As a therapist, connecting with potential clients online is more important than ever. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is your Google Business Profile. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your current online presence, optimizing your Google Business Profile can significantly impact your practice’s visibility and success.

What Is a Google Business Profile for Therapists?

A Google Business Profile is a free tool that allows businesses, including private practice therapists, to manage how they appear on Google Search and Maps. Your profile can include your practice’s name, address, phone number, website, hours of operation, photos, and more. Clients can leave reviews, see your updates, and get a quick snapshot of your services.

Having an optimized Google Business Profile is a game-changer for therapists.

Why Should Therapists Use Google Business Profiles?

But why is it so important? The short answer: it’s the quickest way for therapists to rank on Google searches. When Google can find you, clients can find you. The more visible your practice is, the more likely you are to attract new clients. Plus, having a Google Business Profile adds an extra layer of credibility—clients trust businesses that have a verified presence on Google.

Furthermore, most people start their search for a therapist online. Having a well-optimized Google Business Profile ensures that when someone in your area searches for services you offer, your practice is front and center.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

The most important reason to have a Google Business Profile is for SEO. When your profile is optimized, you’re more likely to appear at the top of search results when potential clients are looking for therapy services in your area.

Increased Visibility

A well-maintained profile ensures that your practice appears in local search results, making it easier for potential clients to find you. My Therapist Google Business Profile Kit includes examples of how to optimize your profile, so Google can find you and boost your practice’s visibility.

Client Trust

Having a Google Business Profile allows potential clients to read reviews, see photos, and get a feel for your practice before they even make contact. This is particularly important in our field, where clients seek practitioners they feel comfortable with and can trust.

Google Business Profiles for Virtual Therapy Practices

For therapists who run virtual private practices, having a strong online presence is just as crucial as it is for those with physical locations. However, there are some unique considerations and challenges that come with setting up and optimizing a Google Business Profile for a virtual practice.

Challenges in Address Verification:

One of the primary challenges for virtual practices is listing an address. If you’re using a virtual office or a PO Box, Google might flag your profile or deny verification. It’s crucial to follow Google’s guidelines closely and be prepared for possible delays or requests for additional information.

If you run into issues, reaching out to Google’s support team can help clarify your situation and get your profile verified. It’s important to be aware that this can be a tricky area, and you might need to explore different options based on your situation.

Service Areas:

Virtual practices often serve clients in multiple locations. In your Google Business Profile, you can specify service areas instead of a single location. This is particularly useful if you’re licensed in multiple states or regions.

Make sure to list all the areas you serve in your profile to capture potential clients from each region.

Categories and Services:

As a virtual practice, it’s important to choose categories and services that accurately reflect the nature of your business. "Online Therapy," "Telehealth Services," and "Virtual Counseling" are excellent options to include alongside "Psychotherapist" and other relevant categories.

Ensure your service list emphasizes that sessions are conducted online. This helps potential clients understand that you offer convenient, accessible care no matter where they are. My Therapist Google Business Profile Kit includes service images to reflect offering virtual or online therapy.

Emphasizing Online Availability:

Highlight the flexibility and convenience of virtual sessions in your profile description. Use your business description to communicate that you offer therapy services online, making it easier for clients who prefer or need virtual care to find you.

Regularly posting content about the benefits of online therapy can help reinforce your commitment to accessible mental health care.

SEO for Virtual Therapy Practices:

SEO is even more crucial for virtual practices, as you won’t have the benefit of walk-in traffic or local searches tied to a specific address. Focus on optimizing your profile for keywords related to virtual therapy, telehealth, and online counseling to improve your visibility in relevant searches.

My Therapist Google Business Profile Kit includes location images that can boost your SEO by directly listing your locations, such as "Therapy in Cleveland," as a service. This helps Google and potential clients find you more easily.

While there are some extra steps involved, having a Google Business Profile is still highly beneficial for virtual practices. It allows you to reach clients who are searching for online therapy and establishes your practice as a credible and accessible option in the growing field of telehealth.

How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile as a Therapist

Setting up your Google Business Profile is straightforward, but there are a few key steps you’ll want to follow to ensure it’s optimized from the start.

Claim Your Profile:

If you haven’t already, visit Google Business and claim your profile. If your practice doesn’t already appear in search results, you can create a new profile.
Ensure that your business name is consistent with what’s listed on your website and other online directories. Consistency helps Google recognize your business across the web, boosting your SEO.

