Terms of Use

Introduction

Welcome to the website of Relationship Counseling Center of California (“RCCC,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms of Use (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website at https://relationshipcounselingcenterofcalifornia.com/ (the “Website”), including any content, functionality, and services offered on or through the Website.

Please read these Terms carefully before using our Website. By accessing or using the Website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not access or use the Website.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing, browsing, or using this Website, you represent and warrant that:

• You have read and understood these Terms
• You agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy
• You have the legal capacity to enter into a binding agreement
• You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• All information you provide is truthful and accurate

If you are accessing the Website on behalf of an organization or entity, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms.

2. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to modify, update, or change these Terms at any time at our sole discretion. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page.

2.1 Notice of Changes

For material changes to these Terms, we will provide notice by:

• Posting a prominent notice on the Website
• Sending an email notification to registered users (if we have your email address)
• Displaying a notification when you next access the Website

2.2 Continued Use Constitutes Acceptance

Your continued use of the Website after changes to these Terms constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms. If you do not agree with the changes, you must stop using the Website immediately.

We encourage you to review these Terms periodically to stay informed of any updates.

3. Use of Website

3.1 License to Use

Subject to your compliance with these Terms, we grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Website for your personal, non-commercial use only.

3.2 Permitted Uses

You may use the Website to:

• Learn about our therapy services and approach
• Read informational content about mental health topics
• Complete assessment quizzes to identify appropriate services
• Contact us to schedule consultations or appointments
• Access resources and information we provide

3.3 Restrictions

You agree NOT to:

• Use the Website for any unlawful purpose or in violation of these Terms
• Use the Website in any way that could damage, disable, overburden, or impair our servers or networks
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of the Website or any systems or networks connected to the Website
• Use any automated means (such as bots, scrapers, or spiders) to access or collect information from the Website without our express written permission
• Interfere with or disrupt the integrity or performance of the Website
• Attempt to decipher, decompile, disassemble, or reverse engineer any software comprising the Website
• Remove, circumvent, disable, damage, or otherwise interfere with security-related features
• Use the Website to transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code

4. Eligibility

4.1 Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to use this Website independently. If you are under 18, you may only use the Website with the involvement and supervision of a parent or legal guardian who agrees to be bound by these Terms.

4.2 Geographic Restrictions

Our therapy services are provided primarily to individuals located in California. While our Website is accessible from anywhere, we may not be able to provide services to individuals outside California due to licensing and regulatory requirements.

4.3 Capacity to Agree

By using this Website, you represent that you have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms. If you do not have this capacity, you should not use the Website.

5. User Accounts and Security

5.1 Account Creation

Some features of our Website may require you to create an account or provide registration information. When creating an account, you agree to:

• Provide accurate, current, and complete information
• Maintain and promptly update your information to keep it accurate and current
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of your login credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• Accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account

5.2 Account Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account password and for all activities that occur under your account. You agree to:

• Use a strong, unique password
• Not share your password with anyone
• Log out of your account when finished
• Notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access

We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your account credentials.

5.3 Account Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account at any time, with or without notice, for any reason, including if we believe you have violated these Terms.

6. No Therapeutic Relationship Through Website

6.1 Website Information is General Only

The information provided on this Website is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to:

• Establish a therapist-client relationship
• Provide mental health treatment or clinical services
• Offer professional advice for your specific situation
• Replace professional mental health care
• Constitute an assessment or diagnosis

6.2 Assessment Quizzes Are Screening Tools Only

Any quizzes, assessments, or screening tools on this Website are designed to provide general guidance about which services might be appropriate for your needs. They are NOT:

• Clinical diagnoses
• Professional mental health assessments
• Substitutes for evaluation by a licensed professional
• Guarantees about what services you need or will receive

6.3 No Confidentiality for Website Communications

Communications through the Website (such as contact forms, email, or general inquiry submissions) are NOT confidential and do NOT receive the same protections as communications within an established therapeutic relationship. For confidential communications, you must become an established client and use our secure, HIPAA-compliant communication systems.

7. Not Medical or Professional Advice

7.1 Educational Content Only

All content on this Website, including articles, blog posts, service descriptions, and informational materials, is provided for educational and informational purposes only. This content is not intended to be and should not be interpreted as:

• Medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
• Mental health advice specific to your situation
• Professional counseling or therapy
• Legal advice
• A substitute for consultation with qualified professionals

7.2 No Warranty of Accuracy

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of any content on the Website. Mental health information evolves, and what is current today may be outdated tomorrow.

7.3 Always Consult a Professional

Never disregard professional medical or mental health advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you have questions about your mental health or treatment, consult with a qualified healthcare provider.

8. Intellectual Property Rights

8.1 Ownership

The Website and its entire contents, features, and functionality (including but not limited to all information, software, text, displays, images, video, audio, design, selection and arrangement, and the “look and feel” of the Website) are owned by RCCC, its licensors, or other providers of such material and are protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws.

8.2 Trademarks

The RCCC name, logos, and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are trademarks of RCCC or its affiliates or licensors. You must not use such marks without our prior written permission. All other names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans on this Website are the trademarks of their respective owners.

