Introduction
If you’re asking, “How do I get my therapy practice to show up when people search ‘therapist near me’?” — the answer starts with a Google Business Profile (GBP).
In 2025, your Google Business Profile is one of the most powerful tools for therapists to attract local and online clients. It helps your practice show up in map results, voice searches, and the top of Google’s local listings — all for free.
This blog breaks down how LMFTs, psychologists, and solo practitioners can use GBP to grow their visibility and book more clients.
1. What Is a Google Business Profile?
Your Google Business Profile is the listing that appears when someone searches:
- “Therapist near me”
- “Anxiety counseling in Brooklyn”
- “Online trauma therapy available now”
It displays your:
- Practice name
- Address or service area
- Phone number
- Website link
- Hours
- Reviews
- Services
- Photos
📌 Tip: If you haven’t claimed your profile, start here.
2. Why Therapists Need It in 2025
Today’s clients don’t scroll far. Most make decisions based on:
- Google Maps results
- Star ratings
- Quick business info
- Voice search answers
If you don’t have a GBP, or it’s not optimized, you’re invisible to most local searchers — especially those using Siri or Google Assistant.
📌 Support Your SEO: The Role of SEO in Helping LMFTs Get Found Online
3. How to Set Up a Google Business Profile as a Therapist
✅ Steps:
- Go to https://business.google.com
- Click “Add Business”
- Enter your practice name exactly as it appears on your website
- Choose your category: “Mental Health Service” or “Marriage or Family Counselor”
- Add your business address OR select “I deliver goods and services to my customers” (if fully remote)
- Add your phone number, website, and business hours
- Verify your listing (usually via postcard or phone)
📌 Need Help? Mental Health IT Solutions
4. Optimizing Your Profile for Voice Search
To show up in queries like “therapist who works with teens near me”:
- Use keyword-rich service descriptions
- Write in full sentences, not bullet points
- Add voice-style FAQs like “Do you offer weekend appointments?”
- Keep your service categories accurate
📌 Voice SEO Tips: How to Optimize Your Website for Mental Health Service Searches
5. Add Services, Photos, and Service Areas
✅ Services:
- Add specific offerings like “CBT for anxiety,” “Telehealth therapy,” or “LMFT sessions for couples.”
✅ Photos: - Include a professional headshot, office photos (if applicable), and your logo
✅ Service Area: - If you’re fully remote, list your licensed states (e.g., “California,” “New York”)
📌 Digital Presence: Build Your LMFT Online Presence in 2025
6. Encourage Google Reviews — Ethically
Client reviews build trust and increase your ranking.
✅ Ask for feedback using compliant language like:
“If you feel comfortable, we’d appreciate a Google review about your experience with our website or services.”
Do not solicit reviews from current clients about treatment specifics — keep it general and ethical.
📌 Engagement Strategy: Social Media for LMFTs
7. Post Regular Updates to Stay Active
Google prioritizes profiles that are updated often.
✅ Use GBP Posts to share:
- Blog links
- Announcements (“Accepting new clients”)
- Holiday hours
- Tips (“5 ways to reduce anxiety before a session”)
Treat it like a mini social media platform for SEO.
📌 Use Blog Content: Content Marketing for Psychologists
Final Thoughts
If you’re not using your Google Business Profile in 2025, you’re leaving visibility — and clients — on the table.
It’s free, powerful, and necessary to:
✅ Appear in local and voice search
✅ Build trust with online reviews
✅ Drive traffic to your website
✅ Support your SEO strategy
At Mental Health IT Solutions, we help therapists not just launch websites — but dominate local search.
