Fanus Platform Terms of Use

For clients and specialists

Version 1.0 — August 4, 2026

This document sets out the terms accepted before registering and using services on the Fanus platform. Checking the confirmation box during registration constitutes electronic consent.

I. Terms of use for clients

Anyone who creates an account, books a session, or uses any other feature of Fanus is deemed to have accepted these terms.

I.1. Subject matter and acceptance of these terms

These terms govern the use of the Fanus website, app, operator service, online sessions, packages, psychological tests, articles, and other features. Checking the confirmation box during registration constitutes electronic consent.

I.2. Fanus's role

Fanus is an electronic intermediary platform that brings together clients and independently operating specialists. Psychological services are provided by the specialist in their own name and under their own professional responsibility. Fanus is not a treatment institution, an emergency service, or the specialist's employer.

I.3. Verified specialists

Specialists carrying the verification badge have had their identity, higher-education, and submitted professional documents pass Fanus's review procedure. Experience and areas of practice are shown separately on the profile. Fanus is responsible only for having carried out the document review intended for granting the verification badge; the badge is not a guarantee of the specialist's future conduct, chosen method, or the outcome of the service. A profile without the verification badge is not considered a Fanus-verified specialist.

I.4. Choice of specialist and outcome guarantee

The client chooses a specialist themselves, based on profile information, specialisation, language, experience, price, and available time, or uses the platform's automated matching feature. Fanus does not guarantee any specific diagnosis, treatment, outcome, fit, or recovery. Responsibility for professional assessment, method, recommendations, and the outcome of the service lies with the specialist.

I.5. Informational content

Articles, tests, videos, Q&As, and other materials on the site are for general informational purposes; they are not a substitute for diagnosis, an individual treatment plan, medical opinion, or emergency care. Psychologists do not prescribe medication; decisions about medication must be made by an appropriately licensed physician.

I.6. Age limit and accuracy of information

Persons under 18 may use the service only with the valid consent of a legal representative and in accordance with the requirements of applicable law. Clients must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and while using the service. Responsibility for any risk or harm arising from inaccurate information lies with the person who provided it.

I.7. Account security

The account is personal and may not be given to another person. Protecting the password, login code, and device security is the client's responsibility. Fanus must be notified immediately if unauthorised access is suspected.

I.8. Introductory meeting

A free or short introductory meeting is intended only for the parties to get acquainted and for an initial assessment of compatibility; it is not considered therapy, diagnosis, or individual professional advice.

I.9. Contact only through the platform

Neither the specialist nor the client may request or accept a personal phone number or other direct means of contact from the other party. All communication and arrangements are conducted through the mediation of Fanus staff — this ensures the process remains supervised, protects both parties, and guarantees the necessary support is fully provided.

I.10. Booking and payment

A session is considered reserved only once it has been confirmed in the system and the required payment has been completed. Price, duration, package terms, and any applicable platform fee are shown before payment. Payments must be made only through Fanus's official channels.

I.11. Rescheduling and cancelling a session

The client may reschedule or cancel a session at least 24 hours before it is due to start, from their personal account or with the help of a Fanus operator. If a session is cancelled, rescheduled, or the client fails to join with less than 24 hours' notice, the session is deemed to have taken place and the payment/package entitlement is not refunded. Sessions booked with less than 24 hours before their start cannot be cancelled from the moment of booking. The system may apply a reasonable limit on the number of changes to prevent abuse; the current limit is a maximum of three changes per session.

I.12. Lateness and failure to join

A client's lateness does not extend the end time of the session. Unless the specialist has stated a different rule in advance, a session is deemed used if the client fails to join within 15 minutes of its scheduled start.

I.13. Specialist's failure to attend a session

If a specialist cancels a session or fails to attend without agreement at least 24 hours in advance, the client may choose, at a time convenient to them, either a free replacement session, an alternative specialist, or restoration of the amount paid/usage right for that session. Repeated violations may result in suspension of the specialist's activity on the platform.

I.14. Packages

Packages are intended solely for the client who purchased them and may not be transferred to another person or exchanged for cash. Unless another period is explicitly stated, a package is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Unused sessions expire once the period has ended.

I.15. Refunds

If a client has not used any session from a package, they may request a refund within 14 days of purchase. If use of the package has begun and three months have not passed since purchase, used sessions are calculated at the individual session price in effect at that date, and the remaining amount is refunded. No refund is given for a package after three months, except where mandated by law. Where a refund is possible, it is sent to the original payment method, and the bank's processing time may apply.

I.16. Changing specialist

A client who considers the collaboration unsuitable may choose another specialist. If a specialist leaves the platform, becomes unreachable for an extended period, or fails to respond to a request within 24 hours, Fanus may facilitate the choice of an alternative specialist.

I.17. Technical requirements

Ensuring an internet connection, camera, microphone, device, and a quiet, private environment for the session is the client's responsibility. Fanus may temporarily suspend the platform for maintenance or security purposes. Where a confirmed fault originating from Fanus's system prevents a session from taking place, the session is rescheduled or the usage right is restored.

