15 Proven Tips to Attract More Therapy Clients
As a therapist, you’ve likely noticed that more people than ever are seeking mental health support. With the political climate, economic uncertainty and inflation, consumer sentiment is at its second-lowest level on record. So, there’s no better time to implement therapy marketing and ensure people in need know exactly how to access your services.
But, with everything else on your plate, it can be challenging to figure out how to improve marketing for your private practice. That’s why I’m sharing 15 effective marketing ideas for therapists to take the guesswork out of growing your practice.
1. Specialize your therapy services
According to a 2024 report conducted by the Mental Health Million Project, there’s a concerning trend that younger generations are experiencing a significant decline in mental well-being, particularly in aspects related to the Social Self.
So, clarifying the focus of your therapy practice is a great way to eliminate that barrier. It lets clients decide if you can help with their specific challenges without having to do as much research.
You’re also more likely to get better outcomes for clients when you’re well-versed in the issues they face. These successes boost your reputation as an expert and increase the likelihood that clients will recommend you to others.
2. Build a therapist website
Most therapists, psychologists and psychotherapists don’t consider having a professional therapy website as a priority but it’s one of the best ways to differentiate yourself and attract more clients.
A well designed psychologist website or therapist website allows potential clients to learn about your services, specializations and approach from the comfort of their own homes. When your website clearly communicates who you help and how you help them, visitors feel more comfortable to reach out to book that first session.
A good therapy website design should have:
A clear and welcoming homepage that introduces your practice
An about page that helps clients connect with your story and approach
Service pages that explain how you can help with different client needs
A contact page with booking options
I often recommend Squarespace for therapists starting out with their online presence. With Squarespace, it’s easy to build an attractive website on your own or find an expert to bring your practice online.
3. Harness the power of great website copywriting
Your website needs to clearly explain your services in the ways people prefer to consume online content. People skim online content, so your words need to be clear, engaging, and client-focused. You could write your Mental Health Therapy website copy yourself using these tips, but sometimes, hiring a professional copywriter is worth it. The right words don’t just fill a page—they connect with the right people and help them see that you’re the therapist they’ve been looking for.
Copywriters understand the wording, formatting, tone, and marketing techniques to appeal to your ideal clients. You can even find a mental health copywriter who understands the challenges of your industry and applies empathy to each message you share.
4. Choose photos that reflect your ideal client
The images on your therapy website should do more than just fill space—they should help potential clients feel seen, understood, and safe. When someone visits your site and sees photos that reflect their own experiences, they instantly know, "This therapist understands me." For example, if you specialize in helping women navigate pregnancy, including stock images of this specific client tells visitors they’re in the right place.
Beyond that, human faces create an emotional connection. They help us establish a sense of trust and familiarity, and make decisions that feel safe from there. Seeing themselves reflected on your website helps clients feel understood and confident before stepping through your office doors.
5. Create a free consultation offer that stands out
Even if your online presence is warm and welcoming, prospective clients still need time to develop trust in you and your services. You can provide peace of mind by listing a commitment-free consultation offer on your website.
But instead of simply listing "Free Consultation" on your website, make it stand out and feel inviting. Here are some engaging ways to frame your offer:
"Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation."
"See If We’re a Good Fit for You."
"Curious About Therapy?"
"Let's Talk—No Obligation."
"Book a Free Session Today."
Consider how you offer your free consultation:
Instant Booking: Use an online scheduler (like Calendly) so visitors can book easily.
Clear Expectations: Mention the duration (e.g., 15–20 minutes) and what they can expect.
Personal Touch: Add a warm, reassuring note, such as "I'm here to listen—no pressure, no commitment."
Video or Phone Options: Some clients may feel more comfortable with a phone call, while others prefer face-to-face video.
This first meeting removes perceived risks that may cause prospective clients to resist contacting you. They’re free to get to know you, ask questions, and decide if you’re a good fit before committing to therapy. The more clients feel empowered to reach out for a free consultation, the more clients you’ll be able to help.
6. Start writing a monthly therapy advice blog
One of the best ways to attract therapy clients through your website is by writing a monthly therapy blog. Blog posts allow you to offer free value and share your approach to mental health. You can use a blog to share personal stories that humanize your practice and educational content to position yourself as an expert in your field.
Regular blog content gives you a chance to nurture relationships with new and current clients. You can share your posts on social media or in an email newsletter to continue supporting your audience outside of the therapy office.
7. Increase your Google ranking with Search Engine Optimization
Search engine optimization (SEO) is a process that helps your website appear at the top of Google’s search results. For example, if a prospective client searches “therapist near me,” SEO can boost your website toward the top of the results list.
A smart way to incorporate SEO into online marketing for therapists or psychologists is by adding relevant keywords to your website content. Other factors that can affect your Google ranking include:
Your website’s loading speed
Easy-to-read page formatting
The ease of navigating your site on a smartphone
The number of links to your site from reputable sources
Valuable content that encourages visitors to stay longer
8. Guest blog on other sites
Guest blogging is another powerful way to attract more clients by expanding your reach to new audiences. It involves publishing content you’ve written on mental health publications and similar websites.