8.3 Limited License

These Terms grant you a limited license to access and use the Website for personal, non-commercial purposes. This license does not include any right to:

• Reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, resell, or exploit any portion of the Website
• Use any content for commercial purposes
• Modify or create derivative works based on the Website or its content
• Reverse engineer or attempt to extract source code
• Remove or alter any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary notices

8.4 Copyright Infringement

We respect the intellectual property rights of others and expect users to do the same. If you believe that content on our Website infringes your copyright, please contact us with:

• A description of the copyrighted work you claim has been infringed
• The location on our Website of the allegedly infringing material
• Your contact information
• A statement that you have a good faith belief that the use is not authorized
• A statement that the information you provided is accurate
• Your physical or electronic signature

9. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to use the Website:

1. In any way that violates any applicable federal, state, local, or international law or regulation
2. To transmit, or procure the sending of, any advertising or promotional material, including any “junk mail,” “chain letter,” “spam,” or any other similar solicitation
3. To impersonate or attempt to impersonate RCCC, an RCCC employee, another user, or any other person or entity
4. To engage in any conduct that restricts or inhibits anyone’s use or enjoyment of the Website
5. To exploit, harm, or attempt to exploit or harm minors in any way
6. To send, knowingly receive, upload, download, use, or re-use any material that does not comply with these Terms
7. To transmit any material that is defamatory, obscene, indecent, abusive, offensive, harassing, violent, hateful, inflammatory, or otherwise objectionable
8. To transmit any material that infringes any patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, or other intellectual property or proprietary rights
9. To upload or transmit viruses, malware, or other malicious code
10. To interfere with or circumvent security features of the Website
11. To collect or track personal information of others without consent
12. To engage in any automated use of the system, such as using scripts or bots
13. To attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Website, user accounts, or computer systems or networks
14. To use the Website in a manner that could disable, overburden, damage, or impair the site
15. To use the Website to provide or seek emergency mental health services

We reserve the right to investigate and take appropriate legal action against anyone who violates these prohibitions, including removing offending content, suspending or terminating accounts, and reporting to law enforcement authorities.

10. User-Generated Content

10.1 Types of User Content

Certain features of the Website may allow you to submit content, including:

• Contact form submissions
• Quiz or assessment responses
• Comments or feedback
• Email communications
• Other information you provide

10.2 License to User Content

By submitting content to the Website, you grant RCCC a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, and display such content for the purposes of:

• Providing our services to you
• Operating and improving the Website
• Communicating with you
• Complying with legal obligations

Note: Once you become an established patient, communications and information you provide as part of therapy services are governed by HIPAA and our Notice of Privacy Practices, not these Terms.

10.3 Your Representations

You represent and warrant that:

• You own or have the necessary rights to submit the content
• Your content does not violate the privacy rights, publicity rights, copyrights, or other rights of any person
• Your content is not defamatory, obscene, or otherwise objectionable
• Your content does not contain viruses or malicious code

10.4 We Are Not Responsible for User Content

We do not endorse, support, represent, or guarantee the completeness, truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of any user content. You understand that by using the Website, you may be exposed to content that might be offensive or objectionable. We have no obligation to monitor user content, but we reserve the right to remove any content that violates these Terms or is otherwise objectionable.

11. Third-Party Links and Resources

11.1 Links to Other Websites

Our Website may contain links to third-party websites, resources, or services that are not owned or controlled by RCCC. These links are provided for your convenience and informational purposes only.

11.2 No Endorsement

We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by RCCC of the linked site or any association with its operators.

11.3 Your Responsibility

You acknowledge and agree that:

• RCCC is not responsible for any damage or loss caused by or in connection with use of or reliance on any third-party content, goods, or services
• You access third-party websites at your own risk
• You should review the terms and privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit
• We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of third-party content

11.4 Third-Party Services We Use

We use various third-party services to operate our Website, including:

• Google Analytics for website analytics
• Payment processors for billing
• Email service providers
• Quiz and assessment platforms

These services have their own terms of service and privacy policies. Our use of these services is described in our Privacy Policy.

12. Disclaimer of Warranties

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, RCCC disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to:

• Warranties of merchantability: That the Website is suitable for any particular purpose
• Warranties of fitness for a particular purpose: That the Website will meet your specific needs
• Warranties of non-infringement: That the Website does not infringe on third-party rights
• Warranties of accuracy: That the information on the Website is accurate, complete, or current
• Warranties of reliability: That the Website will operate error-free or uninterrupted
• Warranties regarding results: That use of the Website will achieve any particular outcome

12.1 No Guarantee of Availability

We do not warrant that:

• The Website will be available at all times or at any specific time
• The Website will be free from errors, bugs, or defects
• Any defects will be corrected
• The Website or its servers are free from viruses or harmful components

12.2 No Medical Guarantees

We make no warranties or guarantees regarding:

• The effectiveness of any therapy approach mentioned on the Website
• Outcomes or results from therapy services
• That our services will be appropriate for your specific needs
• That you will benefit from our services

12.3 Information May Be Outdated

Information on the Website may become outdated, and we undertake no obligation to update such information. We make no representation that content on the Website is current or complete.

Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion of certain warranties, so some of the above exclusions may not apply to you.

13. Limitation of Liability

13.1 Types of Damages Excluded

This limitation applies to damages of any kind, including but not limited to:

• Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
• Loss of data or information
• Business interruption
• Personal injury or emotional distress
• Loss of privacy
• Any other pecuniary loss

13.2 Regardless of Legal Theory

These limitations apply regardless of the legal theory on which a claim is based, whether:

• Breach of contract
• Breach of warranty
• Tort (including negligence)
• Product liability
• Strict liability
• Or any other legal theory

13.3 Even If We Were Advised

These limitations apply even if RCCC has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

13.4 Cap on Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability to you for all claims arising out of or related to your use of the Website, whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, shall not exceed the greater of:

• $100, or
• The amount you paid to us (if any) in the twelve months preceding the claim

13.5 Jurisdictions That Do Not Allow Limitations

Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages. In such jurisdictions, our liability shall be limited to the greatest extent permitted by law.

13.6 Essential Purpose

The limitations of damages set forth above are fundamental elements of the basis of the bargain between RCCC and you. The Website would not be provided without such limitations.

14. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless RCCC, its affiliates, licensors, and service providers, and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, licensors, suppliers, successors, and assigns from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your use or misuse of the Website
• Your violation of any law or regulation
• Your violation of the rights of any third party, including intellectual property rights, privacy rights, or proprietary rights
• Any content you submit to the Website
• Any activity related to your account (whether by you or anyone else using your account)

We reserve the right to assume the exclusive defense and control of any matter otherwise subject to indemnification by you, in which event you will cooperate in asserting any available defenses.

This indemnification obligation will survive the termination of these Terms and your use of the Website.

15. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms and your use of the Website are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

15.2 Jurisdiction and Venue

You agree that any legal action or proceeding arising out of or related to these Terms or your use of the Website shall be brought exclusively in the federal or state courts located in Fresno County, California. You consent to the personal jurisdiction of these courts and waive any objection to venue in these courts.

15.3 Informal Resolution

Before filing any formal legal action, you agree to first contact us and attempt to resolve any dispute informally. Please send written notice of your dispute to the address listed in Section 18, including:

• Your name and contact information
• A description of the dispute
• The relief you seek

We will attempt to resolve the dispute within 60 days of receiving your notice.

15.4 Time Limit for Claims

You agree that regardless of any statute or law to the contrary, any claim or cause of action arising out of or related to use of the Website or these Terms must be filed within one (1) year after such claim or cause of action arose or be forever barred.

15.5 Class Action Waiver

You agree that any dispute resolution proceedings will be conducted only on an individual basis and not in a class, consolidated, or representative action. You waive any right to participate in a class action lawsuit or class-wide arbitration.

16. Termination

16.1 Our Right to Terminate

We may terminate or suspend your access to all or part of the Website immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including without limitation if:

• You breach these Terms
• We are required to do so by law
• We decide to discontinue the Website or any feature
• We suspect fraudulent, abusive, or illegal activity

16.2 Your Right to Terminate

You may terminate your use of the Website at any time by simply ceasing to access the Website. If you have an account, you may also request account deletion by contacting us.

16.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your right to use the Website will immediately cease
• All provisions of these Terms which by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including but not limited to ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnity, and limitations of liability
• We are not obligated to retain or provide you with any content you submitted
• Termination does not relieve you of any obligations incurred prior to termination

16.4 No Liability for Termination

We shall not be liable to you or any third party for any termination of your access to the Website.

17. General Provisions

17.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other agreements expressly incorporated by reference herein, constitute the entire agreement between you and RCCC regarding the use of the Website and supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings and agreements, whether written or oral, regarding such subject matter.

17.2 Waiver

No waiver by RCCC of any term or condition set forth in these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or a waiver of any other term or condition. Any failure by RCCC to assert a right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

17.3 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be eliminated or limited to the minimum extent such that the remaining provisions of these Terms will continue in full force and effect.

17.4 Assignment

You may not assign, transfer, or sublicense these Terms or any of your rights or obligations hereunder without our prior written consent. We may freely assign or transfer these Terms. Any attempted assignment in violation of this section shall be void.

17.5 No Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms do not and are not intended to confer any rights or remedies upon any person or entity other than you and RCCC.

17.6 Headings

The headings in these Terms are for convenience only and have no legal or contractual effect.

17.7 Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance under these Terms due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, riots, embargoes, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, pandemics, strikes, or shortages of transportation, facilities, fuel, energy, labor, or materials.

17.8 Electronic Communications

You consent to receive communications from us electronically. We will communicate with you by email or by posting notices on the Website. You agree that all agreements, notices, disclosures, and other communications that we provide to you electronically satisfy any legal requirement that such communications be in writing.

17.9 Language

These Terms are drafted in English. If these Terms are translated into another language, the English version shall prevail to the extent of any conflict or inconsistency.

17.10 Relationship of the Parties

Nothing in these Terms shall be construed to create a partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship between you and RCCC. You have no authority to bind RCCC in any manner whatsoever.