Terms of Use

Last updated: August 25, 2026

These terms govern your use of the Ballast mobile app. By downloading or using Ballast, you agree to them. If you don't agree, please don't use the app.

Not a medical device or service

Ballast is a self-help and coping tool. It does not treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any medical or mental health condition, and it is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, or thinking about harming yourself, please contact emergency services or a crisis line in your area immediately. Do not rely on this app.

Using the app

• You must be old enough to consent to use of this app under the laws of your country.
• You agree not to use Ballast for any unlawful purpose or in a way that could harm the service or other users.
• We may update, change, or discontinue features of the app over time.

Accounts

Creating an account is optional and is only needed for cross-device restore of your history and journal. You're responsible for keeping access to the email address associated with your account, and for your journal recovery code if you choose to set one up. We cannot recover encrypted journal entries without it.

Subscriptions and billing

• Premium features are offered on a subscription or one-time purchase basis, billed through the Apple App Store or Google Play, as applicable.
• Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, managed through your app store account settings.
• Refunds are handled according to Apple's or Google's standard policies. We don't process payments or refunds directly.
• The app's core rescue feature is free and is never limited or gated behind a subscription.

Your content

You own what you write in your journal. Because journal entries are end-to-end encrypted, we have no ability to read, access, or recover them beyond what your device or recovery code allows.

Disclaimer of warranties

Ballast is provided "as is," without warranties of any kind, express or implied. We do not guarantee the app will be uninterrupted, error-free, or suitable for any particular purpose.

Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ballast and its creators are not liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the app.

Changes to these terms

We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of the app after a change means you accept the updated terms.

Contact

Questions about these terms can be sent to contact@ballast.to.