Top 12 Mistakes Therapists Make With Their Websites
Creating a professional website is essential for therapists looking to build trust and grow their practice. But let’s face it: website design for therapists can be tricky, and even the best intentions sometimes go off course. From font choices that send mixed messages to forgotten 'About' sections, there are common pitfalls that can make your website more confusing than comforting. In this post, we’ll dive into the top mistakes therapists make with their websites—and how to avoid them—to help you create a welcoming, credible online presence that resonates with potential clients.
1. Using Stock Photos That Scream "Stock"
Clients want to see the real you, not a generic model pretending to listen empathetically. Avoid overly polished or “cheesy” stock photos—they can feel impersonal and undermine trust.
Solution: Invest in professional photos that genuinely represent your practice, or at least check out unsplash.com.
2. Writing Bios That Sound Like Résumés
Listing all your qualifications can be impressive, but clients also want to know you’re approachable and understanding. A bio that’s too formal may create a barrier instead of building connection.
Solution: Write a bio that’s both professional and relatable, showing clients who you are as a person and a therapist.
3. Hiding Contact Info Like It’s a Secret
Make it easy for people to reach you! Don’t make potential clients hunt for a contact form or email—keep your details accessible and visible.
Solution: Organize your website navigation simply, with easy access to key information – don’t make clients hunt for it.
4. Forgetting to Optimize for Mobile – It's Almost 2025, People
Most clients are finding you on their phones. A website that doesn’t look good on mobile could send potential clients running to the back button.
Solution: Update your website design to reflect modern styles; it’s almost 2025, and clients expect a fresh, contemporary look.
5. Keeping a Blog that’s Stuck in 2019
An outdated blog can signal that you’re not actively engaged. If you’re going to have a blog, aim for at least monthly updates—or consider skipping it altogether.
Solution: Either get rid of the blog or commit to writing each month. We find it’s good to write multiple blogs at once, when you are “in the zone” and the creative juices are flowing.
6. Using Overly “Scripty” Fonts or the Classics Like Comic Sans
Fancy fonts might seem expressive, but they’re often hard to read. Avoid overly "scripty" fonts, and please, no Comic Sans or Papyrus—they have a way of making even the best websites look unprofessional.
Solution: Check out our recent blog on some great font combinations for Squarespace.
7. Uploading Images That Take Ages to Load
Slow-loading images can test anyone’s patience. Make sure your site is quick and easy to navigate, especially for clients in need of calm and reliability.
Solution: Use a tool like www.compressor.io to make sure your images are the right size for your site. Check out our blog on it.
8. Ignoring SEO Altogether – Google? Never Heard of It
If your website isn’t optimized for search engines, potential clients may never find you. SEO doesn’t have to be complex, but skipping it is a big mistake.
Solution: You don’t need to be an SEO wizard to follow basic SEO best practices. It’ll put you way ahead in the game.
9. Ignoring Accessibility Features – Not Cool
Accessibility isn’t optional. A site that’s easy for everyone to navigate shows inclusivity and care, which aligns with your profession.
Solution: There are good tools out there to make sure your site is accessible to all users. Inclusivity is essential for therapist websites!
10. Using Clinical Jargon No One Understands
There’s a fine line between sounding knowledgeable and sounding incomprehensible. Speak with authority, but keep it digestible—clients should feel at ease, not confused.
Solution: Avoid clinical jargon by using simple, approachable language that clients can easily understand.
11. Listing Every Therapy Modality Without Explanation
EMDR? DBT? ABCDEFG? Don’t assume everyone knows what these mean. Take the time to explain your methods in plain language, so clients feel informed rather than intimidated.
Solution: Provide brief explanations of each therapy modality to make your services clear and accessible to prospective clients.
12. No Clear Next Step – What Do Clients Do After Reading This?
A website without a clear call-to-action is like a therapist session with no follow-up. Make sure clients know what to do next, whether it’s booking a consultation or learning more about your services.
Solution: Make sure your website includes clear calls-to-action, encouraging visitors to book a session or learn more about your services.
Final Thoughts
Your website can be a powerful tool for building connections with potential clients—when it’s done right. By steering clear of these common missteps, you’ll create a site that not only looks professional but also authentically reflects who you are as a therapist. Remember, website design for therapists doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re feeling stuck or want some expert help, The Mindful Agency is here to guide you every step of the way. We’re passionate about helping therapists make a lasting, positive impression online—so you can focus on what really matters: helping your clients heal.
