Contact page vs. booking link: what your therapy website really needs
If you’re a therapist building your online presence, one big question might be bouncing around in your head:
Do I really need a contact page if I already have a Jane booking link? Or a Psychology Today profile?
In short? Yes. You do. And probably a bit more than that.
This post breaks down why relying solely on third-party booking links can hurt your chances of getting new therapy clients—and what to do instead if you want to build trust, stay within your scope, and offer a better experience for your visitors.
Why your Jane or Psychology Today link isn’t enough
A booking link is transactional. It’s great for clients who are ready to commit now. But not everyone who visits your site is quite there yet. In fact, many visitors are:
- Still evaluating if therapy is right for them
- Unsure if you’re the right fit
- Interested in a group offering, workshop, or speaking event
- Just looking for a quick question answered before they decide
A booking button doesn’t serve those people. But a simple, clear contact page can.
SEO tip: Therapists often search “should I have a booking page or contact page?” This blog answers that directly: you need both, because they serve different client needs.
What a contact page does that a booking page can’t
Here’s what a dedicated contact page allows you to do:
- Capture soft leads – clients who are curious but not ready to book
- Offer personalized responses – especially for things like public speaking, workshops, or supervision
- Share your boundaries – like response time, practice hours, or your availability
- Set safety expectations – like reminding folks that you are not a crisis line (more on that below)
Plus, a contact page doesn’t require someone to go through a third-party system just to ask a simple question.
Booking page vs. contact form: when do you need both?
In most cases, having both is ideal. Here’s why:
Make sure your contact page includes:
- A short paragraph explaining how you handle messages
- A contact form (Name, Email, Message field minimum)
- Optional dropdowns like: “What are you contacting me about?”
- Your email address (as a backup option)
- Your response time (e.g., “I usually reply within 2 business days”)
- A crisis disclaimer like:
I am not a crisis line. If you need immediate support, please call 911 or access this list of local mental health resources.
Do you still need a full booking page?
Yes—but use it with intention.
If you’re linking out to Jane, treat that page like it’s part of your site. Add a few key notes:
- “I’m currently accepting new clients” or “Waitlist only”
- What types of clients you’re seeing (e.g. adults, virtual, EMDR)
- A short sentence explaining the steps involved in booking
If you’re not taking new clients, use that booking space to direct folks to your contact form instead.
Final thoughts: your site isn’t just for booking—it’s for belonging
Your site is often someone’s first experience of what it might feel like to work with you. And a single link to Jane can’t carry that weight alone.
Instead, build a website that:
- Makes it easy to book and easy to reach out
- Offers clarity and reassurance
- Reflects your approach and your values
If you're wondering how to set up my therapy website to get more clients, this is it. A strong contact page and an intentional booking page aren’t just website elements—they’re trust signals.
Need help creating a contact page that converts?
Let’s chat. Book a free 15-min consult to explore how we can strengthen your therapy website strategy.