I.18. Privacy and data protection

The client's identity, contact details, and session- and health-related information are kept confidential and processed in accordance with the Privacy Policy. Data is used only for delivering the service, payment, security, legal obligations, and purposes for which explicit consent has been given. Cases required by law, lawful requests from courts and authorised state bodies, and situations involving a serious risk to life and safety are lawful exceptions to confidentiality.

I.19. Prohibition on off-platform contact and payment

Clients and specialists must not exchange phone numbers, personal email addresses, social media accounts, addresses, or other direct contact information, must not take the professional relationship formed through Fanus off the platform, and must not agree to any off-platform payment. Where technically necessary, contact may only be established through a channel and to an extent approved by Fanus.

I.20. Audio and video recording

A session may not be recorded in audio, video, screen-capture, or text form, stored, distributed, or shared with a third party without the other party's separate, prior, written consent.

I.21. Rules of conduct

Harassment, threats, stalking, discrimination, sexual content, false information, interference with the platform's security, use of another person's account, and unlawful activity are prohibited. In the event of a violation, content may be removed, an account restricted, or membership terminated immediately.

I.22. Crisis and high-risk situations

Fanus does not provide crisis intervention, emergency medical assistance, law enforcement, or continuous safety-monitoring services. If a specialist identifies signs that a client poses a risk of harm to themselves or others, suicide, violence, a severe psychiatric disorder, abuse, or another serious danger, the online service is stopped immediately; the client is directed to emergency medical care, a physical medical facility, law enforcement, or another relevant official body, and Fanus is notified in writing. In such a case Fanus may immediately restrict the account or terminate membership. Professional risk assessment, informing, and directing the client is the specialist's obligation, except for mandatory obligations that legislation places directly on Fanus.

I.23. Complaints, reviews and moderation

A client may submit complaints and evidence relating to the service to Fanus's official support channel. Reviews may be moderated for harassment, personal data, defamation, advertising, and unlawful content. Fanus may request information from the parties to investigate a complaint, impose a temporary restriction, and take action once a violation of the rules is confirmed.

I.24. Suspension and termination of account

In the event of a breach of these terms, false documents or information, a security risk, payment fraud, off-platform service, repeated complaints, or unlawful conduct, Fanus may, without prior warning, temporarily suspend the account, remove content, or terminate membership immediately. Refund rights protected by applicable law remain unaffected.

I.25. Force majeure

A party is not liable for delay in fulfilling its obligations due to power or communications outages, large-scale internet failure, natural disaster, epidemic, war, government decision, or other circumstances beyond the parties' control. Where possible, the session is rescheduled.

I.26. Changes to the terms and notice

Fanus may update these terms in accordance with legislation, its service model, and security requirements. Significant changes are announced before they take effect, via the website, personal account, or the registered email address. Continued use of the service after a change constitutes acceptance of the new version.

I.27. Governing law and disputes

The legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan applies to these terms. A dispute is first sought to be resolved through negotiation via Fanus's official support channel; if no agreement is reached, the matter is settled in the competent court of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Fanus is not a party to any dispute between the specialist and the client concerning professional decisions, methods, conduct, or the outcome of the service; responsibility in these areas lies with the specialist, except for mandatory liability legislation places on Fanus.

II. Rules of conduct for specialists

Every specialist who creates a profile, obtains a verification badge, accepts clients, or shares professional content on Fanus must comply with these rules.

II.1. Acceptance of these terms

By registering and operating on the platform, the specialist accepts these terms, Fanus's Code of Ethics, the Privacy Policy, and the payment and platform conditions. Electronic confirmation has the same effect as written consent.

II.2. Independent professional status

The specialist provides their service in their own name, independently, and under their own professional responsibility. This relationship does not create an employment contract, agency, partnership, or authority to provide medical/psychological services on behalf of Fanus.

II.3. Documents and the verification badge

The specialist must submit accurate, current, and verifiable documents concerning identity, higher education, qualification, certification, work experience, and practising permits. The verification badge indicates that document review has been completed; if a document expires, status changes, or information is updated, the specialist must notify Fanus immediately. False or misleading information is grounds for immediate removal of the profile and termination of membership.

II.4. Professional competence

The specialist must provide services only within their education, experience, and legal authority, must use scientifically grounded approaches, and must maintain professional boundaries. Where a matter exceeds their competence, they must not continue the service and must refer the client to an appropriately qualified specialist or institution. Psychologists may not prescribe medication.

II.5. Professional and legal responsibility

Full professional and legal responsibility for diagnostic assessment, choice of method, intervention, recommendations, records, confidentiality decisions, referrals, conduct with the client, and the outcome of the service lies with the specialist. Fanus does not interfere with these decisions and is not a party to any professional or legal dispute between the specialist and the client, except for mandatory obligations that legislation places directly on Fanus.

II.6. Informed consent

Before starting the service, the specialist must clearly inform the client about the nature of the service, its possible limitations, duration, cost, confidentiality and its exceptions, the technical risks of the online service, and situations requiring referral.

II.7. Prohibition of direct contact

The specialist may not give the client a personal phone number or other direct means of contact, request one from the client, or take the session off the platform. All contact must be conducted through the mediation of Fanus staff.

