Responsible Disclosure Policy

    Effective Date: 25-06-2025
    Last Updated: 25-06-2025

    Purpose and Scope

    This Responsible Disclosure Policy outlines our ethical obligations and legal requirements regarding the disclosure of information shared during interactions with our mental health chatbot. We are committed to protecting user privacy while fulfilling our duty to prevent harm when serious safety concerns arise.

    IMPORTANT: This policy supplements our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All users must understand these disclosure obligations before using our service.

    Fundamental Principles

    1. Privacy First Approach

    • User privacy and confidentiality are our primary concerns
    • We minimize data collection and disclosure to the absolute minimum required
    • All disclosures are made with careful consideration of user welfare

    2. Harm Prevention

    • We prioritize preventing imminent physical harm to users and others
    • Public safety concerns may override individual privacy in extreme circumstances
    • We err on the side of caution when human life or safety is at risk

    3. Transparency and Accountability

    • Users are informed of all disclosure circumstances before using the service
    • We maintain detailed records of all disclosures made
    • Regular review and updating of disclosure procedures

    Mandatory Disclosure Circumstances

    Immediate Threat to Self (Suicide Risk)

    We MUST disclose when users express:

    • Specific suicide plans with means and timeline
    • Immediate intent to self-harm with detailed methods
    • Active preparation for suicide (acquiring means, writing notes, etc.)
    • Clear statements of wanting to die "today" or "right now"

    Disclosure Recipients:

    • Emergency services (911/988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
    • Local crisis intervention teams
    • Designated emergency contacts (if previously provided)

    Information Shared:

    • Immediate safety concerns only
    • User's expressed threats or plans
    • Contact information if available
    • Location data if accessible and relevant

    Threat to Others (Homicidal Risk)

    We MUST disclose when users express:

    • Specific plans to harm identified individuals
    • Detailed threats against specific persons or groups
    • Possession of weapons with expressed intent to harm others
    • Stalking behaviors with expressed violent intent

    Disclosure Recipients:

    • Law enforcement agencies
    • Intended victims (when identifiable and contactable)
    • Mental health crisis teams
    • Legal authorities as required

    Child Abuse and Neglect

    We MUST disclose when users reveal:

    • Physical, sexual, or severe emotional abuse of minors
    • Neglect endangering a child's safety or welfare
    • Sexual exploitation of children
    • Trafficking of minors

    Disclosure Recipients:

    • Child Protective Services
    • Local law enforcement
    • National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
    • Relevant state authorities

    Note: This applies regardless of whether the user is the perpetrator, victim, or witness.

    Elder or Vulnerable Adult Abuse

    We MUST disclose when users report:

    • Physical, financial, or sexual abuse of elderly or disabled adults
    • Severe neglect of vulnerable individuals
    • Exploitation of incapacitated persons

    Disclosure Recipients:

    • Adult Protective Services
    • Local law enforcement
    • Relevant healthcare authorities

    Discretionary Disclosure Circumstances

    Serious Crimes Against Persons

    We MAY disclose for:

    • Ongoing domestic violence with escalating danger
    • Sexual assault or rape disclosures (with careful consideration)
    • Human trafficking situations
    • Terrorist threats or activities

    Evaluation Criteria:

    • Immediacy of threat
    • Specificity of information
    • Availability of alternative interventions
    • User's safety and welfare
    • Legal obligations in our jurisdiction

    Public Health Emergencies

    We MAY disclose for:

    • Threats to public health and safety
    • Bioterrorism or chemical threats
    • Mass casualty planning or threats

    Disclosure Procedures

    Assessment Protocol

    1. Immediate Evaluation: Trained personnel assess threat level within 15 minutes
    2. Consultation: When possible, consult with mental health professionals
    3. Documentation: Record all decisions and rationale
    4. Action: Contact appropriate authorities using established protocols

    Information Minimization

    • Share only information necessary to address the immediate threat
    • Limit personal details to those essential for safety
    • Avoid sharing irrelevant conversation history
    • Protect user identity when possible while ensuring safety

