Urge Bridge Privacy Policy

Effective date: October 19, 2026

Urge Bridge is a free iOS app that helps adults get through a gambling urge without betting.

The short version. Urge Bridge keeps everything on your phone. We do not collect, receive, sell, or share your personal information, and the app has no accounts, no ads, and no analytics.

1. Who we are. Urge Bridge is published by Chris Beerman, LCSW, CADC, of Chicago Addiction Therapy, 2539 N Kedzie Blvd #4, Chicago, IL 60647 ("we"). Questions about this policy: Chris@chicagoaddictiontherapy.com.

2. What the app stores, and where. When you use Urge Bridge you may enter a list of coping steps, the names and phone numbers of people you choose to contact, and short written reminders to yourself. The app also records a timeline of protective actions you take in the app (for example, "started a bridge" or "named a feeling") with the date and time. All of this is stored only on your device, in a file protected by your phone's built-in encryption. The app does not transmit this information to us or to anyone else.

3. What we do not collect. We do not collect your name, email, phone number, location, contacts, health information, financial information, gambling activity, device identifiers, or usage analytics. The app does not use advertising or analytics software and makes no network connections in its current version.

4. Backups. By default, the app's data file is excluded from iCloud and device backups. If you turn on "Include in device backup" in Settings, the file becomes part of your normal device backup, which is governed by Apple's terms and privacy policy, not ours.

5. Calls, messages, and links. When you tap to call or text a support contact or a helpline, the app hands the number (and, for texts, the message you wrote in advance) to your phone's own Phone or Messages app. Those apps, your carrier, and the service you contact handle that communication under their own policies. Links to outside resources (such as 988 or meeting finders) open on their websites, which we do not operate or control.

6. Export and deletion. Settings → Export my data creates a readable copy of everything the app has stored, which you can keep or share as you choose. Settings → Delete all my data removes the file from your device and returns the app to its first-launch state. Deleting the app from your phone also deletes its data.

7. Children. Urge Bridge is intended for adults. It is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect information from anyone, including children.

8. Security. Your data is protected by your device's passcode and by iOS file-level encryption. Because the data never leaves your device, its security depends on your device's security. We cannot recover data you delete or data on a lost device.

9. Future features. If we add optional features that would move data off your device—such as cloud backup or sharing a summary with a clinician you choose—each will require your explicit, separate opt-in, and this policy will be updated first.

10. Changes. We will post changes here and in the app with a new effective date.

11. Your rights. Because we hold no data about you, there is nothing for us to access, correct, or delete on your behalf; the controls in Settings give you those abilities directly.

Urge Bridge is a self-help tool, not therapy, diagnosis, or emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (United States) or call 911 or your local emergency number.