II.8. Confidentiality and data security

The specialist must keep the client's identity, contact details, session, health, and other personal data confidential, process them only to the extent necessary for the service, and protect them in a secure environment. Data must not be unlawfully stored on a personal device, in the cloud, or on paper, shared with a third party, or used for another purpose. Where a lawful exception applies, disclosure must be limited to the necessary minimum.

II.9. Exchange of contact information and off-platform service

The specialist may not request or give a phone number, personal email, social media account, address, or other direct contact information to or from the client, and may not direct a relationship formed through Fanus toward an off-platform session or payment. Where technically or legally necessary, contact is established only through a channel and to an extent approved by Fanus.

II.10. Schedule and response time

The specialist must publish only times they are genuinely available, keep their schedule up to date, and respond to a new request as quickly as possible and no later than within 24 hours. Prolonged unavailability must be noted in Fanus in advance.

II.11. Rescheduling and cancelling a session

If a specialist wishes to reschedule or cancel a session, this must be agreed with the client and a Fanus operator at least 24 hours before the session is due to start. A change may not be made unilaterally.

II.12. Specialist's failure to attend

If a specialist fails to attend a session or cancels it without agreement at least 24 hours in advance, they must hold a free replacement session for the client at a time the client considers suitable. If the client chooses a different specialist or restoration of the payment/usage right instead, the specialist must cooperate in accordance with Fanus's decision. Repeated violations may result in suspension or immediate removal of the profile.

II.13. Punctuality and technical conditions

The specialist must join the session on time and provide working internet, camera, microphone, a secure device, and a professional environment where outside parties cannot overhear. If a session does not take place due to the specialist's technical unpreparedness, the client is offered a free replacement session.

II.14. Keeping notes and recordings

A session may not be recorded in audio, video, or screen-capture form without the client's separate, prior, informed, written consent. Professional notes must be kept only lawfully, to the extent necessary, and securely, and must be securely deleted once the retention period ends.

II.15. Professional boundaries

The specialist may not form a romantic, sexual, exploitative, financially interested, or other dual relationship with the client that affects professional judgement. Harassment, threats, discrimination, religious or political pressure, advertising of personal products and services, and requests for loans or gifts are prohibited.

II.16. Tests and copyright

The specialist must use only tests, methods, articles, images, and other materials for which they have usage rights and the necessary competence. Test results must not be presented as a diagnosis, and the limitations of a result must be explained to the client. Responsibility for any copyright infringement lies with the specialist who uploaded the material.

II.17. Public content and reviews

Profiles, articles, videos, comments, and replies must not contain unproven promises of recovery or outcome, false professional titles, covert advertising, alarming language, or information identifying a client. When responding to a review, the specialist must not share information confirming that a person received a service from Fanus or disclosing the content of a session.

II.18. Persons who have not reached the age of majority

Service to persons under 18 may be provided only on the basis of the valid consent of a legal representative and applicable legal-professional requirements. Assessing whether such consent exists and whether the service is appropriate is the specialist's responsibility.

II.19. Crisis and high-risk situations

Where a specialist identifies signs that a client poses a risk of harm to themselves or others, suicide, violence, a severe psychiatric disorder, abuse, or another serious danger, they must professionally assess the risk, stop the online service immediately, clearly advise the client to contact emergency medical care, a physical medical facility, law enforcement, or another relevant official body, and immediately notify Fanus in writing of the incident. Where permitted or required by law, a legal representative and the relevant authority are notified. Responsibility for the timely and correct performance of these steps lies with the specialist. In such a case, Fanus may immediately suspend the online service and membership.

II.20. Cooperation with complaints and investigations

The specialist must cooperate with any lawful and justified investigation by Fanus into a complaint, security incident, payment dispute, or legal enquiry, and must provide requested information in accordance with the principles of confidentiality and minimum disclosure. The profile may be temporarily suspended during an investigation.

II.21. Pricing, payment, and platform fee

The specialist must accurately state price and package information and must comply with Fanus's payment, commission, refund, and settlement rules. No additional payment not shown on the platform may be requested from the client.

II.22. Suspension and immediate removal of a profile

In the event of false documents, unauthorised activity, a breach of confidentiality, off-platform payment or contact, harassment or exploitation, dangerous professional conduct, failure to follow crisis procedure, repeated session violations, a serious complaint, or unlawful conduct, Fanus may restrict, suspend, immediately remove the profile, and terminate membership without prior warning. This measure does not remove the specialist's responsibility toward the client and state authorities.

II.23. Force majeure

Where an event beyond the parties' control prevents a session from taking place, the specialist must notify Fanus and the client as soon as possible and cooperate in rescheduling the session.

II.24. Updating the rules

Fanus may update these rules in accordance with legislation, service, and security requirements. Significant changes are notified to the specialist electronically. Continued activity on the platform after a change constitutes acceptance of the new version.

II.25. Governing law and disputes

The legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan applies to these terms. A dispute is first sought to be resolved through negotiation via Fanus's official channel; if no agreement is reached, the matter is settled in the competent court of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

See also: Privacy Policy · Have a question? Get in touch with us