Do Therapists Need a Website if They’re on Psychology Today?
As a therapist in private practice, chances are you’ve at least considered listing yourself on Psychology Today (or another therapy directory). It’s one of the most well-known therapist directories, and it can be a great way for potential clients to find you.
But does having a profile there mean you don’t need a website of your own?
The short answer? No.
A Psychology Today listing is not a replacement for a having your own website. It can absolutely be a helpful piece of your marketing strategy, but relying on it alone has some major limitations. Here’s why your private practice needs its own website, even if you’re already on Psychology Today.
1. Your website is fully yours (Psychology Today is not).
With Psychology Today, you’re essentially renting space on their platform. You don’t have control over the design, layout, or functionality. Plus, if they ever change their policies or increase their fees you have no say in it (and you’re kind of stuck with them if that’s your main marketing tool).
Your own website, on the other hand, is your space. You control how it looks, what it says, and how potential clients experience you through your unique therapy brand. It’s a stable, professional home base that you own, no matter what happens with third-party directories.
2. Psychology Today listings are crowded, competitive, and uniform.
Psychology Today is saturated with therapists. When potential clients browse the directory, they see dozens (or even hundreds!) of therapists in their area, often with similar credentials and specializations. Their eyes can quickly start to glaze over because everyone sounds the same and the profiles all look similar.
Because of this, most potential clients don’t just rely on Psychology Today to make their decision. Many start there, but before reaching out, they’ll click through to your website to learn more. If you don’t have one, they may move on to a therapist who does.
A website helps you stand out from the crowd. It gives potential clients a deeper look into your approach, personality, and philosophy. Instead of competing for attention on a long list of other headshots and 3-paragraph profiles, your website allows you to make a personal connection before they even reach out.
3. Your website can help you show up on Google.
Many people are Googling symptom or solution-based phrases like “therapist for anxiety in [city]” or “best trauma therapist near me.” They aren’t going straight to Psychology Today to find a therapist.
If you only have a Psychology Today listing, your chances of showing up in these types searches are slim to none. But with a website optimized for SEO (search engine optimization), you have the opportunity to appear in search results for a much broader range of clients.
4. Your website lets you create a more personalized client experience.
Your website is an opportunity to connect with potential clients before they ever contact you. You can showcase your personality, write in your own voice, and help them feel comfortable reaching out. A well-crafted website can include:
A clear description of your specialties and who you help
Blog posts or FAQs that answer common client concerns
Online scheduling or an easy way to contact you
On Psychology Today, you get a small bio and a structured listing. On your website, you can tell your story, highlight your expertise, and make it easier for the right-fit clients to choose you.
5. A website future-proofs your private practice.
If you want to grow your practice, you might want to do things like:
Add new services
Offer online courses or programs for a secondary income stream
Create resources for clients like e-books, PDFs, guided audio or video
Market trainings, talks, or workshops
And for all that you’ll need more than a Psychology Today listing. A website gives you the base and the flexibility to expand and market your practice on your terms.
“What if I just use a website template?”
If the thought of creating a website from scratch feels overwhelming, you don’t have to start from zero. A well-designed therapist website template can make it easy to set up a beautiful, professional site without the hassle.
Looking for an easy way to get your private practice website up and running? Check out my therapist website templates that are designed specifically for mental health professionals.
Final Thoughts
A Psychology Today listing can be useful, but it shouldn’t be your entire online presence. A website gives you control, visibility, and a stronger connection with potential clients while helping you attract the right clients. If you don’t have one yet, now is the perfect time to create a home for your private practice online!
