If you’re a therapist in private practice, chances are you’ve listed yourself on Psychology Today or at least considered it. And while those directories can offer early exposure, they’re not your only option. In fact, they’re often not the best option once you want to grow a more sustainable, aligned practice.

Maybe you’re tired of competing for attention, getting flooded with low-fit inquiries, or feeling boxed into a pricing structure that doesn’t reflect your value. If you want more control over how you’re found — and who you work with — it’s time to try new visibility strategies that feel more human, more authentic, and more effective.

Here’s how to get therapy clients in ways that go beyond Psychology Today — without burning yourself out or reinventing your practice.

Start by Showing Up in Other People’s Spaces

One of the most underrated ways to get therapy clients is by guesting inside communities that already trust the host. This builds credibility fast — and positions you as the go-to expert in your niche.

Here’s how to start:

• Guest teach inside other people’s courses or group programs (especially if you specialize in something like trauma, burnout, or emotional regulation)
• Offer a workshop for a business mastermind, mom group, or wellness circle
• Pitch yourself to relevant podcasts where your voice, experience, and insight can shine
• Join low-cost programs or networking spaces where your ideal clients are learning something adjacent to your specialty
• Build your email list so you’re growing your own audience — not relying on someone else’s platform

These opportunities help you attract aligned clients through connection and content — not cold leads or algorithm roulette.

Build a Website That Connects, Not Just Informs

If you’re ready to stop relying on directories, your website needs to step up and serve. It should do more than list your services — it should help people feel seen, safe, and supported before they ever reach out.

That means:

• Messaging that speaks directly to the client you want to support
• Clear service options and next steps
• Thoughtful design that feels warm, welcoming, and aligned with your approach
• Built-in SEO keywords that help you show up in local search results

Think of your website as the front door to your practice — and make sure it’s inviting the right people in.

Blog to Build Trust (And SEO)

Blogging is still one of the most powerful ways to get therapy clients organically — especially when paired with the right keywords.

You can write blog posts that answer common questions like:

• What to expect in your first therapy session
• How to tell if your anxiety is getting worse
• How to navigate burnout as a new mom
• What is internal family systems therapy, and who is it for?

This content builds trust while also improving your visibility on Google. It gives potential clients a chance to connect with your tone and perspective before they ever reach out. If you’re stuck on what to write, one post a month is enough to start.

Optimize for Local SEO (It’s Easier Than You Think)

When someone searches “grief therapist near me,” they’re not looking for a directory — they want a real human they can talk to soon.

Make sure you:

• Create a Google Business Profile and keep it updated
• Add city and specialty keywords throughout your site
• Include services on your homepage, not just on a subpage
• Ask for Google reviews (if it aligns with your practice policies)

Local SEO puts your name in front of people who are actively seeking help. It works quietly in the background and keeps growing with every blog post or update you add.

Get Referrals That Fit

Referral streams don’t have to be formal or stuffy. They just need to be intentional.

You can:

• Connect with other therapists who don’t offer what you do
• Introduce yourself to OB-GYNs, pediatricians, life coaches, or wellness practitioners
• Ask past clients (if ethical and appropriate) to share your info
• Join a small business community or co-working space where people know you’re the go-to therapist for a specific niche

You’ll build trust faster when you’re recommended by someone who already has a relationship with your potential client.

Make Sure People Know You’re Open for Business

If you’re hiding in your virtual office, people won’t know you’re available. Sometimes the easiest way to get therapy clients is just to remind your audience.

Here’s what that could look like:

• Posting once a week with a gentle reminder that you’re accepting new clients
• Sharing your schedule openings in stories
• Highlighting who you help and how, using simple language
• Re-sharing testimonials or client wins (anonymously) to show the transformation you offer

This isn’t about marketing aggressively — it’s about staying visible in a calm, grounded way.

Ready to Build a Referral-Friendly, SEO-Optimized Website?

You don’t need Psychology Today to grow a thriving practice. You need a website that reflects your values, supports your dream clients, and works in the background to build trust and visibility.

That’s exactly what I help therapists create — with zero tech overwhelm.

Book your Website in a Week →

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