Cookie policy
Last updated: April 2026 · Version 2.0
1. What are cookies
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They help the site remember your preferences and understand how you interact with it. We use cookies and similar technologies (such as browser local storage) to operate, secure, and improve Therapist Referral Network at therapistreferralnetwork.com.
This policy explains what cookies we set, why, and how you can manage them. It should be read alongside our privacy policy, which describes how we collect and use personal information more broadly.
2. Cookies we use
We group cookies into two active categories: essential and analytics. Our consent interface also includes a session recording toggle for future use, described below.
Essential cookies
Required for the site to function. These handle authentication, session management, security, and your cookie consent preferences. They cannot be disabled.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
authjs.session-token | Auth.js | Session token containing your user ID and authentication state | Session |
authjs.csrf-token | Auth.js | Protects authentication forms against cross-site request forgery | Session |
authjs.callback-url | Auth.js | Stores the redirect URL during the OAuth sign-in flow | Session |
authjs.pkce.code_verifier | Auth.js | PKCE code verifier used during the OAuth flow for added security | Transient |
consent-preferences | Therapist Referral Network | Stores your cookie consent choices (essential, analytics, session recording) | 1 year |
sb-*-auth-token | Supabase | Authentication token for our file storage service | Session |
On HTTPS connections, some Auth.js cookies use secure prefixes (__Secure- or __Host-) for additional protection.
Analytics cookies
Help us understand how visitors use the site so we can improve it. These cookies are blocked by default and only set after you give express consent via the cookie banner.
| Cookie | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
_ga | Google (via GTM) | Pseudonymous visitor identifier for Google Analytics 4 | Up to 2 years |
_ga_* | Google (via GTM) | Maintains session state for Google Analytics 4 | Up to 2 years |
No therapist profile data, health information, or personally identifiable information is sent to analytics processors. Google Analytics 4 truncates IP addresses before storage, though Google receives the full IP address briefly for geolocation purposes.
Session recording
Our consent interface includes a session recording toggle. As of the date of this policy, no session recording service is deployed and no session recording cookies are placed on your device, regardless of your toggle setting. If we add a session recording service in the future, we will update this policy and re-prompt you for consent before any session recording cookies are set.
3. Similar technologies
In addition to cookies, we use browser local storage to remember your preferences. Local storage data stays on your device and is not sent to our servers.
| Key | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
theme-preference | Stores your appearance preference (light, dark, or system) | Until cleared |
4. Google Consent Mode
We implement Google Consent Mode v2, which controls how Google services behave based on your consent choices. By default, all Google consent signals are set to “denied”:
- analytics_storage — updated to “granted” only when you accept analytics cookies
- ad_storage, ad_user_data, ad_personalization — remain “denied” at all times (we do not use Google advertising features)
This means Google collects no data from your visit unless you expressly consent to analytics cookies.
5. How to manage your preferences
You have several ways to control cookie preferences:
- Cookie consent banner. On your first visit, a banner offers three choices: Accept All, Reject All, or Customize.
- Cookie preferences link. You can change your choices at any time using the “Cookie Preferences” link in the site footer, which opens a preferences panel.
- Account settings. When signed in, the same toggles are available under your account settings.
- Browser settings. You can also manage cookies through your browser. Note that blocking essential cookies may prevent the site from functioning correctly.
Rejecting all non-essential cookies has no effect on your ability to use the platform. All core features work without analytics cookies.
6. Third-party services
Analytics cookies are delivered through Google Tag Manager, which loads Google Analytics 4. Google operates under its own privacy and cookie policies. You can learn more at Google's privacy policy.
No other third-party analytics or advertising services are currently deployed on this site.
7. Data transfers
When you consent to analytics cookies, data collected by Google Analytics may be processed in the United States. Google operates under its own data processing terms. Therapist Referral Network primarily serves Canadian users, and we take reasonable steps to ensure that any cross-border data transfer complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
8. Updates to this policy
We may update this cookie policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. If we deploy new cookie categories (such as session recording) or make significant changes, we will notify you through the cookie consent banner so you can review and update your preferences.
9. Contact
For questions about our use of cookies, contact us at hi@therapistreferralnetwork.com. You may also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.priv.gc.ca.