I. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Policy, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

• "Advertiser" means any entity purchasing advertising space or sponsorship opportunities on the Platform

• "Platform" means all digital platforms owned or operated by PsychConcierge PLLC now or in the future, including but not limited to the website PsychConcierge.com (a healthcare education platform designed for informational purposes only and not as a provider of clinical care), associated newsletters, podcasts, social media channels, virtual reality environments, AI-generated content placements, and sanctioned correspondences

• "Personally Identifiable Information (PII)" means information that can be used to identify, contact, or locate a specific individual

• "Protected Health Information (PHI)" means individually identifiable health information as defined under HIPAA

• "Policy" means this Advertising and Sponsorship Policy, as may be amended from time to time

• "Sponsor" means any entity providing financial or in-kind support in exchange for recognition or promotional opportunities

II. PURPOSE

This Policy outlines the terms under which PsychConcierge PLLC ("PsychConcierge," "we," "us," or "our") accepts advertising and sponsorship across the Platform. This Policy aims to ensure all advertising and sponsorship activities align with our mission of providing reliable healthcare information while maintaining content integrity, independence, and compliance with applicable federal, state, and international regulations.

III. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

A. Federal Requirements

All advertising and sponsorship activities must comply with:

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Truth in Advertising standards (Federal Trade Commission, 2023; 15 U.S.C. §45)

• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy requirements for entities handling PHI (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2023)

• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations for health-related claims (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2023)

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) digital accessibility standards (U.S. Department of Justice, 2023)

PsychConcierge maintains HIPAA compliance in its platform operations when handling PHI. Advertisers must comply with HIPAA requirements if they collect, use, or disclose PHI in connection with their advertising activities.

B. State and Local Compliance

Advertisers must ensure compliance with applicable state healthcare advertising regulations and professional licensing board requirements in all jurisdictions where their services are offered. Advertisers utilizing geographic targeting must inform PsychConcierge of all jurisdictions where services are offered.

C. International Compliance

For international visitors, advertising must comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (European Union, 2018) and other applicable international privacy laws.

IV. APPLICABILITY AND SCOPE

This Policy applies to all advertising and sponsorship activities across:

• Banner advertisements and display advertising

• Sponsored content and native advertising

• Newsletter and email marketing sponsorships

• Podcast advertising and sponsorships

• Social media advertising and cross-promotional content

• Affiliate marketing partnerships

• Corporate sponsorships and educational partnerships

• Programmatic advertising and retargeting campaigns

V. ACCEPTANCE OF ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP

A. Review Authority

PsychConcierge reserves the sole and absolute discretion to reject, cancel, or remove any advertisement at any time, with or without cause, provided that such action complies with applicable laws and the terms of this Policy. Where practicable, PsychConcierge will provide reasonable notice prior to removal; however, immediate removal without notice may occur in cases involving potential legal violations or user harm. All advertising content must receive written approval before publication.

B. Review Process

• Initial review: 5-7 business days from submission

• Complex health claims: Up to 14 business days

• Appeals process: 10 business days for reconsideration requests

• Emergency removal: Immediate action with 24-hour email notification to advertiser and authorized agency contacts for policy violations, legal non-compliance, or threats to user safety or platform integrity

C. Non-Endorsement Disclaimer

Acceptance of an advertisement or sponsorship does not constitute an endorsement by PsychConcierge of the advertised product, service, or company.

V. SEPARATION OF CONTENT AND ADVERTISING

A. Editorial Independence

PsychConcierge maintains strict separation between editorial and advertising content. No advertiser or sponsor may influence editorial decisions, content creation, or clinical recommendations.

B. Clear Identification

All advertisements and sponsorships must be clearly labeled using standardized terminology:

• "Advertisement" or "Sponsored Content"

• "Paid Partnership" for social media

• Sponsor identification in 12-point font minimum or a clearly legible size appropriate for the display format

• Visual distinction through borders, background colors, or typography

  
  

VI. PROHIBITED ADVERTISING CATEGORIES

The following categories are strictly prohibited:

A. Substances and Products

• Alcoholic beverages

• Tobacco products and e-cigarettes

• Cannabis products and derivatives (excluding specific FDA-approved medications such as Marinol and Epidiolex)

• Controlled substances and unauthorized pharmaceuticals

• Firearms, weapons, and ammunition

• Fireworks and explosive devices

B. Services

• Direct patient care services (clinics, hospitals, individual practitioners)

• Diagnostic testing services offered directly to consumers

• Legal services, including malpractice attorneys

• Gambling and lottery services

• Adult entertainment and sexually explicit content

C. Content Categories

• Political advertisements and candidate endorsements

• Social cause advertisements promoting specific ideologies

• Religious advertisements promoting specific denominations

• Competitor products or services

• Comparative advertising mentioning competitor brand names

• Misleading or deceptive health claims

• Unsubstantiated treatment promises

• Cure claims for any health conditions

• Guaranteed treatment outcomes for any health conditions

• Content encouraging discontinuation of prescribed treatments without professional medical consultation

