4.1 Relationship & Classification
By becoming a TherapyBro listener, you are an independent contractor, NOT an employee. You have full control over your schedule, availability, and whether to accept sessions. TherapyBro does not mandate availability or minimum hours.
4.2 Listener Types & Scope
Peer Listeners: Bachelor's degree (any field). Provide emotional support only. Cannot diagnose or prescribe. Earn ₹10.80/min (60% of user cost).
Professional Listeners: Master's in Psychology/Counseling. Enhanced scope: reflective questioning, CBT principles, grounding techniques. Cannot diagnose or prescribe. Earn ₹14/min (from platform 40% cut, user pays ₹14/min).
4.3 Code of Conduct
All listeners must:
- Be respectful, non-judgmental, and empathetic to users
- Maintain confidentiality: Never share user information outside the platform
- Respect user boundaries: No unsolicited contact, no personal relationship-building beyond sessions
- Use only platform-provided communication channels (in-app chat/voice notes)
- Avoid sexual, romantic, or inappropriate content in sessions
- Escalate crisis risk immediately (suicidal intent, self-harm, psychosis) to 108 and Tele-MANAS 14416
- Complete all mandatory training modules before accepting sessions
- Accept all session types assigned (no discrimination)
4.4 Payment & Earnings
- Session Rate: Peer ₹10.80/min, Professional ₹14/min (actual rate varies by demand, dynamic pricing may apply)
- Minimum Session: 8 minutes (users must have minimum balance). You earn for actual session duration.
- Payment Frequency: Earnings paid weekly (every Monday) to your registered bank account (UPI micro-deposit verified)
- Cancellation Clause: If you miss a session within 60 seconds of request, you're auto-marked offline (no penalty, but cooldown: re-accept after 30 min)
- Chargeback Risk: If user disputes a session via payment provider, your earnings are reversed. You agree to accept this risk.
4.5 Performance Standards
- Response Time: Respond to session requests within 60 seconds. Delayed acceptance = auto-offline.
- Session Quality: Aim for 4+ rating (out of 5). If rating drops below 2.5 over 10 sessions, you may be contacted for feedback.
- Availability: Set your status honestly (Online, Busy, Offline). No fake availability.
4.6 Suspension & Termination
- Immediate Suspension (24–48 hours): Violation of code of conduct (harassment, inappropriate content, confidentiality breach)
- Termination: Multiple suspensions (3+), legal violations, or substantiated user harm reports result in permanent removal
- Appeal Process: You can appeal a suspension via email. TherapyBro will review within 7 days.
4.7 Liability & Disclaimer
You are not liable for user outcomes: You are not responsible for a user's mental health outcomes, self-harm, or suicide risk. TherapyBro's crisis escalation is designed to mitigate this.
You are not a therapist: You are providing emotional support, not clinical treatment. Do not diagnose or prescribe.
Session Confidentiality: You must not disclose session details outside the platform. Violation results in immediate termination.
Indemnification: You indemnify TherapyBro from claims arising from your conduct, violations, or harm caused by your actions.
4.8 Insurance & Self-Care
TherapyBro recommends you carry professional liability insurance (optional but strongly advised). Recommended providers: Star Health Wellness, ICICI Lombard, HDFC Ergo (₹1,500–5,000/year). We do not provide insurance.
4.9 Data & Confidentiality
- Your listener profile (name, bio, credentials, ratings) is public on the app
- User chat history is visible only to you and the user. Never share.
- TherapyBro may use anonymized session data to improve the platform
4.10 Termination of Agreement
Either party can terminate this agreement anytime. You can disable your listener account anytime via the app. TherapyBro can terminate for violation of this agreement.
4.11 Tax Responsibility
You are responsible for your own taxes on listener earnings. TherapyBro will provide tax documentation (Indian equivalent) for tax filing as applicable to independent contractors.