Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for Long Island Crisis Center Online Chat
Long Island Crisis Center Online Chat Service — Terms of Service
Effective Date: June 2025
Thank you for reaching out to Long Island Crisis Center. We are here to support you. Before using our online chat service, please take a moment to read these Terms of Service. By using the chat, you agree to the following:
1. Our Purpose
Our online chat service is a free, confidential, and non-judgmental space for individuals in emotional distress, crisis, or in need of support. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care.
2. Confidentiality
Your conversations with our counselors are confidential. However, there are important exceptions:
If you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else.
If there is suspected abuse or neglect of a minor, elderly person, or vulnerable adult.
If required by law (e.g., a court order).
In these cases, we may need to contact emergency services or appropriate authorities to help keep you or others safe.
3. Eligibility
This service is intended for individuals located on Long Island. If you are outside of this service area, including outside of the county, our counselors will attempt to assess and deescalate the immediate crisis and attempt to offer local referrals for more in depth, longer term care.
4. Appropriate Use
To help ensure a safe, respectful environment:
Do not use offensive, threatening, or abusive language.
Do not impersonate another person or misrepresent your identity.
Do not misuse the service (e.g., prank chats or harassment).
We reserve the right to end any chat that violates these guidelines.
5. Technology Limitations
While we work to keep the chat service available and secure, technical issues can occur. We are not liable for interruptions in service or data breaches beyond our control.
6. Not Emergency Services
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also call our 24/7 crisis hotline at 516-679-1111 if you are facing issues with technology.
7. Data and Privacy
We may collect anonymized data for quality assurance, training, and program improvement. We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties.
Please see our Privacy Policy below for more details.
8. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms of Service at any time. Continued use of the chat service means you accept any revised terms.
9. Contact
For questions about these terms, please contact us at:
Long Island Crisis Center
516-826-0244
dmastrangelo@longislandcrisiscenter.org
Privacy Policy for Long Island Crisis Center Online Crisis Chat
Effective Date: June 2025
Long Island Crisis Center (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of everyone who reaches out through our online crisis chat service. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect information shared during chat sessions, including provisions for children under the age of 13 in accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
1. Information We Collect
Long Island Crisis Center provides free, confidential, and anonymous support. During online chats, we may collect the following information:
Non-personally identifying information, such as your general location (e.g., city or ZIP code), type of device used, and time of chat.
Voluntarily shared information, such as name, age, phone number, or other details, if you choose to provide them for follow-up support or safety concerns.
Information from children under 13, when voluntarily shared. We do not require disclosure of age, but if we become aware that a user is under 13 and has shared personal information, we handle it in accordance with COPPA requirements.
We do not collect information for commercial purposes or use any tracking or advertising technologies on our chat platform.
2. How We Use Your Information
Information shared with us is used only for:
Providing emotional support, crisis intervention, and safety planning.
Referring users to appropriate local or national services and resources.
Protecting the safety of the user or others, when legally or ethically required.
Improving service delivery through aggregate, de-identified data
We will never sell, rent, or share your personal information for marketing or commercial use.
3. When Information May Be Disclosed
Your privacy is a top priority. However, in rare circumstances, we may need to disclose information:
With your permission, if you request a referral or follow-up.
To protect your life or the life of someone else, such as when there is a serious and imminent risk of harm.
When legally required, such as in response to a court order or as required by New York State law.
In all other cases, your identity and information remain confidential and anonymous.
4. Children’s Privacy – COPPA Compliance
Long Island Crisis Center is committed to protecting the privacy of children using our services.
We do not knowingly collect more information than is necessary to respond to a child’s request for help.
We do not require users to disclose their age. If we learn that a user under the age of 13 has shared personally identifiable information, we will take steps to delete it unless it is necessary to ensure the child's safety.
Parents or legal guardians may contact us to review, request deletion of, or prevent further use of their child’s personal information.
To make such a request, contact us at:📧 dmastrangelo@longislandcrisiscenter.org📞 (516) 826-0244
5. Data Security
We use secure, encrypted systems for all online communications. Access to chat records is limited to trained crisis counselors and supervisory staff who are required to maintain strict confidentiality. We retain chat records only as long as necessary for training, legal, or safety purposes, and then securely delete them.
6. Your Rights and Choices
You may remain anonymous at all times.
You are not required to provide personal information.
You may request that we delete any information you’ve shared by contacting us.
7. Updates to This Policy
This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in legal requirements or service improvements. Any updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, or how your information is handled, please contact:
Long Island Crisis Center📞 (516) 826-0244📧 dmastrangelo@longislandcrisiscenter.org🌐 www.longislandcrisiscenter.org
You are not alone. We’re here to listen and help.