VII. PROHIBITED ADVERTISING FORMATS

The following formats are prohibited:

• Pop-up ads, floating ads, and interstitial ads

• Auto-playing video or audio advertisements

• Surveys or forms embedded within advertisements

• Advertisements that automatically collect user data

• Malware, spyware, or tracking software installation

• Advertisements that impair website functionality or user experience

  
  

VIII. ACCEPTABLE ADVERTISING CATEGORIES

A. Educational Products and Services

• Continuing education programs from accredited institutions

• Professional development resources

• Educational technology platforms

• Textbooks and educational materials

B. Professional Tools and Services

• Practice management software

• Electronic health record systems

• Professional liability insurance

• Office equipment and supplies

C. Case-by-Case Review Categories

The following require individual evaluation:

• Sweepstakes and contests

• Pharmaceutical advertisements (prescription drugs)

• Medical device advertisements

• Wellness programs and platforms

• Professional conferences and events

IX. HEALTH CLAIMS SUBSTANTIATION

A. Evidence Requirements

Health claims must be supported by:

• Peer-reviewed scientific research

• FDA approval documentation where applicable

• Clinical trial data from reputable sources

• Compliance with FTC substantiation standards

B. Prohibited Claims

• Cure claims for any health conditions

• Guaranteed treatment outcomes for any health conditions

• Superseding professional medical advice

• Content encouraging discontinuation of prescribed treatments without professional medical consultation

• Off-label use promotion without proper disclaimers

X. DIGITAL PRIVACY AND TRACKING

A. Cookie and Tracking Policy

• First-party analytics cookies permitted with explicit user consent (including PsychConcierge's own analytics tools)

• Third-party tracking requires explicit opt-in consent

• Advertising pixels limited to pre-approved vendors

  • (approval process includes security assessment, privacy policy review, and contractual data protection agreements)

• No cross-site tracking or behavioral profiling without explicit consent

B. Data Collection Restrictions

Advertisers are prohibited from:

• Collecting personally identifiable information without express consent

• Sharing user data with third parties

• Retaining user data beyond campaign duration

• Using data for purposes beyond stated advertising objectives

Advertisers and sponsors shall fully indemnify, defend, and hold harmless PsychConcierge PLLC from any claims, damages, or losses arising from unauthorized data collection or privacy violations attributable to their content or technology.

C. GDPR and International Compliance

• Cookie consent banners required for EU visitors

• Right to data deletion upon request

• Data processing agreements required for EU data handling

• Privacy policy links required in all advertising materials

XI. FINANCIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A. Payment Structure

• All fees quoted in USD

• Payment due within 30 days of invoice date

• Advance payment required for new advertisers

• Credit approval process for established accounts (includes credit verification and business references)

• Late payment fees: 1.5% per month on outstanding balances

PsychConcierge shall not be liable for any failure to display advertisements due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, technical failures, government actions, or third-party service interruptions.

B. Cancellation and Refunds

• 30-day written notice required for campaign cancellation

• Pro-rated refunds for unused portions of prepaid campaigns

• No refunds for completed advertising placements

• Policy violation cancellations: no refund provided

C. Rate Structure

• Advertising rates subject to annual review and adjustment

• Minimum advertising spend: $500 USD per campaign

• Volume discounts available for long-term commitments (6+ months)

• Premium placement rates for preferred positioning

• Additional fees for expedited review and approval

XII. COMPLIANCE MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT

A. Regular Audits

• Monthly review of active advertising campaigns

• Quarterly assessment of policy compliance

• Annual comprehensive policy review and updates

• Real-time monitoring of user complaints

Failure to comply with audit requests may result in immediate suspension or termination of advertising privileges without refund.

B. Violation Response

• First Violation:

  • Written warning with 48-hour correction requirement

  • Mandatory virtual compliance review meeting with designated advertiser representative

• Second Violation:

  • 30-day advertising suspension

  • Required completion of PsychConcierge-provided compliance training

• Third Violation:

  • Permanent advertising ban

  • Termination of all existing contracts

C. Appeals Process

• Written appeal within 10 business days of notification

• Independent review committee evaluation

• Final decision within 15 business days

• External mediation option for contract disputes

XIII. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

A. File Requirements

• Maximum file size: 2MB for static images

• Acceptable formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, SVG

• Video advertisements: MP4 format, maximum 30 seconds

• Audio quality: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit minimum

B. Accessibility Standards

• Alt text required for all images

• Color contrast ratio minimum 4.5:1

• Keyboard navigation compatibility

• Screen reader optimization required

XIV. AFFILIATE MARKETING PROVISIONS

A. Disclosure Requirements

• Clear affiliate relationship disclosure using FTC-compliant language

  • (examples: "This post contains affiliate links," "We may earn a commission from purchases made through these links")

