Terms of Use

These Terms of Use govern your access to and use of the APA Labs Digital Badge Program (the “Program”), including any associated digital platform, portal, or library (collectively, the “Digital Solutions Library” or “Site”) where evaluated digital mental and behavioral health technologies are displayed, promoted, or referenced. The Program is operated by APA Labs, a unit of American Psychological Association Services, Inc. (“APASI”), in partnership with ORCHA (Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Products) (“ORCHA”). By accessing or using the Program, Site, or any content therein, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not access or use the Site or Program. 

Intellectual Property  

All text, graphics, user interfaces, visual interfaces, photographs, trademarks, logos, badges (including the APA Labs Digital Badge), sounds, music, artwork, and computer code (collectively, “Content”), including the design, structure, selection, coordination, expression, “look and feel,” and arrangement of such Content on the Site or in the Program, is owned, controlled, or licensed by APASI or its partners (including ORCHA) and is protected by copyright, trade dress, patent, trademark laws, and other intellectual property rights and unfair competition laws. Except as expressly permitted in these Terms, no part of the Site, Program, or Content may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded, posted, publicly displayed, encoded, translated, transmitted, or distributed in any way (including “mirroring”) to any other computer, server, website, or medium for publication, distribution, or commercial purposes without APASI’s express prior written consent. Any non-commercial extracts must include full acknowledgment and reference to APA Labs and the Program. Links to external websites are for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement. APASI and ORCHA are not responsible for the accuracy, timeliness, or content of linked sites. 

The APA Labs Digital Badge Program  

The Program provides independent, evidence-based evaluations of digital mental and behavioral health technologies (“Products”) to promote safety, efficacy, privacy, usability, and clinical alignment with psychological science and best practices. In partnership with ORCHA, APASI delivers rigorous evaluations rooted in clinical insight, regulatory alignment, and real-world expectations. The Program confers the APA Labs Digital Badge to Products that meet proprietary criteria across six critical domains (all incorporating AI-specific requirements for transparency, governance, and safe deployment): 

1. Scene Setters – Evaluates product description, target users, claims, developer transparency, mental health relevance, inclusivity, AI use, and intended purpose. 

2. Evidence & Performance (or Scientific Principles) – Evaluates support for clinical or behavioral claims through studies, real-world data, KPIs, evidence type (e.g., RCTs vs. observational), study design, theoretical frameworks, and AI model validation/accuracy. 

3. Regulation & Safety – Reviews regulatory compliance (including U.S. FDA status), health professional involvement, risk management, emergency contacts, disclaimers, and AI governance. 

4. Data Protection & Privacy – Examines data flows, consent, user rights, HIPAA applicability (or equivalent), children’s data protections, plain-language policies, and complaint pathways. 

5. Technical Security & Stability – Covers encryption, access controls, testing (e.g., penetration/vulnerability), operational reliability, disaster recovery, and compliance with standards like OWASP, ISO 27001, SOC 2, or NIST. 

6. Usability & Accessibility – Evaluates inclusive design, co-design with diverse populations, WCAG/ADA conformance, readability, customization options, user support, and AI accessibility. 

The Program supports APASI’s mission to elevate standards, protect users, empower informed decisions by psychologists and the public, and drive ethical innovation in digital mental health. Evaluations typically take about 30 days, involving direct collaboration between developers, APA Labs, and ORCHA staff. Badged Products may be displayed or referenced in the Digital Solutions Library or dedicated portal to provide visibility to clinicians, health systems, payers, and over 190,000 psychologists. The Program does not promote specific Products but offers impartial information to help stakeholders identify high-quality tools. Products failing to meet criteria or posing significant risks may not receive the badge or be excluded from visibility. 

By using the Site or Program, you acknowledge that evaluations rely on information from developers, the Product, public sources, or app stores. APASI and ORCHA are not responsible for inaccuracies in provided data. Developers remain solely responsible for regulatory compliance, including FDA authorization where applicable. Report concerns or inaccuracies to the contact provided on the Site. The badge indicates alignment with Program criteria but does not guarantee efficacy, safety, bug-free performance, or suitability in specific circumstances. 

Inaccurate or Misleading Information  

The Program’s evaluations are based on developer-provided information and publicly available data. APASI and ORCHA do not verify every claim independently and accept no responsibility for errors, misleading statements, or adverse effects from any Product. If you believe information is inaccurate or misleading, contact us promptly for review. The badge is not a regulatory approval or endorsement of clinical outcomes. 

Data & Privacy All data is handled in accordance with the applicable Privacy Notice found here: https://apa.orchahealth.com/en-US/privacy-policy 

Medical/Professional Care and Advice  

The Program, Site, badges, and related content are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified psychologist, physician, or other healthcare professional. Always consult your provider for health concerns, conditions, or treatments. 

IN THE EVENT OF A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY OR CRISIS, CONTACT YOUR PROVIDER, CALL 911 (OR YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES), OR REACH A CRISIS LINE (e.g., 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S.) IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT RELY ON THE PROGRAM OR SITE FOR URGENT OR EMERGENCY NEEDS. 

If a professional recommends a Product based on Program information, the recommendation reflects their independent judgment. Neither the professional, APASI, nor ORCHA guarantees performance or assumes liability for issues arising from inaccuracies or limitations in the evaluation. 

General  

You may not use the Site or Program for unlawful purposes, in violation of applicable laws, fraudulently, or to generate spam, viruses, or harmful content. These Terms are governed by the laws of the United States (without regard to conflict of laws principles). APASI reserves the right to update these Terms at any time; continued use constitutes acceptance. 

You assume full responsibility for your use of the Program, Site, badges, or information. To the fullest extent permitted by law, APASI, ORCHA, and their affiliates shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising from such use.