How Can I Rank Higher on Google as a Psychologist?
Want to show up in Google when potential clients search for therapy? Here’s how psychologists can improve visibility online — without needing to be SEO experts.
How Can I Rank Higher on Google as a Psychologist?
If you’re a psychologist in private practice, you’ve likely asked this at some point: “How can I rank higher on Google?” You know your ideal clients are searching for answers — but unless you show up when they do, they may never find you.
The truth is, you don’t need to become an SEO expert or post on your blog every day. With a few focused strategies, you can improve your visibility and attract the right people to your website.
Let’s break it down step-by-step, in a way that actually makes sense (no tech speak needed).
Try ranking higher on google with a web developer
1. Optimise Your Website for Local Search (Local SEO)
Most clients are looking for a psychologist near them — especially if you offer in-person sessions.
Start with these local SEO basics:
Include your city, region, or neighbourhood in your homepage, title and service page text
Add your business to Google Business Profile (GBP) and keep it's information up to date and regularly post with images & reviews.
Use consistent contact details (name, address, phone) across your website and any directory listings
Keyword ideas to include naturally on your site:
"psychologist in [your city]"
"CBT therapist [city or region]"
"anxiety therapy [city]"
Before and after website
2. Create Pages That Reflect What People Are Searching For
Google doesn’t just rank websites — it ranks pages. So if you want to appear in more searches, you need content that matches what people are typing.
What to do:
Create a dedicated page for each service you offer (e.g., anxiety, trauma, couples therapy)
Write in client-focused language — speak to their symptoms and goals, not just your methods
Include a short FAQ section on each service page using real questions you get in sessions
Example phrases to work in:
"help with panic attacks in [city]"
"counselling for work-related stress"
"how does CBT help with anxiety?"
Try creating & managing a blog post
3. Use Blog Posts to Answer Common Questions
Blogging is still one of the best ways to improve your SEO — especially when your posts are:
Focused on real client questions & concerns
Easy to read and understand (not clinical or overly technical)
Targeted at specific search terms (keyword research) *ask us about this*
Great blog ideas include:
"What’s the difference between a psychologist and a counsellor?"
"What to expect in your first therapy session"
"How EMDR helps process trauma"
Bonus tip: A post doesn’t have to be long. Even 300–500 words of clear, helpful info is enough.
4. Improve Your Website’s Speed, Mobile Friendliness, and Structure
Google cares about user experience. So beyond content, your site needs to:
Load quickly (especially on mobile) you might need help from a website developer
Be responsive across all devices with no glitches or problems
Use proper page titles, meta descriptions, and headers (H1, H2)
If your site is slow or hard to use, Google is less likely to recommend it — even if your content is good. It just goes to show that it can be more in depth that it appears, and reaching out for help is always a possibility.
Simple wins:
Use compressed images (JPG over PNG, under 500kb where possible)
Stick to one clear H1 per page
Check your site on your phone — does it feel smooth and clear?
Try advertising your services
5. Get Backlinks from Reputable Sources
A backlink is when another site links to your website. Google sees these as a sign of credibility.
Easy ways to build backlinks:
Get listed on professional directories (BPS, BACP, Psychology Today)
Write a guest post for a mental health blog or local publication
Ask peers or colleagues to link to your site from their resources page
Pay for a blog to be written about your business in your local news paper or blog post.
You don’t need hundreds — a few good links can go a long way.
Ask for Google reviews
6. Ask Clients to Leave Google Reviews
Google reviews help boost your local visibility — and build trust with prospective clients.
While you must remain ethical and respectful of confidentiality:
You can gently invite clients to leave a review if they’re comfortable
Consider creating a review link you can include in your email footer
Remind clients that it helps others find your services, and these testimonials can be left anonymously
Final Thoughts: SEO for Psychologists Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
You don’t need to hack algorithms or become a full-time marketer. You just need to:
Be visible and show up for the people searching for help
Speak their language by answering queries & concerns they may have
Make your website easy to find, use, and trust. Trust is so important and will take you very far.
As for the technical stuff. You can always request help from a website developer and query whether you are doing the right thing. As for everything else, Google will take it from there.
Want More Help Ranking On Google?
We work one on one with Psychologists, Councillors & Therapists all over the UK and have worked with over 50+ clients to boost their ranking on Google & net them more clients. Are you interested in joining the team?
