Local SEO Essentials

Let’s talk about reviews — because they matter, a lot.

In today’s digital world, most people check online reviews before making a decision, whether they’re booking a table at a restaurant or choosing a therapist. For mental health professionals, reviews can offer credibility, build trust, and make your practice more discoverable on platforms like Google Maps, Psychology Today, and Bing.

But… what about ethics?

As you already know, directly requesting reviews from current clients is not appropriate in the mental health field and may violate professional ethical guidelines, depending on your licensure board and location. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options. It just means you need a smarter, more intentional approach.

So here’s what we recommend:

• Start with your circle. Invite trusted colleagues, mentors, past supervisors, or professionals you’ve collaborated with to leave a review about your professionalism, your dedication to client care, or their experience working with you.

• Ask former employers or past coworkers (from training sites or agencies) to highlight your communication style, therapeutic approach, or overall character.

• If you’ve hosted workshops, webinars, or taught courses, ask attendees to share a review of their experience with you as a presenter or educator.

• Let family and friends support your business too. They can speak to your values, your drive, and the energy you bring to your work.

• The most important point after you work with the previous bullet points… Don’t forget to share your testimonials in your website under a menu interfase and on your landing page (footer section).

Here’s what we’ve noticed: Google tends to push websites higher in search results once they reach around 25 or more reviews. That’s the magic number that starts to shift visibility and help more people discover your practice.

Make it easy for others to leave a review by sending them a direct link to your Google Business page.

Why Google Reviews and Business Page Activity Matter for Therapists.

In today’s digital world, potential clients are more informed than ever. They’re not just relying on referrals or word-of-mouth—they’re doing their research online before making a decision. For private practice therapists, this means that your online presence, especially on Google, can be a key factor in attracting new patients.

Google Reviews play a critical role. Did you know that 84% of patients trust online reviews as much as a personal recommendation? A strong collection of positive reviews can boost your credibility and provide potential clients with the confidence to reach out. Plus, search engines like Google and Bing rank therapists higher based on review quality and activity.

But it’s not just about reviews—your Google My Business (GMB) page is equally essential. Keeping your profile active and updated with fresh content, current business hours, and specializations helps you stay visible and relevant in local search results. Regular activity on your GMB page signals to Google that your practice is engaged, helping improve your ranking.

So, make sure to ask your clients for reviews and keep your Google My Business page updated. It’s an easy way to build trust and grow your practice! If you have questions or need help optimizing your Google My Business page, feel free to comment below or send a message.