Complete Your Information:

Fill out your profile with accurate details about your practice, including your name, address, phone number, website, and hours. The more complete your profile, the better.
Don’t forget to include essential details like parking availability, accessibility features, and any specialties or certifications. These small details can make a big difference to potential clients.

Choose the Right Categories:

Selecting the appropriate categories is crucial because it tells Google what kind of business you are. You should choose categories that best reflect your practice. "Psychotherapist" is typically the best option for private practice therapists. This helps your practice appear in relevant searches.
You can also add secondary categories if you offer specialized services, like "Family Counselor" or "Marriage Therapist."

Add Photos:

Upload high-quality photos of your office, logo, and team. This adds a personal touch and helps clients feel more comfortable.
Consider adding photos of your office space, therapy rooms, and any other areas where clients will spend time. This gives potential clients a sense of your environment, which can be reassuring.

Verify Your Profile:

Google will send you a postcard with a verification code to confirm your location. This step is essential to ensure your profile appears in local searches.
Verification is crucial because an unverified profile won’t show up in searches, meaning potential clients might never find you.

How to Optimize Your Therapist Google Business Profile

Optimization doesn’t stop at setup. Here’s how to keep your profile active, engaging, and most importantly, visible:

Regularly Update Your Profile:

Keep your profile information up-to-date. If you’ve changed your hours, added a new service, or even moved locations, make sure to reflect that in your profile.

Google rewards active profiles with better visibility, so make it a habit to check and update your information regularly.

Post Regularly:

Posting updates or content on your Google Business Profile keeps it active and can improve your SEO. My Therapist Google Business Profile Kit includes a Quick Tips booklet that offers ideas on how to make posting easy and efficient.

Encourage Reviews (But Don’t Stress!):

While you can’t ask clients directly for reviews due to ethical guidelines, you can encourage colleagues to leave reviews on your profile. Positive reviews from peers can still build trust with potential clients.

Don’t stress about reviews. If you have them, great! But it’s harder for therapists to get reviews since we cannot ask clients for them. So while it can definitely help, it’s not the end of the world if you don’t have them yet.

List Your Services:

Make sure to list all the services you offer. This not only informs potential clients but also improves your chances of appearing in relevant searches. Google allows you to list products, but as a therapist, use this section to list your services.

My Therapist Google Business Profile Kit includes 35 service images to make your profile eye-catching and professional. The kit also provides guidance on how to list your services in a way that boosts SEO and helps both Google and ideal clients find you.

Why Regular Posting is Important for Therapists’ Google Business

Many therapists overlook the importance of regular posting on their Google Business Profile. However, frequent updates signal to Google that your profile is active, which can boost your SEO ranking.

Google favors profiles that are regularly updated. Each post you make signals to Google that your business is active and relevant, which can help improve your ranking in search results.

Not sure what to post? My Therapist Google Business Profile Kit includes plenty of ideas to keep your profile fresh and engaging, from mental health tips to practice updates. The key is consistency—regular posts keep your profile dynamic and ensure that your practice remains visible to those who need it most. It’s easier than you think it is, I promise!

All About My Google Business Profile Kit for Therapists

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of maintaining your Google Business Profile, I’ve got you covered. I’ve created a Therapist Google Business Profile Kit. It’s designed to help you rank higher on Google, build a cohesive brand, and make utilizing your Google Business Profile simple and efficient.

Here’s what’s included:

5 Update Post Templates:
Regularly post to your business profile with ease. These templates are fully editable in both Canva’s free and pro versions, making it simple to keep your profile active and engaging.
35 Product Images:
List your specialties and locations directly on your profile. These images are designed to boost your SEO and help your profile look professional and polished.
Quick Tips Booklet:
Using your Google Business Profile doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. My Quick Tips booklet will provide you with strategies to make your Google Business Profile a regular, and easy, part of your marketing routine.

With this kit, you’ll have everything you need to create a standout Google Business Profile that not only attracts clients but also helps you rank higher in search results.

About the Author

My name is Shannon Garcia, and I’m a therapist just like you. With years of experience in private practice and a passion for helping other therapists succeed, I understand the unique challenges we face in building and maintaining a thriving practice. My background in both therapy and digital marketing equips me with the insights needed to help you make the most of your online presence.

I’m here to share what I’ve learned so you can build a profile that attracts the right clients and grows your practice. That’s why I created resources like the Therapist Google Business Profile Kit—to make your life a little easier and your practice a lot more visible.

Whether you’re new to Google Business Profiles or looking to optimize your current listing, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s make your practice as visible and successful online as it is in person.

Google Business for Therapists: A Comprehensive Guide