6 Common Therapy Website Mistakes That Cost You Clients—And How to Fix Them
Website design in the therapy world takes a lot more nuance than the design tips you’ll see elsewhere. The “buyers” in this context are feeling entirely different than most buyers that website designers talk about.
When I was looking for a therapist five years ago, it felt nothing like, say, searching for a new pair of shoes to prance around in. There was, quite honestly, urgency. There was desperation. Some shame that I was even at this point again. Finding the right therapist is such a vulnerable process. You're searching for someone you can trust with your deepest struggles—but how can you connect with someone across a computer screen (hint: you can, keep reading)? That feeling of urgency and emotional complexity is what so many people experience when they land on a therapist’s website.
It's important to take that into account when structuring your website as a therapist. And the deeper I've gotten into the world of website design for therapists, I’ve noticed a few mistakes that come up again and again—things that might be turning potential clients away without you realizing it. I thought I’d share five of the most common mistakes I see (plus a bonus one at the end).
1. Using Too Much Jargon
Terms like "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)" or "Family Systems" might be important to your practice, but they don’t need to be front and center. When someone is feeling anxious or overwhelmed, jargon can add to that sense of unease. Instead of leading with these terms, focus on the outcomes your clients are seeking.
For example:
- Instead of "I use family systems therapy," try "I help families communicate better and feel more connected."
- Instead of "I provide trauma-informed care," try "I create a safe space for you to process past experiences and find healing."
You can still include the technical terms further down on your website for those who want to dive deeper, but it shouldn’t be the first thing people see when they arrive.
2. No Clear Way to Get in Touch
Let’s say someone lands on your website and decides, "Okay, I want to talk to this therapist." The last thing they need is to go on a treasure hunt just to figure out how to contact you. Make sure your call-to-action (CTA) is clear and easy to find on every page. Whether it’s “Schedule a Consultation” or “Let’s Chat,” it should feel like a warm invitation, not an obstacle.
Remember, have a clear button right on the menu bar that will always be there for a client (make the menu bar sticky, meaning it stays in view at all times) and definitely include a big button “above the fold” (the part of the website visible without scrolling).
3. Not Showing Your Face
Therapy is personal, and the decision to contact you is a leap of trust. People are looking for a sense of connection even before they meet you. A photo of yourself, smiling and approachable, right on the homepage, can make all the difference. It says, “I’m here, and I’m someone you can talk to,” which is often the reassurance people need.
I remember actively searching on Google to find what therapists looked like if they didn’t have a photo on their site. No, I wasn’t searching based on appearance, but it’s only natural to want a fuller sense of who you might be baring your soul to.
4. Small Fonts and Accessibility Issues
We don’t always think about accessibility when it comes to design, but it’s crucial. If someone has to squint to read your website or struggles with poor color contrast, they’re less likely to stick around. Use larger fonts (at least 16px) and make sure your site’s text is easy to read, with enough contrast between the text and background. It’s one of the simplest ways to show that you care about all potential clients.
5. Overloading the Homepage with Text
When someone’s feeling overwhelmed, the last thing they need is to be bombarded with too much information all at once. While you want to explain what you offer, it’s important to balance that with simplicity. Keep the homepage focused on the outcomes and benefits of working with you, offering just enough to pique their interest and let them click through to learn more.
For example, instead of listing all your therapy methods on the homepage, you might say:
- "I help people struggling with anxiety find calm and control."
- "I support individuals and families in building healthier, more connected relationships."
Then, you can link to individual service pages where you provide more detail on the techniques you use.
Bonus: Forgetting the Mobile Experience
More people are using their phones to browse than ever before. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re losing clients before they even get a chance to learn about you. Make sure everything—text, images, buttons—looks good and functions smoothly on a mobile device. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in how many people reach out.
Building a therapy website that speaks to potential clients' needs is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that feels safe and welcoming right from the first click. If you’d like help making your website a place where clients feel comfortable and eager to connect, let’s chat. Ren Strategies specializes in creating websites that invite connection, build trust, and ultimately help you reach the clients who need you.