    User Notification

    When Safe to Do So:

    • Notify users of disclosures made on their behalf
    • Explain reasons for disclosure
    • Provide resources and support information
    • Offer continued support through the crisis

    When NOT Safe:

    • Situations where notification might escalate danger
    • Cases involving threats to others where warning might compromise safety
    • Law enforcement investigations where notification is prohibited

    Special Considerations

    Minor Users (Under 18)

    • Lower threshold for disclosure due to duty to protect minors
    • Mandatory reporting for any abuse or neglect situations
    • Parental notification except when parents are suspected perpetrators
    • School counselor or authority notification when appropriate

    Users with Mental Health Conditions

    • Consider impaired judgment in assessment
    • Distinguish between crisis-related statements and chronic ideation
    • Coordinate with existing mental health providers when possible
    • Prioritize therapeutic relationship preservation when safe

    Jurisdictional Variations

    • Comply with local mandatory reporting laws
    • Understand state-specific requirements for mental health professionals
    • Work with local authorities familiar with regional protocols
    • Respect international users' local legal frameworks when possible

    Emergency Contact Resources

    Crisis Intervention

    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
    • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
    • National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
    • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

    Law Enforcement

    • Emergency Services: 911
    • FBI Tips: 1-800-225-5324
    • Local Police: [User's local emergency number]

    Mental Health Emergency

    • SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
    • National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-6264

    Training and Oversight

    Staff Training Requirements

    • Annual training on disclosure policies and procedures
    • Crisis assessment and de-escalation techniques
    • Legal requirements and ethical obligations
    • Documentation and reporting protocols

    Quality Assurance

    • Regular review of disclosure decisions
    • Expert consultation on complex cases
    • Policy updates based on best practices
    • Compliance monitoring and reporting

    External Oversight

    • Consultation with mental health professionals
    • Legal review of policies and procedures
    • Ethics committee guidance on difficult cases
    • Regular policy audits and updates

    User Rights and Support

    Right to Information

    • Clear explanation of disclosure policies before service use
    • Access to information about disclosures made (when safe)
    • Right to understand our decision-making process

    Ongoing Support

    • Continued access to chatbot services after disclosure (when appropriate)
    • Referral to professional mental health services
    • Connection with crisis support resources
    • Follow-up contact when safe and beneficial

    Appeal Process

    • Right to request review of disclosure decisions (post-crisis)
    • Access to ombudsman or patient advocate
    • Complaint process for inappropriate disclosures

    Legal Compliance

    Regulatory Framework

    • Compliance with HIPAA privacy requirements (where applicable)
    • State mandatory reporting laws
    • Professional licensing board requirements
    • Federal and state privacy regulations

    Documentation Requirements

    • Detailed records of all disclosures
    • Rationale for disclosure decisions
    • Follow-up actions taken
    • User notification records

    Limitations and Disclaimers

    Technology Limitations

    • AI systems may not recognize all crisis situations
    • Automated systems cannot replace human clinical judgment
    • Technical failures may prevent appropriate disclosure
    • User location may be unknown, limiting intervention options

    Scope of Responsibility

    • We are not licensed mental health professionals
    • Our assessments are based on limited text-based interactions
    • We cannot guarantee successful intervention in all cases
    • Users retain primary responsibility for their safety and actions

    Contact Information

    For questions about this policy:

    For immediate mental health emergencies:

    • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
    • Emergency Services: 911

    Policy Updates

    This policy is reviewed annually and updated as needed to reflect:

    • Changes in legal requirements
    • Best practices in mental health technology
    • User feedback and concerns
    • Technological capabilities and limitations

    Users will be notified of material changes through:

    • Email notification (if account provided)
    • Prominent website notice
    • In-app notifications

    By using ChatbotForMentalHealth.com, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Responsible Disclosure Policy. If you do not agree to these disclosure obligations, please do not use our service.

    Remember: This service is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you are in crisis, please contact emergency services immediately.