When you contribute work to these sites, you can link back to your website to improve its Google ranking. Plus, guest blogging strengthens professional relationships with other therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals, potentially leading to referrals and collaborations that further grow your practice.
9. Create a Google Business profile
Your Google Business profile appears in the ‘map pack’ section of Google search results. If you’re unsure what that means, go ahead and type ‘counsellor near me’, “psychologist near me” or "therapist near me" into Google. You’ll likely see listings of local therapists, including their contact information, ratings, and a link to their site.
To create a similar profile, claim your business on Google Business Profile. You can add all of your business details, including photos, business hours, and a description of your services.
If you don’t have a Google Business Profile yet, you’re missing out on a major opportunity to get found by potential clients. Claiming your profile allows you to:
Show up in local searches when people look for therapy services
Display key business details, including your hours, contact info, and website
Add photos to make your profile more inviting
Collect and showcase client reviews to build trust and credibility
Setting up your Google Business Profile is free and only takes a few minutes, but the impact on your visibility, credibility, and client inquiries can be significant.
10. Be active on social media
Social media can be a great point of connection with potential and current clients. It allows you to share your resources, blog posts, special offers, and announcements about your practice.
You can also use social media to answer questions, give advice, and build relationships with others in your field. Choosing the right platforms can help you reach your ideal audience and grow your private practice.
Here are the best social media platforms for therapists:
Facebook – great for community building, sharing blog posts and being in groups related to mental health.
Instagram – good for visual content, inspirational quotes and mental health tips. Reels and Stories increase engagement.
LinkedIn – perfect for professional networking, sharing expertise and connecting with other therapists for referrals.
Twitter (X) – good for quick insights, mental health discussions and trending topics.
YouTube – great for video content like guided exercises, Q&A sessions and educational resources.
TikTok – growing fast for short mental health tips and breaking down therapy myths.
Pinterest – good for sharing blog posts, self-help infographics and wellness content.
Threads – a new space to have meaningful mental health conversations in a conversational way.
11. Use Google Ads to get client leads
Google Ads is a paid advertising platform that allows you to place ads on Google and other websites. When people search for keywords related to your therapy ad, it will appear at the top of the Google search results.
This can be an effective way to generate leads, as you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. Google also lets you set a budget, so you don’t have to worry about overspending.
12. Network with other therapists for client referrals
A classic way to get more clients is by connecting with other mental health professionals. Not only do more connections lead to more referrals. But the effort allows you to create invaluable connections in your field.
There are many ways to go about networking, so you’ll want to find an approach that works best for you. Some excellent avenues for networking are:
Join professional organizations related to therapy and mental health
Participate in local support groups for mental health professionals
Attend industry conferences and events to meet new connections
Collaborate through guest blogging, podcast interviews, or resource-sharing
Engage with other therapists on social media by joining discussions and offering insights
13. Join online directories
Online directories are websites with professional listings that help clients find your services. When people search for mental health support in a particular city, these directories often appear in the search results.
You can add your listing to general online directories like Yelp, Yellow Pages and Nextdoor. There are also directories specific to your industry, like TherapyDen, Psychology Today and Good Therapy.
These directories often appear at the top of Google search results, making them a powerful tool to increase your visibility and credibility, making it easier for the right clients to find you.
14. Start a monthly newsletter
A monthly newsletter is a great way to stay in touch with current and potential clients. You can use it to share the latest updates or offer valuable resources to people on your email list.
If you don’t have an email list, an easy way to start one is by offering a lead magnet. This is often a free downloadable resource visitors can get in exchange for submitting their email address. Examples of lead magnets that can help build your email list include:
A free e-book
A free masterclass
A self-guided workbook
Guided audio meditations
A daily mental health checklist
15. Track your website's performance
Tracking web performance offers valuable insights to help you fill the slots in your schedule. You can do this by using Google Analytics, a free tool that shows information about your website traffic and how people are finding your site.
This is another reason I recommend Squarespace for therapists. It lets you connect your website to Google Analytics and track valuable details from one convenient location.
Final Thoughts
Growing your therapy practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right website and marketing strategies, you can attract more clients and build a practice that thrives.
Here’s a quick summary of how to get more clients for your private practice.
Align your therapy services with your interests
Create an engaging therapist website
Write great copy to help your private practice stand out
Use images that represent your ideal client
Offer a commitment-free consultation
Post monthly blogs to boost visibility
Incorporate SEO to rank higher on Google
Write and publish guest blog posts
Set up your Google Business profile
Post consistently on social media
Use Google Ads to get more client leads
Get more client referrals through networking
Add your listing to online directories
Create a regular email newsletter
Monitor your website’s performance
Creating a therapy website and marketing your services may seem daunting at first. Luckily, these straightforward steps can save time and help you reach clients who’d benefit from your expertise.
Book a free consultation to discuss how a Squarespace website for therapists can help you connect with the right clients. I’m here to listen to your goals and offer clear steps to help you build a thriving client base.
