Psychology Today is the go-to resource for mental health therapists to advertise their therapy practice. Traditionally, a listing helped therapists find local in-person clients, but today it does that plus a whole lot more. The online magazine provides a robust platform for therapists to showcase their expertise, expand their reach, as well as find in-person and virtual clients.
Published authors are often invited in to publish articles on the platform, making Psychology Today a significantly important resources to the public looking for information on mental health topics.
That said, with so many therapists listing on Psychology Today, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of other local therapists hoping for the same thing. If you want to be noticed, you need to do a little more work to stand out from your peers.
Whether you are a newly licensed clinician or have had your profile on Psychology Today for some time, optimizing your content with clickable elements can significantly enhance your visibility. This is how you get more clients to contact you for services or to simply visit your website to read your blog or get on your mailing list.
By incorporating additional details and making your profile more engaging, you will stand out from your peers.
Below are 8 tips and best-practices for creating a clickable Psychology Today profile that attracts potential clients.
#1 It’s important to start by getting the basics right.
This includes providing all the necessary information that potential clients are looking for. Make sure to include:
- Your full name as it is on your business listing.
- Your complete qualifications with license details (state, expiration date, how long you have been licensed, etc.).
- Supplemental training/qualifications – spelled out, not everyone knows what EMDR or IFS is.
- Common language to describe your expertise – remember you’re not writing to your peers, you’re writing to the general public. Think “childhood trauma from parent’s divorce” vs “anxious attachment style”
- Your complete address if you want local clients OR city/state if you only want online or virtual clients.
- Your specific contact details this should include your phone number, link to your contact form, link to online scheduling if you offer it for new clients, and your email.
- A professional, warm, and inviting photo of you (and only you).
- A conversational, warm, and inviting bio about your interests and your work.
Clients want to know that they can trust you and easily reach out to you when needed. The easier you make it for people to find you, the better.
#2. Double-check that all the details are accurate and up-to-date.
This will ensure that clients have the most reliable and relevant information about you. Since clients are often searching for the right therapist by interviewing more than one person, if your details are inaccurate, you’re likely to be passed over.
Very few people are willing to spend time searching for your website or contact info past what they see on your Psychology Today profile, so you need the information to be accurate the first time.
#3. Make sure your content is well-organized and easy to read.
Clients are on Psychology Today because they are in pain and looking for help. That means, for some people, they are not at their best and if your profile is hard to read or to understand, they will likely skip down to the next person on the list.
#4 Write a compelling and human bio.
Your Psychology Today bio is one of the first things potential clients will see when they visit your page. It’s crucial to create a bio that encapsulates what you do and how you can help clients. Be clear and concise about your approach to therapy and what your areas of expertise are.
Avoid unnecessary professional jargon, super-long sentences or rambling thoughts. It’s worth spending a few extra minutes reading your bio out loud to ensure that it’s well-crafted and conveys the message you intended to send.
After writing it, take a few minutes to walk in a potential client’s shoes. Does your bio read like you “get them” or like you “are easy to connect with?” This is how your profile should be written.
And bonus tip, use your updated profile on your website. This will refresh the content and give Google yet another reason to send traffic your way.
#5 Include details about your practice.
Apart from your qualifications and therapy style, potential clients want to know what they can expect from visiting your practice. For instance, how long are your sessions? Do you offer online therapy? What forms of payment do you accept? Adding these details to your profile can make it more clickable and encourage potential clients to get in touch with you.
#6 Highlight Your Niche
In a sea of therapists on Psychology Today, standing out can be a challenge. One of the most effective ways to attract the right clients is by highlighting your niche. Specialization can make a world of difference in your visibility. People seeking help often search for therapists who specialize in their particular issue, whether that’s eating disorders, postpartum depression, or grief counseling.
Make sure to prominently feature your niche in your profile, explaining your unique approach and why you are particularly equipped to help with these issues. Showing your passion for this area and your dedication to helping clients overcome these specific problems can make your profile more compelling and attractive to potential clients. Remember, specificity is key here – the more specific you are, the more likely you are to attract the right clients.
#7 Use an appropriate photo
Your profile photo is one of the most important aspects of your Psychology Today profile. It’s the first visual representation of you that clients will see on your page. Therefore, it’s essential to use a photo that showcases your professionalism and approachability. Avoid using selfies, group photos, or pictures with your kids, partner, or pets. Also, avoid overly casual pictures or images that are distinctively NOT how you appear in the session. Instead, opt for a professional headshot with good lighting, a plain background, and a smile.
#8 Keep your profile up to date
Finally, it’s essential to keep your Psychology Today up to date regularly. This means adjusting your profile as your practice expands, you gain new qualifications or areas of expertise. Keep in mind that having an updated profile gives potential clients confidence in your professionalism and commitment to your practice. It also means that they will recognize you when they meet you.
A lot of people don’t do this, but I advise updating your headshot every year or two. We all change as we age, and it’s important to be authentic in your appearance so your potential client knows who they are about to meet.
Creating a clickable Psychology Today profile is essential for therapists looking to grow their practices. It’s less costly than running therapy ads and it works. You ensure this will happen when you include all the necessary information. By doing this, you improve your chances of standing out, attracting more clients and growing your business.
Psychology Today Profile Tips (FAQs)
Why is it important to include all the basic information in my Psychology Today profile?
Including all the basic information, such as your full name, qualifications, licensing details, and contact information, is crucial because potential clients are looking for comprehensive and trustworthy profiles. It assures them of your professionalism and makes it easier to contact you for services, which is often the first step in establishing a therapeutic relationship.
How often should I update my Psychology Today profile?
It’s advisable to update your profile regularly, particularly when there are changes to your practice, qualifications, or areas of expertise. Additionally, refreshing your headshot every one to two years can help maintain an authentic representation of yourself, ensuring that clients recognize you when they come for their appointment.
What should I avoid when choosing a photo for my profile?
Avoid using selfies, group photos, or pictures with pets, partners, or children. Also, steer clear of overly casual images or photos that do not represent how you appear in a professional setting. Instead, opt for a professional headshot with good lighting and a plain background that conveys approachability and professionalism.
How can I make my profile stand out among many other therapists on Psychology Today?
To stand out, highlight your niche and specializations in your profile. Being specific about your areas of expertise can attract clients who are seeking help with particular issues. Also, ensure your bio is compelling, personal, and jargon-free, and that your profile is well-organized and up-to-date.
Is it really necessary to avoid professional jargon in my profile bio?
Yes, it is important to avoid professional jargon because your profile is not just for peers but for the general public. Many potential clients may not be familiar with technical terms, so using clear, accessible language can make your profile more relatable and understandable to those seeking help.
If you need help with your profile on Psychology Today or your website in general, please reach out. We’re happy to schedule a complimentary consultation with our team to help.
