: Ayúdate will not share your information with anyone outside Ayúdate without your permission.

15. Opting Out of Information Sharing
- Your Right to Choose: You have the right to withhold consent for Ayúdate to share your information with therapists. However, please note that opting out may limit our ability to help you connect with a therapist or offer certain support. If you do not want Ayúdate to share you information with therapists, please notify us in writing.

16. Retention of Information
- Retention Period: Ayúdate retains member information only for as long as needed to provide services or as required by law. If your membership ends, we securely delete your information unless otherwise legally required.

17. Feedback About Therapists
- Providing Feedback: We welcome feedback on your experiences with therapists in our network. While Ayúdate does not mediate disputes with therapists, you may share feedback about your experience directly with Ayúdate for quality monitoring.

18. Complaints
- Complaints About Ayúdate: If you have a complaint about Ayúdate, please contact us directly at our main office or via email at Hola@ayudate.net. We take member concerns seriously and will work with you to address any issues.
Complaints About A Therapist: If you have a complaint about a therapist, please reach out to the therapist directly to try to resolve the issue. If needed, contact Ayúdate for additional guidance on how to address the concern. Ayúdate does not mediate disputes between members and therapists.

19. Ending Your Membership
- Termination: Ayúdate can end your membership if you break any rules in this agreement. You will be notified if your membership is canceled.

20. Transfer of Agreement
Ayúdate can transfer this agreement to another organization. If that happens, you will be notified, and you can decide if you want to keep your membership.

21. Limitations of Liability
- Limitations: Ayúdate is not liable for damages beyond those mandated by law. We are not responsible for therapy outcomes or any loss resulting from services provided by therapists.

22. Governing Law
- Legal Rules: This agreement follows the laws of Pennsylvania, and any legal matters must be handled in Pennsylvania.

23. Severability
Independent Terms: If any part of this agreement is found to be invalid, the rest of the agreement still applies.