Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 25, 2026

Plain-English summary: We collect what we need to run rides, process payments, and keep you safe. We don't sell your data. We do not provide therapy or medical advice, if you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

1. Who We Are

MindRide ("MindRide," "we," "us," or "our") is a transportation service that pairs riders with certified companion drivers trained as listening companions. We are not a healthcare provider, mental health professional, or therapy service.

2. Information We Collect

Information you give us

Account information: name, email, phone number, profile photo
Payment information: processed and stored securely by Stripe (we never see your full card number)
Ride information: pickup/drop-off addresses, session type (Talk & Ride, Vent & Ride, Ride to Therapist), driver preferences
Driver-specific: driver's license, vehicle registration, insurance, background check authorization, banking information for payouts (handled by Stripe Connect), training certifications
Communications: messages with drivers, support requests, feedback

Information collected automatically

Location data (with your permission) to match you with nearby drivers and provide navigation
Device data: device type, operating system, app version, IP address
Usage data: features used, ride history, pages visited on the website

Information from third parties

Background-check vendors (for drivers only)
Stripe (for payment confirmation and payout records)
Identity verification services

3. How We Use Your Information

Match riders with companion drivers and complete rides
Process payments and send driver payouts
Verify driver identity, background, and certifications
Send service notifications (ride confirmations, receipts, updates)
Provide customer support
Detect and prevent fraud, safety incidents, and policy violations
Improve the service and develop new features
Comply with legal obligations

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only as follows:

With your driver or rider: first name, profile photo, ride details (pickup/drop-off, session type), needed to complete the ride
Service providers: Stripe (payments), background-check vendors, mapping/navigation, hosting providers, email/SMS providers, bound by confidentiality
Safety & legal: law enforcement when legally required, or to protect rights, safety, or property
Business transfers: if MindRide is acquired or merged, your information may transfer to the new owner under the same protections

5. Mental Health & Crisis Disclosures

MindRide drivers are certified Mental Health Advocates, not therapists, counselors, or medical professionals. They do not provide therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice.

If you discuss thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harm to others during a ride, your driver is trained to recommend professional resources and may, in serious safety situations, contact emergency services. Information shared during rides may be reviewed by MindRide staff if a safety incident is reported.

If you are in crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.

6. Data Security

We use industry-standard safeguards: encryption in transit (TLS), encrypted databases, restricted employee access, and regular security review. Payment data is handled by Stripe, which is PCI-DSS Level 1 certified. No system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights & Choices

Access, correct, or delete your account information by contacting us
Turn off location services in your device settings (some features will stop working)
Opt out of marketing emails via the unsubscribe link in any marketing email
California, Virginia, Colorado, and other state residents: you may have additional rights to access, delete, or limit use of your personal data. Contact us to exercise these rights.
EU/UK residents: you have rights under GDPR/UK-GDPR including access, rectification, erasure, and data portability.

8. Data Retention

We keep account and ride data for as long as your account is active and as needed to provide the service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. You can request deletion at any time, subject to legal retention requirements (for example, tax records).

9. Children's Privacy

MindRide is not intended for users under 18. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you by email or in-app notice before the change takes effect.

11. Contact Us

Questions, requests, or complaints? Email us at privacy@mindride.org.

Important: This Privacy Policy is provided as a starting template. Have it reviewed by a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction before publishing for production use.