• Prominent placement of affiliate notices above the fold

• Regular audit of affiliate compliance

B. Commission Structure

• Transparent commission rates disclosed upon partnership agreement

• Monthly payment schedule

• Performance tracking and reporting

• Tax documentation provided annually

  
  

XV. INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING

A. Geographic Restrictions

• Service availability verification required

• Local licensing compliance confirmation

• Currency and pricing localization

• Cultural sensitivity review process

B. Language Requirements

• Primary language: English

• Translation accuracy verification for multilingual content

• Cultural appropriateness assessment

• Local regulation compliance review

XVI. SOCIAL MEDIA AND CROSS-PLATFORM ADVERTISING

A. Platform-Specific Requirements

• Instagram: #ad or #sponsored hashtag required

• LinkedIn: "Promoted" designation mandatory

• Twitter: Clear promotional content labeling

• Facebook: Branded content tools utilization

B. Content Consistency

• Brand message alignment across platforms

• Consistent disclaimer usage

• Unified privacy policy references

• Coordinated campaign timing

XVII. PRIVACY POLICY INTEGRATION

All advertising and sponsorship activities must comply with PsychConcierge's Privacy Policy. Advertisers must provide their own privacy policies that meet or exceed our standards for user data protection and transparency.

XVIII. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION

A. Copyright Compliance

• Original content verification required

• Licensed material documentation

• Attribution requirements for third-party content

• DMCA compliance procedures

B. Trademark Protection

• Trademark usage guidelines adherence

• Permission documentation for brand usage

• Infringement reporting procedures

• Cease and desist response protocols

  
  

XIX. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

A. Content Removal

• Immediate removal authority for harmful content

• 24-hour notification to affected advertisers

• Public safety priority over commercial interests

• Legal compliance supersedes contractual obligations

B. Crisis Communication

• Designated emergency contact requirements

• Rapid response communication protocols

• Media inquiry handling procedures

• Reputation management coordination

XXI. POLICY MODIFICATIONS

PsychConcierge reserves the right to amend this Policy at its sole discretion. Material changes shall be communicated with 30 days written notice via email to active advertisers, while emergency modifications for legal compliance or user safety may be implemented immediately with same-day notification. All changes shall become effective upon posting, unless otherwise required by law. Advertisers are responsible for reviewing the Policy periodically and ensuring ongoing compliance. Advertisers are also responsible for staying informed of regulatory changes that may affect their advertising campaigns independently of PsychConcierge policy updates.

XXII. CONTACT INFORMATION

General Inquiries: business [@] PsychConcierge.com

XXIII. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

A. Internal Resolution

• Direct negotiation: 30 days

• Mediation: 60 days if negotiation fails

• Binding arbitration: Any disputes arising from advertising or sponsorship decisions shall be resolved through binding arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, to be conducted in Massachusetts

B. Governing Law

This Policy is governed by the laws of Massachusetts without regard to conflict of law principles.

XXIV. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY & DISCLAIMER

PsychConcierge's liability for any advertising-related claims is limited to the amount paid for the specific advertisement in question. PsychConcierge makes no warranties regarding advertising effectiveness and disclaims liability for consequential, incidental, or punitive damages.

XXV. SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this Policy is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Document Versioning: This Policy is identified as Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Version 2.1. Prior versions are archived and available upon request for seven years. Version requests may be submitted to business [@] PsychConcierge.com.

Effective Date: This policy becomes effective immediately upon publication and supersedes all previous versions.

Next Scheduled Review: July 3, 2026

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

• This policy governs all advertising on PsychConcierge platforms. Key points:

• We review all ads before they go live (5-14 business days)

• We prohibit healthcare services, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, and political ads

• Advertisers must clearly label sponsored content

• We require user consent for tracking and data collection

• Payment terms are net 30 days with minimum $500 USD spend

• Violations result in warnings, suspension, or permanent bans

• We can modify this policy with 30 days notice

For complete terms, refer to the full policy above.

REFERENCES

European Union. (2018). General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Official Journal of the European Union, L 119/1.

Federal Trade Commission. (2023). Truth in advertising. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/advertising-marketing-internet-rules-road

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023). Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html

U.S. Department of Justice. (2023). Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessible design. https://www.ada.gov/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Advertising and promotion guidance documents & regulatory information. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/guidance-compliance-regulatory-information/advertising-and-promotion-guidance-documents-regulatory-information

Last Updated: Friday, July 11, 2025 | Version 2.1