Vivekananda Mental Health

Policies

  1. Disclaimer

Vivekananda Mental Health (“VMH”) is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting mental well-being through community conversations, mindfulness practices, yoga, and educational events. VMH does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, therapy, counseling, or clinical mental health treatment. All information on this website and in our programs is for educational and informational purposes only.

Participation in VMH programs does not create a therapist–client, counselor–client, or doctor–patient relationship. The students, volunteers, mentors, and speakers involved with VMH are not acting in the capacity of licensed mental health professionals unless explicitly stated.

VMH is not a crisis response center. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency—such as thoughts of self-harm, danger to yourself or others, or severe distress—call 988 in the United States, or 911, or your local emergency number immediately.

2. Youth-Led Organization Notice

VMH is founded and run by student volunteers. While we strive to provide helpful, supportive, and inspiring programs, our team consists primarily of youth leaders and young adults. All educational content is guided by the values of Swami Vivekananda: service, strength, knowledge, and compassion.
Unless clearly stated, activities are not facilitated by licensed professionals.

3. Educational Purpose Only

The resources, workshops, videos, toolkits, and materials shared on this website are not intended to:

  • diagnose mental health conditions
  • provide psychotherapy
  • replace professional treatment
  • provide medical or psychiatric recommendations
  • guide medication decisions

If you have concerns about your mental health or the mental health of a loved one, please consult a licensed physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor.

4. Crisis / Safety Statement

VMH cannot respond to urgent messages or crisis situations.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs emergency support:

United States: Call 988 or 911
Outside the U.S.: Contact your local emergency number
24/7 Text Line (U.S.): Text HOME to 741741

5. External Links & Guest Speakers Disclaimer

VMH may share links to other websites or host guest speakers. These links and speakers are provided for educational purposes only.
VMH:

  • does not control external websites
  • is not responsible for the accuracy of external content
  • does not endorse medical or therapeutic recommendations made by external presenters

All participants should independently verify information with licensed professionals.

6. Privacy & Data Use Notice

VMH collects minimal personal data, limited to what is necessary for program registration, communication, and safety.
We do not collect sensitive medical or mental health information from minors.

We do not sell, rent, or share personal data.

Information may be used for:

  • event communication
  • attendance tracking
  • youth safety
  • program development
  • website improvement

Parents/guardians may request deletion of their minor’s data at any time by contacting:
vivekanandamentalhealth@gmail.com.

7. Parental Consent (Required for Minors Under 18)

By registering for or attending VMH programs, minors affirm they have the permission of a parent or legal guardian to participate.

Parents/guardians understand and acknowledge that:

  • VMH is not a clinical service
  • participation is voluntary
  • all programs are educational in nature
  • VMH staff and volunteers are not responsible for supervising minors outside of organized program times

8. Media, Photography & Recording Policy

VMH may take photographs or record portions of events for educational or promotional purposes.

Unless you opt out by written request:

  • you grant VMH permission to use non-identifiable images
  • minors’ names will never be publicly disclosed without explicit parental consent
  • anyone may request removal of photos/videos at any time

To opt out or request removal:
contact vivekanandamentalhealth@gmail.com

9. Inclusivity & Non-Discrimination Statement

VMH is a nonsectarian, nonpolitical, inclusive organization.
Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s universal message, we welcome individuals of all backgrounds, identities, faiths, cultures, and communities.

We do not discriminate on the basis of:

  • race
  • ethnicity
  • religion
  • gender
  • sexual orientation
  • disability
  • immigration status
  • socioeconomic background

VMH is committed to creating a safe, respectful, compassionate environment for all participants.

10. Intellectual Property Notice

All content on this website—including logos, graphics, articles, event materials, photographs, and videos—is the property of Vivekananda Mental Health unless otherwise credited.
Unauthorized copying, re-posting, or commercial use is prohibited without written consent.

Quotations of Swami Vivekananda’s works remain the property of their respective copyright holders, used for educational purposes.

11. Terms of Use

By using this website, you agree not to:

  • misuse educational content
  • rely on VMH in place of medical care
  • collect information from minors
  • distribute VMH materials without permission

VMH reserves the right to update these policies at any time.